Brain Test 2: Tricky Stories is a narrative-driven puzzle game that differentiates itself through recurring characters and story arcs, moving away from the abstract logic typical of the genre. With over 1.9 million ratings and a strong presence in the top 50 Free Games (US), it leverages a 'Story' USP to drive high engagement. However, the app faces significant headwinds from aggressive ad frequency and technical issues in its reward mechanics, which threaten its current #82 Grossing position.
Product velocity
Maintenance
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#30
▲7Games · free
Sentiment
4.8
1.9M reviews
Nemesis
Brain Out -Tricky riddle games
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Casual gamers of all ages seeking riddle-based challenges and lighthearted, story-driven mental exercises.
Key features
Integrates narrative elements and colorful characters into traditional brain teasers.
Puzzles designed to break common sense and require unconventional solutions.
Allows users to play the full game without an active internet connection.
How much does it cost?
Monetization is heavily reliant on high-volume ad impressions, which is currently the primary source of user friction.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentperformanceShow more...
Development activity is currently restricted to minor maintenance, with no major feature updates identified in the observed data. The last recorded update occurred in April 2026, following a significant gap in activity since October 2025. The current cadence is exclusively focused on stability and performance, indicating a lack of new content or feature development.
Who built it?
UNICO STUDIO
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Brain Test: Tricky PuzzlesUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads excited. Users appreciate engaging and addictive gameplay and offline playability, but report excessive ad frequency.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Engaging and Addictive Gameplay
- Offline Playability
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Brain Test 2: Tricky Stories
How's the Games market?
The rivals identified
By EYEWIND LIMITED
The definitive market leader in the 'tricky puzzle' sub-genre, maintaining a massive 5.8M+ rating scale and a release cadence that matches this app's recent activity.
- Focuses on hardware-level interactions (shaking the device, adjusting volume, plugging in chargers) as puzzle solutions, whereas this app focuses on on-screen story logic.
- Abstract level design without recurring characters, contrasting with this app's narrative-driven 'Story' approach.
- Heavier reliance on 'troll' logic that intentionally subverts UI expectations (e.g., clicking a button that isn't actually a button).
Braindom: Brain Games Test OutContender
DOP 2: Delete One PartContender
Easy Game - Brain PuzzlesContender
Help Me: Tricky Brain PuzzlesContenderUnlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Brain Test 2: Tricky Stories
Where is it heading?
- v1.24.05 updated April 2026 — indicates active maintenance but a lack of new feature expansion.
- Rankings show a downward trend in both Free (↓3) and Grossing (↓7) positions.
- Positive mood regarding 'addictive' gameplay suggests strong core retention mechanics.
The SWOT
- Strong character-driven IP (Tom, Emily, Agent Smith)
- High organic trust with 1.9M+ ratings
- Robust offline functionality
- Integrate device-sensor puzzles to match Brain Out
- Expand into 'Drama' themed story arcs
- Fix hint system to improve IAP conversion
Next best moves
Optimize ad-to-gameplay ratio
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Hardware-level interactions (shaking, volume, sensors) — available in Brain Out +2
Since the last report: The app has transitioned into a maintenance-heavy phase, with monetization friction escalating from general ad complaints to broken reward mechanics, negatively impacting grossing performance.
Bottom line
Brain Test 2 is a category leader in narrative puzzles, but it is currently over-monetizing at the expense of user experience. To maintain its top-50 free ranking, the PM must fix the broken reward loop and reduce ad friction before competitors with higher update velocities erode its market share.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Brain Test 2 good for brain training?
What is the difference between Brain Test 2 and Brain Out?
Can I play Brain Test 2 offline to avoid ads?
Are there similar games with fewer ads?
Report last updated