This week, a new brain training game hits the PSP: Hot Brain. We got a chance to chat with Jerry Huber, producer at Midway on the title.
Doesn't a hot brain increase the chance of a stroke? Where did the "hot brain" concept originate from?
Jerry Huber: I don't believe that playing Hot Brain will cause any long- term physical harm ... although I am not a doctor.
The hot brain theme came up while we were doing research for the game. We found an article where they had done thermal scans of peoples' brains while they were doing different types of activities. There was a scan of somebody sleeping, somebody watching TV, doing a crossword puzzle... that sort of thing. The scans where people were actively using their brains showed increased blood flow and higher temperatures then the brains that were resting. That's what sparked the whole "hot brain" concept.
Why target PSP with a title like this? Wouldn't the DS be more suitable?
The brain- trainers have done really well on the DS. I think that's a pretty strong indicator that there's an interest in these types of games. We felt like a brain- trainer designed specifically for the PSP would have a lot of appeal.
How do you differentiate from the other brain titles that are hitting all the consoles?
For Hot Brain, we created 5 different challenge categories; Math, Logic, Memory, Concentration and Language. In each category, there are 3 different types of puzzles- 15 total. So there's a pretty good variety of challenges.
There are also 2 different multiplayer modes in the game. Brain Race is a competitive event for 2- 4 players. The goal is to be the first player that scores a "Red Hot". Think Tank is a cooperative event where 2- 4 players work together.
Fred Willard provided the VO for the game. I think people are going to enjoy the fun, quirky feeling he brings to the game.
How did Fred Willard join the project? What was it like working with him?
There's a character in the game named Professor Ed Warmer. He's kind of the host and he guides the player through the game. We wanted Professor Warmer to have some personality and humor. Fred was a perfect choice to do the VO.
I'm a huge Fred Willard fan ... loved him in all the Christopher Guest movies. I was fortunate enough to sit in the studio while he was recording his dialogue. He was awesome... just a really nice guy.
What's your favorite challenge in the game?
I'm kind of a visual person... so my favorite challenge would have to be either "Untangle" or "Combine".
Any chance of a downloadable demo?
Unfortunately, there are no plans for a demo at this time.
Finally, this is the kind of game most hardcore PSP gamers aren't familiar with. Why should they check out Hot Brain?
The research behind brain- trainer games indicates that exercising your brain on a regular basis can help prevent a decrease in brain function. It can help improve your memory, concentration and communication skills. It may even stimulate your creativity. All that aside, Hot Brain is a fun, challenging "pick up & play" type of game.
Thanks Jerry! Hot Brain will be available in stores this week. Expect a PSP Fanboy review in the upcoming days.
