There's something inexplicably compelling about Brain Age. I think it has to be the presentation, for better and worse. The charming drawings and Dr. Kawashima's reserved quirkiness add life & personality. However, the academic framing gives the busywork an unearned air of legitimacy. Excelling at Brain Age's tasks satisfies in the same ways scholastic success can, which, frankly, sucks considering how academically valueless Brain Age's "training" is.