# CrushStations — Brain training made fun

> Game for training working memory and executive functions. (iPhone/iPad app by New York University.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crushstations/id1475914154 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [New York University](https://appshunter.io/developer/485666462)
- Category: Games, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 294 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-09-13
- Data updated: 2026-06-09
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crushstations/id1475914154/reviews.md

## What is CrushStations?

CrushStations is a game designed to train working memory, a subskill of executive functions. Working memory involves holding information in mind and mentally working with it (Diamond, 2013).

Players need to remember the color and type of creatures to free them and keep them out of reach of the hungry octopus.

How does this support learning?
Executive functions refer to a set of top-down, goal-oriented cognitive processes that enable people to control, monitor and plan behaviors and emotions. Miyake and Friedman’s model supports a unity-and-diversity view of EF in that it incorporates the three distinct but related components of EF: inhibitory control, task-switching and updating (Miyake et al., 2000). 

What is the research evidence?
Our research suggests that CrushStations is an effective way to train working memory. 
The study supporting this claim will be published soon.

Research has found that EF is related to performance in literacy and math along with long-term gains in school performance and academic readiness (Blair & Razza, 2007; Brock, Rimm-Kaufman, Nathanson, & Grimm, 2009; St Clair-Thompson & Gathercole, 2006; Welsh, Nix, Blair, Bierman, & Nelson, 2010) and that disparities in EF among preschool children from low-income versus high-income homes may contribute to the achievement gap (Blair & Razza, 2007; Noble, McCandliss, & Farah, 2007).

This game is part of the Smart Suite, created by New York University’s CREATE lab in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara, and The Graduate Center, CUNY. 

The research reported here was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant R305A150417 to the University of California, Santa Barbara. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education.

## Key features

- Working memory training
- Executive function development
- Creature memory challenges
- Educational game design
- Research-backed gameplay

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crushstations/id1475914154/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Phenomenon game, with one major problem that can be easily addressed

*2024-07-17*

In the beginning the game does feels like it pushes my working memory, but after a continuous play, the shapes and colors are stored in my short term memory, and i dont use my working memory whole a lot which defeats the whole purpose of this game. My suggestion here is to add adequate number of shapes and colors( or even new requirements ) and randomize them in each level

### 3/5 — Great but doesn’t work on older devices

*2022-12-29*

Works on my phone, but older tablets and iPhones the app crashes. As a parent, my kiddo doesn’t have the latest and greatest device and these kinds of apps should be tested on much older devices that are 4-6 years old.

### 4/5 — Fun but functional error

*2020-02-22*

Fun game, makes you think! May be easier for lefties. Problem with continuing your game- though I’ve played 5 levels and it displays my stars, all of the levels are locked and I cannot resume

### 5/5 — Looks simple but...

*2020-01-27*

Way tougher than it looks.  Might be easier for lefty’s.  Being right handed I tend to keep my right arm across the screen.  It’s definitely a keeper.

## Frequently asked questions about CrushStations

### What is CrushStations?

CrushStations is a game designed to train working memory, a subskill of executive functions. It involves remembering creature colors and types to free them from a hungry octopus.

### How does CrushStations support learning?

The game helps develop executive functions, which are crucial cognitive processes linked to literacy, math performance, and long-term academic success.

### Is CrushStations free to play?

Yes, CrushStations is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements.

### What devices does CrushStations support?

CrushStations is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### What is the age rating for CrushStations?

The game has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young children and older users alike.

### How often is CrushStations updated?

The latest version is 1.4, and the app was last updated on February 5, 2026, indicating recent development activity.

### What is the research behind CrushStations?

The game is part of the Smart Suite from NYU's CREATE lab and is supported by research suggesting its effectiveness in training working memory, with a study soon to be published.

### Does CrushStations have offline gameplay?

The provided information does not specify whether CrushStations supports offline gameplay. However, as a brain training game, it is likely designed to be playable without a constant internet connection.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.4 — 2026-02-05

- Changed Font to NYU Perstare
- Fixed bugs
- Implemented Unity security patch.

### 1.2 — 2020-10-02

Fixed issues with pause menu and when saving progress after going back to the main menu.

### 1.1 — 2019-09-20

Minor bug fixes

### 1.0 — 2019-09-13

No release notes.

## Apps similar to CrushStations

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Fit brains trainer. Math pairs](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fit-brains-trainer-math-pairs/id1059186666) | 3.7 (28) | Free | Games |
| [Train your Brain Visuoespatial](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-your-brain-visuoespatial/id1451287016) | 4.6 (212) | Free | Games |
| [Train your brain - Memory](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-your-brain-memory/id1415728029) | 4.6 (4,139) | Free | Games |
| [Train your brain - Reasoning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-your-brain-reasoning/id1462633932) | 4.5 (343) | Free | Games |
| [NBack Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nback-game/id1542512368) | 5.0 (22) | Free | Games |
| [Brain Test - Stroop Effect](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brain-test-stroop-effect/id791503877) | 4.2 (69) | Free | Games |

## More apps by New York University

- [NYU Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nyu-mobile/id485666459)
- [ConsultGeriRN](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/consultgerirn/id578360141)
- [ConsultGeri: Dementia](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/consultgeri-dementia/id962437779)
- [NYU Tandon Vision VR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nyu-tandon-vision-vr/id1097164648)
- [StatsSims](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/statssims/id1111648635)
- [NYU-moji](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nyu-moji/id1202767844)

All apps by New York University: https://appshunter.io/developer/485666462

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-09.*