2048 App Review: Parents used to preach that playing too many video games could turn your brain to mush. Although a full night of Call of Duty would not dispute their claims, there are many alternative games now available on the market that help to increase both your brainpower and analytical skills.
2048 is a trending and hot name in app gaming. Similar to Tetris and Minesweeper, this game demands constant attention and vigilance. One wrong move and you’ve locked yourself in to lose crucial points.
For those of you who haven’t played, 2048 starts with an almost empty grid and a few numbers. The goal is to add these numbers in pairs by swiping the screen either left or right. The more pairs you add, the higher your score. Join two 2’s and make a 4, join two 4’s and make an 8. By adding up enough pairs, you can aim to reach the infamous 2048 number tile. Sounds easy, right?
If math is not your strong suit, it may not be so simple. This game tests your mathematical skills and ability to problem solve, despite its simple design. Thankfully players aren’t timed turn-by-turn, so there’s an ample amount of time to think things over. But even without a timer, once you get on a roll with your swipes it’s hard to actually stop and think.
By continually thinking about how to add pairs in order to clear more space on the board, you’re preventing the grid from being locked up with numbers that won’t pair together. Once the grid is full and you’ve run out of pairs, the game is over.
A simple trick to consider when first playing the game is to always try and pair in layers. Work row-by-row or side-by-side, keeping yourself organized exactly how you would in a game like Tetris and it could buy you the pairs you need. Random swipes across the screen will get you nowhere: this game is about delicate planning and execution.
Social media and online gaming circles are buzzing about the app, and many knock-off versions have spawned after its initial boom. Similar games that have you match pictures; shapes and even roman numerals are picking up a lot of attention as notable adversaries.
But compared to these newer versions, 2048 is a different kind of addicting. It stimulates your brain while also challenging you to keep aiming higher (did I mention it’s free?). App-lovers and math junkies will appreciate just how much fun this seemingly bland surfaced game can be.