2D gameBrain teaser and trick puzzleOriginal by Unico Studio
Brain Test presents small tricks in every level that push players outside their usual patterns of thinking. The solution might be turning the phone, dragging an object off the screen or tapping a word in the question itself. The "aha!" moment is the game's real reward; when players find the answer they laugh and feel clever at the same time. That feeling also naturally encourages sharing the game with friends.
The biggest job in a similar game is level design: every level is really a small, unique minigame, built not with a generic engine but with reusable interaction components. Drag, tap, shake, tilt and text interaction components, a tiered hint system, a localisation-friendly text structure, level packs and ad infrastructure form the foundation of the project.
Why Brain Test: Tricky Puzzles works: the core loop
Systems you need to build a game like Brain Test: Tricky Puzzles
Interaction component library
Building blocks reused across levels, such as draggable objects, tappable text, shake, tilt and multi-touch.
Level scripting system
Event-based framework that lets each level define its win conditions and reactions without duplicating code.
Tiered hints
Help system that first points the way, then explains the solution, unlocked via rewarded ad or a hint bulb.
Localisation
Framework managing text and level variants so that wordplay-based levels work in every language.
Level packs
Content structure where new levels are added in themed packs and unlocked with progress.
Feedback and humour
Character layer of witty reactions to wrong answers, success animations and sounds.
What goes into the first version, what comes later
First version (soft launch)
- Interaction component library and level scripting system
- Hand-designed first level pack
- Tiered hint system
- Rewarded and interstitial ads
- Basic localisation and analytics
Later updates
- Story-driven level series and characters
- Level variants tailored to new languages
- Daily puzzle and events
- Ad-free version and hint packs
The hard parts of this genre
Creative level production
Every level needs an original idea; since automated generation is impossible, the design team's creativity becomes the bottleneck.
Fair tricks
The solution should be surprising yet logical in hindsight; otherwise players feel cheated and quit.
Language dependency
Levels built on wordplay may not work in other languages; localisation must be part of level design.
Team, timeline and budget
The estimate is based on the genre’s core systems, content volume, multiplayer and live-ops needs plus QA and project management: about 114 person-days for the full scope and 51 person-days for the first version. Cutting scope (fewer levels, one map, fewer characters) lowers the budget directly. Store accounts, servers, audio licences and user-acquisition budget are separate items. We send a fixed written price within 24 hours after the game design document.
Monetisation
Revenue in Brain Test-style games comes mainly from ads: when stuck, players are willing to watch a rewarded ad for a hint, and interstitials are shown between levels. Hint packs and an ad-free version are offered as in-app purchases. Hint design directly determines the balance between revenue and player satisfaction.
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Choosing a game development company for a game like Brain Test: Tricky Puzzles
Most people searching “make a game like brain test” are really looking for a reliable game development company. When comparing quotes, check four things:
- Can you play their released 2D games on your own phone?
- Are the source code, art files and store accounts transferred to you by contract?
- Do they build a playable prototype first and show a demo every two weeks?
- Are ads, in-app purchases and analytics set up as part of the quote?
Copyright and originality
Game mechanics on their own are generally not protected, but names, logos, characters, art, audio and level designs are. That is why we build a game “like Brain Test: Tricky Puzzles” with your own name, art and world. This is not legal advice; we recommend a trademark search before launch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make a game like Brain Test?
Once the interaction components and scripting system are in place, the number of levels drives the timeline. A release-ready version with enough original levels usually takes a few months.
Will there be copyright problems?
The trick puzzle genre is generally free to use. The Brain Test name, characters, visuals and specific level designs cannot be copied; your levels need to be built from original ideas. This is not legal advice.
How do you come up with level ideas?
The design team systematically explores phone features, wordplay and optical illusions. Each idea is quickly prototyped and tried with playtesters, and the ones that get the best reactions make it into a level pack.
What should I look for when choosing a studio to make a game like Brain Test?
Choose a studio with creative game design and rapid prototyping skills and localisation experience. Being able to pitch sample level ideas is a good sign.
