Dr. Brain Action Reaction

The Dr. Brain series has been a favorite of families looking for non-violent adventure games that also teach thinking skills. The latest in the series is Dr. Brain: Action Reaction. The atmosphere here will keep your wanna-be gamer happy, yet allow them to play without a lot of violence. This program teaches basic physics, reactions, and a lot of cause and effect. This game is best for kids 10 and older.

You are a captive scientist in a futuristic undersea 'prison.' Your job is to get out, so you can (of course) save the world. There are many scientists to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Brain introduces you to your mission, and then continues to give you guidance in small text boxes that appear throughout the game. Because of this, reading is a must.

There are over 40 levels, each containing obstacles, problems, and predicaments. Your child will have to think through the consequences of actions, and decide which option is best. Most of the brain work takes place while doing various puzzle-type activities, such as figuring out how to get across a room on a flying platform, or dealing with an electromagnetic puzzle.

Your character does carry a laser gun, but it is used to flip switches, open doors, and complete other manuevers. There is no violence at all. This game does play much like a first-person shooter game, however. If you want to avoid these programs completely, this one may entice your child to want to try other games at a later point.

In order to manuever through these levels, your child must be able to use a combination of four keys and the mouse. I personally found this rather frustrating, but it is a common control method for first-person shooter games (something I am not very adept with). Your kids may have a hard time adjusting to these controls. They need to have a fair amount of manual dexterity, and a very clear concept of left and right. There were times when I could see clearly what needed to happen, but just couldn't make the controls do what I wanted them to do.

The music and graphics are fairly good, and I personally liked the techno/jazz soundtrack. This is a good choice for older kids who are up to a challenge, but are willing to play a 'shooter' game that really isn't a shooter at all.