Introduction
In an age where we scroll endlessly through short-form videos and struggle to remember what day it is, the idea of a “brain gym” sounds both practical and kind of necessary. That’s exactly the pitch behind Impulse – Brain Training Games — an app designed to improve memory, focus, math skills, and overall mental sharpness through quick, interactive games.
The app taps into the concept of neuroplasticity — the idea that, even as we age, our brains can keep forming new connections and improving with consistent effort. But does Impulse really help your brain grow, or is it just another flashy collection of logic puzzles with a premium price tag?
Let’s take a closer look.
Key Features & First Impressions
Short Brain Workouts, Designed for Busy Minds
Impulse doesn’t require long sessions — most games and challenges can be done in just a few minutes. This makes it easy to fit brain training into your daily routine, whether you’re on a lunch break or winding down at night.
A Wide Range of Game Types
The app covers mental math, focus, memory, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and even creativity. It’s not just about tapping shapes quickly — you’ll get actual cognitive exercises that require effort and attention.
Personalized Training Plans
Impulse creates a custom “workout” plan based on your performance and goals. While it’s not deeply scientific, it adds a feeling of progression and structure — helpful if you need guidance and don’t want to pick games randomly.
Personality & IQ Tests Included
Beyond games, the app includes quizzes on personality types, emotional intelligence, archetypes, and more. Are they scientifically rigorous? Not really. Are they fun and introspective? Surprisingly, yes.
Clean Design & Relaxing Feel
The app’s design is calm and clutter-free, with a focus on pastel visuals and smooth animations. Unlike many free puzzle apps, Impulse doesn’t feel chaotic or ad-heavy (especially during the trial period).
But… Is It All Just a Game?
Well, sort of.
Impulse is clearly made with care — and many of the games do test mental agility — but whether it can actually make you “smarter” long-term is still up for debate. Like other brain-training apps (e.g., Elevate, Lumosity), the science is mixed. You’ll likely improve at the games themselves, but whether that translates into real-world skills is something researchers continue to question.
That said, it can absolutely improve your awareness, challenge your thinking patterns, and help you stay mentally active. And for many users, that alone is worth the time.
The Subscription Trap
Impulse gives you a 3-day free trial with full access to games and no ads — which sounds generous. But the moment your trial ends, the app auto-renews into a paid plan (and the pricing varies by country).
The issue isn’t just the cost — it’s the fact that there’s no clearly marked free version after the trial. You either pay or you stop using it. And unless you manually cancel, you’re charged automatically. This catches a lot of users off guard, especially those who didn’t realize the trial was that short.
A more transparent, tiered free plan would make the app more accessible — and possibly build more trust.
Pros
Wide variety of cognitive games
Clean interface and calming visuals
Personalized plans keep you on track
Fun bonus content (IQ, personality quizzes)
Quick, daily workouts — great for busy schedules
No ads during trial period
Cons
Pricey subscription model after free trial
No free tier — paywall hits after 3 days
Limited scientific evidence for long-term brain improvement
Some tests and scores feel vague or superficial
Hard to cancel for users unfamiliar with subscription settings
Final Thoughts
Impulse – Brain Training Games offers a polished and engaging way to challenge your mind in small, digestible chunks. If you enjoy apps like Sudoku, memory puzzles, or short quizzes, you’ll likely find the experience both fun and satisfying. The design is easy on the eyes, and the game mechanics are smooth and fairly addictive (in a good way).
However, if you’re expecting life-changing cognitive upgrades or measurable IQ jumps, you might want to temper your expectations. Impulse is better seen as a mental fitness app — not a miracle tool.
The big caveat? That short trial window and auto-renew subscription model. Just make sure you know what you’re signing up for before you swipe.
If you’re curious and don’t mind setting a reminder to cancel before the trial ends, it’s worth exploring. Your brain may thank you — even if it just means you remember your neighbor’s name a little quicker next time.
