We’ve gotten some time with Buzz! Brain Bender, a recent release from SCEE and Relentless. The game is full of puzzles which are actually kind of engrossing and certainly difficult for all sizes of brains, but the game itself is only lukewarm. This will appeal to fans of the genre, but might not attract the new following that the genre deserves, and may even repel the most diehard puzzlemasters.

You pretty much have to endure a number of different puzzles and then find out what your Brainpower rating is, and then see how your brain is improving over time. However, you can play the games as many times in a row as you want, eliminating a perhaps crucial control variable from the not-so-scientific-to-begin with concept. A lot of other similar games allow testing just once-a-day, which creates a more reliable picture of improvement over time.

There’s basic math stuff included here, as well as some rather intriguing pattern recognition and visual mindbending. You’re not going to get boggled if you’re a genius, but even a big thinker might break a sweat on some of these well-designed exercises. Also, different challenge levels are unlocked as your progress through gameplay, so expect a little bit of a ramp-up if you’re finding the game too easy right off the bat.

Content aside, the game itself looks good and takes advantage of the pretty PSP screen. Its colors are warm and energetic, and you’ll at least appreciate the palette. Try this one out a little bit before you commit, but we think it’ll garner a mixed reaction at best from gamers across the board.