Kids these days, with their Minecraft and their interwebs. Not too long ago, Simon was the cutting edge of electronic gaming (and no one considered it educational*).



Now MarcoPolo app Recall (January 2016; iOS only) brings players a similar Simon experience. Four horizontal color bars — pink, sky-blue, orange, and green — appear on the screen. A tone plays and a light-bulb icon appears on one of the bars; touch the correct bar and another tone plays on a different (usually) bar as it lights up. The tones and lights make up a sequence, increasing by one every time. Try to follow the pattern for as long as you can; if you miss, then the round is over.

There's are three other modes sold as in-app purchases: "fast speed," "one color/one sound," and "two finger play." It's challenging. And frustrating. And fun.

Now, if only someone could figure out how to update that pesky Rubik's Cube. Oh, wait.

Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (requires iOS 8.0 or later); free. Recommended for preschool and primary users.

*From the "About" section of Recall: "Working memory is a crucial brain function that helps kids hold on to information long enough so they can use it. Working memory helps play an important role in focus, concentration and in following instructions."