GENRE
	Edutainment
	DEVELOPER
	Electronic Arts
	PUBLISHER
	Electronic Arts
	LOCAL WIRELESS MULTI-PLAY
	No
	Wi-Fi/GLOBAL ONLINE MULTI-PLAY
	No
	MICROPHONE
	No
	BUY NOW AT

In contrast to its bigger brother, Brain Quest: Grades 5 & 6, this title fails to produce the same level of brain busters. And rightfully so, as Brain Quest: Grades 3 & 4 is intended for a younger, less experienced mind. The rest of the package, however, is basically the same experience. A serviceable interface underscores a variety of modes, including Sudoku, but the game doesn't innovate or nail the casual formula as well as the cheaper Brain Age or Big Brain Academy.

visuals

Once again, the visual styling fits in perfectly with the brand’s card roots. The younger setting gives way to an outdoor adventure, which definitely caters to the target demographic. At the same time, we found ourselves enjoying the brighter colors and less teeny-boppy hangouts. We also have to admit to being a sucker for the cuddly black and white dog that serves as the user-interface guide.

Still, there isn’t a whole lot going on under the hood. Many scenes are static images and lack life. There's no question that more could have been implemented to enliven the experience.

audio

A step-up from the older sibling. Similar to the visuals, we enjoy the lighter and happier tunes compared to the heavier guitar riffs. The music, however, gets old quickly with the constant repetition. We need more jams if we’re going to continue to learn.

gameplay

And learn you will, since the game packs 6,000 questions, a Quest Mode, Sudoku puzzles and even unlockable items. During our considerable time with the game, we never ran into a repeat question and know that youngsters will be kept busy with the content. As for adults, there is some fun to be had, but the challenge is not on the same scale as Grades 5 & 6. This may not be a bad thing for those looking for a less frustrating and more self-confidence boosting experience.

However, the rough edges begin to appear with the utilization of DS. Unlike Brain Age, this title never uses the touch screen or microphone in intriguing or fresh ways. For example, instead of using handwriting recognition, this game makes you use a typewriter interface to tap in the letters. The developers also make the mistake of not formatting the game to employ the DS in a book-style form. And the microphone capabilities are nowhere to be found. All of these features did not have to be included, but it all seems like an large oversight in light of Brain Age... especially in regards to touch-screen writing.

Sadly, not only does the title overlook the innovative features of the Touch Generation hit, but it ships to store shelves with a hefty MSRP of $29.99. This is $10 more than Brain Age. We understand that there is quite a bit of content to keep gamers playing, but it still does not justify the costs of a full game.

multiplayer

While the game does boast a Multiplayer Mode, there is no multi-cartridge feature. Players, instead, take turns answering problems round robin on one DS. There really should be a download feature for single-cart multiplayer.

overall

At first sight, gamers may laugh or scoff at the idea of Brain Quest: Grades 3 & 4. And that’s a shame, since EA did a serviceable job at packaging an edutainment title with a nice depth of content and presentation style suitable for kids. We cannot let it entirely off the hook for effort, though. The title ignores advances that edutainment titles before it made, such as the touch screen functionality. Upgrades are sorely needed in the musical selections and multiplayer options. It displays the efforts, but the game only passes by as average.

5.5/10