how to play ape mode
Ape mode is a free working memory test. Numbers appear on a grid. The moment you tap 1, the rest hide, and you have to tap them in order from memory. It's based on a famous experiment where young chimpanzees beat most humans.
- Look at the numbers on the grid, starting with four.
- Tap 1. All the other numbers turn into blank squares.
- Tap the squares in order: 2, 3, 4 and so on.
- Clear a level and the next one adds a number. Miss and you lose one of three lives. The board shows every number again with the one you should have hit glowing, and you tap when you are ready for a new layout.
- Your results show every level you reached: green for a clean clear, yellow if it cost a life, red where the run ended.
Keyboard: Tab moves between squares, Enter or Space taps, and Esc goes back to the menu.
tips
- Before tapping 1, trace the path with your eyes once.
- Group the numbers into small chunks, like a shape or a route.
- Don't rush the first tap. The numbers wait for you.
faq
What does the score mean?
It's the longest sequence you cleared from memory. Most people top out around 8 or 9.
Do chimps really beat humans at this?
In the original research, young chimpanzees recalled briefly shown numbers better than most adult humans. In our version the numbers stay until you tap 1, so you have a fighting chance.
Can I play with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab moves between the squares and Enter or Space taps one. The tab order follows the grid, not the numbers.