Mindflex Brainwave

Could you vertically manipulate a ball just using the power of your thoughts? This is the challenge of Mindflex Brainwave, the brain development/training game from Mattel. Mindflex Brainwave was released on October 1, 2009 in time for Christmas 2009.

Features and functions of the Mindflex Brainwave are:

1. Build/develop your brain!
2. Lightweight headset has sensors for the forehead and earlobes
3. Ball rises on a gentle stream of air
4. Obstacles can be positioned into different configurations
5. Great for ages 8+

It works. Granted, it takes a little practice to master but, clearly, the Mindflex game does read and respond to your brainwaves/concentration level. I was able to alter the fan speed to raise and lower the tiny foam ball at will, although there were times when the accuracy or response time was less than stellar. Occasionally, I would relax and clear my mind only to find the LED concentration indicator (and the ball) rise to its highest level. There were also times when I would be concentrating hard, but nothing would happen. Maybe it's the game, maybe it's my awesomely complex brain; who knows.

There are five different game modes, but I spent most of my time in "Freestyle" trying to improve my accuracy. I wasn't all that thrilled with manually guiding the ball around the course with the control knob, but I will admit that the customizable obstacles were a fun challenge; especially the funnel cannon. http://www.carshopusa.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7994

Mindflex is meant to be a party game, and several modes involve light-chasing, timed obstacle runs, and point-scoring mini games meant to be played in rounds with friends. Concentration/distraction plus party game suggests that the addition of alcohol would produce even more intriguing effects. How else could Mindflex be flexed? We're sure someone will think of ways.

We do know this: 9-year-olds everywhere are going to be screaming to Mom and Dad for the game with levitating objects and mind control. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10274050-1.html

Have you ever dreamed of moving an object with the power of your mind? Mindflex, the new mental acuity game from Mattel, makes that dream a reality. A lightweight headset containing sensors for the forehead and earlobes measures your brainwave activity. When you focus your concentration, a small foam ball will rise on a gentle stream of air. Relax your thoughts and the ball will descend. By using a combination of physical and mental coordination, you must then guide the ball through a customizable obstacle course–the various obstacles can be repositioned into many different configurations. Mindflex combines advanced technology with the power of thought to create an interactive experience unlike any other– a game where players compete in the ultimate mental marathon. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/mindflex-game