Initial impressions of Blitz Arcade’s XBLA (Xbox LIVE Arcade) title, Encleverent Experiment, will undoubtedly cause a fair few raised eyebrows in the gaming scene, as a quick gloss over the game’s offerings suggest a semi-practical brainteaser, aimed primarily at children, and clearly secured amongst the rich and friendly residents, of the casual games market, presently dominated by Nintendo. The game is comprised of a series of straightforward mini-games, each of which is designed to test, and train the different regions of your brain, all the while assuring you that fun is occurring, by relentlessly tossing un-lockable mascots (to accompany you during games) and contestants at you. Multiplayer gameplay is a major focus, allowing four players to contend online, or via one console, and greatly extends the lasting appeal of the game’s central elements.
Thinking back to Nintendo’s popular Brain Training series, gives a basic idea of what is to come. Although, a more child-like, bordering on tasteless visual approach is on show here, and some vaguely pleasing additional content, thickens the experience to some extent. The majority of features are quite obviously intended to charm a young audience, whilst a changeable difficulty setting guarantees enough of a challenge, to allow for an older demographic to take part.
