10 Free Web Games To Sharpen Your Mind
Posted on June 2, 2009
Category: computer games |
This is a guest post by Julie-Ann Amos, a freelance writer who covers topics such as online university ratings and reviews, elearning tools, and more.
Keeping our minds sharp and alert doesn’t have to be boring or without fun and excitement. Thanks to the internet there are a wide range of adult learning level games designed to keep our brains growing, learning and working. The following websites are all free, although some sites do require registration in order to access the games.
1. Sudoku - this mathematical type of crossword, sequencing game has really become popular worldwide. There are several free online sites that offer Sudoku puzzles that can be accessed from any computer or device with internet access. There is one word of caution - this game gets addictive.
2. Matching Games - these are popular with children as well as adults and are a great way for parents and kids to spend some time together on the internet. Typically in these games a list of objects is found at the side of the screen, then the objects are “hidden” within the large picture. After finding all the items in the picture a riddle is solved or provided, which allows you to move to the next level. Yahoo, MSN and other websites provide several different games of these types.
3. Logic Games - Logic games require the player to problem solve or use a particular strategy to win the game. Usually levels start easy and progress to more complex and challenging patterns and problems. One website that offers a variety of free logic puzzles is Gamesgnome.com.
4. Sequencing Puzzles - these are popular on MSN and Yahoo games as well as most other games sites. Generally a set of colored objects are randomly distributed across a grid and the player has to form strands or lines of particular colors in order to clear the grid. Often the game is timed and extra points or values are added for completing the grid in advance of the time.
5. Chess - online chess is available on most chat systems as well as pre-loaded with many operating systems. Chess games can be played against the computer or in fully interactive systems with other players. Most of these games are free and allow you to set up a player name and become ranked to play increasingly more challenging opponents.
6. Mahjong - a matching and strategy game, mahjong was historically played with decorative tiles in China. The online version offers options to play against other players using the free gaming system or playing against a computer. Like Chess and Solitaire, many computers now come loaded with Mahjong as a standard game.
7. Solitaire - popular as both a card game and an online game, Solitaire is a game of memory and strategy. Players must move through a deck of cards to place sequent cards from the deck on a series of intermediary piles. From these piles the four suits must be sequenced, but only through playing the cards in a set order.
8. Memory games - any games that include matching or memorizing the location of cards, objects or items is a great way to help stimulate your mental processes.
9. Crossword Puzzles - most people are very familiar with traditional crossword puzzles. Using the online option allows you to move through levels or even choose a particular theme of puzzle all with the ease of a mouse click. For a great challenge USATODAY.com offers a free daily crossword puzzle.
10. Math Games - although people often think of math games for children, any type of math activity is good for brain stimulation. Consider math challenges, math teasers and even math crossword puzzles as a free option for increasing and maintaining you skills.