Zotz!

This is just what I need when it's that part of the day (or that part of a flight) where my energy is dwindling. After a game or two, I'm invigorated and feel slightly smarter. (Disclaimer: I'm the editor of a couple of his books, which means I'm used to giving him honest feedback, which at the moment is just my wish for an iPad version.)

This is an attractive (and customizable!) game; the perfect combo of requiring some thought and quick gameplay. Great when you just need to kill a few minutes, but makes you think enough to stay interesting. Once you get the concept, it's fun! (Nice to be able to change the colors.) Once in a while it seems like you're stuck, but there has always been a solution!

I like to think I'm especially good at pattern matching, but my first few minutes with Zotz! convinced me that I'm a rank amateur. This requires a little THINKING, but that's a GOOD thing. Got a few minutes to kill? Don't stare at the TV, or you'll be killing neurons along with time. Stare at Zotz! and you'll be giving those neurons a little exercise.