Tracer Bullet

I'm finally breaking down and buying a DS Lite today because I'm taking a trip to California next week and need something to fill the 12 hours of flying.

My question: can you play Brain Age without using the microphone? I don't think it's too polite to be on an airplane talking to yourself or screaming "BLUE!" If this isn't possible, I'll get another game.

Also, what other games would you recommend as DS must-haves?

boogieman03

The game will ask you if you can speak freely. Tell it no, and you won't have to do that exercise/game. There are plenty of other exercises that don't require the microphone. They even have plenty of Soduku puzzles included in the game.

Joe Molotov

Before you do the test, it'll ask you if you can speak or not. If you select no, then it doesn't make you do the voice-based part of the test.

Tracer Bullet

Thanks.

Canis Firebrand

I'd recommend Wario-Ware Touched as it is a great time waster.

But on a confined plane, it might not be the best game. There are certain games where you are blowing into the mic. Would look a bit strange, even moreso if you are an adult. But it is a fun game in the confines of your own residence.

Michael Corvin

I think the very first time you boot the game it requires you to do the color/voice test to gage your initial "brain age." So you might want to boot it up at least once before you hop on the plane.

I could be wrong though, but it seems that is what my memory is telling me.

lordwow

I believe it asks before that test if you can talk too though.

zerotl

OH and playing brain age for 6 hours straight is not a great idea, IMHO the game is designed so you play a little everyday, if you want a game to play for long hours, I suggest the NEW Super Mario, and or Mario Kart... I hear Phoenix Wright and Trauma center is good as well, haven't tried them.

CreatureX

New Super Mario Bros.
Mario Kart DS
Tetris DS
Big Brain Academy

Cory02

I find myself spending a lot of time playing Polarium, and you should be able to pick it up cheaply somewhere.

darkside

The only good long play on Brain Age is Sudoku.
I always recommend about the same DS titles, but again I would suggest:
Phoenix Wright
New Super Mario Bros
Super Princess Peach
Castlevania
Advance Wars Dual Strike

Those are 5 good ones to start with.

MrPink

I really enjoy Metroid Hunters and Mr. Driller. Pac-N-Roll isn't bad if you can get it cheap.

Chris_D

For me:
Phoenix Wright
Mario kart
Brain Age

If you like the respective series:
Advanced Wars
New Super Mario Brothers

If you must have an adventure style game, Trace Memory is pretty good value.

I gather Meteos is an excellent puzzler but I haven't bought it yet.

The Bus

New Super Mario Bros. is probably your best bet for a game you can play for a while before being bored.

Green Smurf

Mario Kart DS is pretty fun as well.

DarthMarino

Can you even use the mic on an airplane? I remember I tried playing Yoshi's Touch n' Go and every cloud I drew would immediately disappear (which is what happens when you blow in the mic). I think the sound and/or pressure makes the mic useless.

rfduncan

Second those.

And MarioKart and even Animal Crossing: Wild World.

Castlevania has gotten the most play out of all of those though.

maxfisher

Some great games mentioned so far, but the one I've got the most play out of lately is Tiger Woods PGA Tour. It got mixed reviews and a lot of critics seemed to have a tough time getting used to the touch screen swing controls, but I really enjoy it and it's well suited to playing for long periods of time or just for a minute or two.

aaron5050

My favorite games for long-term play are:
New Super Mario Bros
Tetris DS
Mario Kart DS
Animal Crossing Wild World

I agree with the others that Brain Age and/or Brain Academy are really fun, but only to play a little bit each day. I always choose "I can't speak" when playing Brain Age, because the dumb thing won't recognize the word "blue," then I end up with a brain age of like 70. LOL!

Trace Memory is another good one to kill time on the plane because it actually has a plot... so you do a lot of reading.

Dazed

I thought it just couldnt recognise me saying the word Blue lol. I wonder what accent its trained for as it has no trouble with the other colours.

I have mental age of 80 because of that damn "Blue" problem

Anubis2005X

I found that it helps to really emphasize the "u" in the word. Like if you say "blew," it'll have trouble. But if you imagine you're some stuck up french man trying to say the English version of blue, all nasally and stuff, it helps. Yeah, I just say I can't speak right most of the time too... Also, try to say "blue" and not "baloo," cause that'll mess you up too...