Three Video Games to Help Your Child’s Logic and Problem Solving

When one thinks of video games played by children, the reaction is usually met with disdain
from disgruntled parents.

It is true that in this technological age, much time is spent emphasising how kids these days should stay away from screens at all costs. However, the impact of playing video games on cognition is only now starting to gain recognition, and could even help with a child’s logic, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Perfect for the ISEB and CAT- 4 pre-test exams.

In a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, it was found that surgeons who
played video games made up to 37% fewer errors than their non-video game playing counterparts.
Here are five video games available to play across platforms that could help with your child’s logic and reasoning while being fun and engaging for all the family!

1. Snipperclips

Developed by SFB games, Snipperclips is available on PC and Nintendo Switch. This cooperative puzzle game involves two players who control avatars, each with different shaped bodies that can be rotated.

The aim of the game is to ‘snip’ the overlapping avatars, altering the shape of their bodies so they match a provided shape. Players must come up with creative ways to ‘snip’ and fit the unique objectives and shapes to pass to the next level. This game is perfect for those looking to improve their non-verbal
reasoning skills and spatial reasoning, with both the CAT-4 and ISEB pre-tests posing similar questions. Appropriate for all ages. (PEGI 3)

2. Portal 1 & 2

This award winning puzzle – platform game takes you to the world of Aperture Laboratories and portal technology. Players, armed with their portal device, must figure out tricky puzzles and escape the clutches of GLaDOS, the dry-humoured artificial intelligence in charge of the lab. The gameplay features a witty, humorous story mode with a star studded cast including British comedian Stephen Merchant and actor J.K. Simmons, who you may recognise from Marvel’s Spiderman. There is also the option of a cooperative mode, in which you must work together with another player to solve puzzles and logic problems. This game is perfect for those looking for a challenge to their spatial reasoning and problem- solving in three dimensions alongside enjoying a well-executed story. Appropriate for ages 11 (PEGI 7) and up and available on PC, Switch, Playstation, and Xbox.

3. Professor Layton and the Curious Village

The Professor Layton series is perfect for those lovers of Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew. The game takes place in London and follows Professor Layton as he works to solve the mystery of the Golden Apple, an artefact left by a late baron as an heirloom. With over 120 puzzles and a gripping story, there’s no fear of boredom as players need to use their logic skills to solve brain teasers, sliding puzzles, and riddles, all while solving mysteries along the way! Furthermore, there are seven independent stand-alone games so the fun continues even after the first game is finished. Appropriate for ages 9 and above and available on Nintendo Switch. (PEGI 7)

-JC