Brain Test 2: Tricky Stories
💡 Brain Test 2: Narrative Lateral Thinking
Brain Test 2: Tricky Stories evolves the IQ puzzle genre by embedding riddles within coherent narrative arcs. unlike the isolated questions of the first game, this sequel introduces characters like Smith and Joe, or the Cat, creating a contextual framework for the puzzles. The game is a masterclass in Lateral Thinking—the ability to solve problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious.
The core mechanic relies on subverting expectations. If the instruction says "Wake up the baby," clicking the baby does nothing. The player must think functionally: open the window to let in light, or turn on a TV. The game teaches players to ignore the "obvious" video game solution (clicking) and look for the "logical" real-world solution.
📱 Breaking the Fourth Wall
What makes Brain Test 2 compliant with modern "tricky" puzzle standards is its interaction with the device itself (Meta-Gaming):
- Accelerometer Usage: Some puzzles require physically shaking the phone (or the browser window) to make apples fall from a tree.
- Multi-Touch: You might need to hold a character with one finger while dragging an item with another.
- UI Manipulation: Occasionally, the solution involves dragging the question text itself or the level number to interact with the game world. This forces the player to view the entire screen as a playable space, not just the illustration.
📖 Story Arcs
The game is divided into "books" or chapters, each with unique mechanics:
- Prison Escape: Focuses on stealth and distraction logic.
- Agent Smith: Focuses on deduction and spotting hidden clues.
- Fitness with Cindy: Focuses on health and diet misconceptions.
🧠 Cognitive Bias Training
The game actively exploits Functional Fixedness—a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. By forcing you to use a toaster to warm up a car battery, the game rewires the brain to see objects as sets of properties (heat source) rather than fixed identities (bread cooker).
❓ FAQ
Why doesn't clicking work?
This is not a point-and-click adventure. Try dragging items, shaking the screen, or combining two objects.
How do I pass the shaking levels on PC?
If playing on a desktop, the "shake" is simulated by quickly dragging the mouse cursor back and forth across the game window.
