NOT RED
NOT RED
NOT RED is a fast-paced, Stroop-style reflex game that challenges how quickly your brain can ignore misleading visual cues.
A word appears on screen (for example: RED), but it may be displayed in a different color. Your task is simple:
- Ignore the font color
- Choose the button that matches the word’s meaning
Sounds easy? Your brain will disagree.
What is NOT RED?
NOT RED is a minimalist, high-focus reaction game inspired by the classic Stroop effect. Each round forces you to fight instinct and respond correctly under increasing time pressure.
- One-tap / one-click gameplay
- Quick sessions, instant restart
- Designed for focus, not memorization
Key features
- Carefully tuned difficulty curve — time limits tighten, but never become unfair
- Flow Time — rare moments where the timer freezes and focus takes over
- Subtle distractions — button shuffles and shakes increase cognitive load
- Challenge codes — replay the same run or compete with friends
- Accessibility-friendly buttons — shapes and early labels help colorblind players
How to play
- Start a run from the main menu
- Look at the word in the center
- Ignore its color
- Click or tap the button matching the word’s meaning
- One mistake or running out of time ends the run
There is no finish line — only higher scores and better focus.
Supported languages
English · 中文 · Español · Français · 日本語 · 한국어 · Português
Join the community
NOT RED now has an official Discord server.
If you enjoy the game, want to share feedback, report issues, or just compare scores with other players, you’re very welcome to join.
- Discuss gameplay and difficulty tuning
- Share challenge codes and personal bests
- Get updates on new features and experiments
- Talk directly with the developer
Join here: NOT RED - Reflex Challenge
Whether you’re here to compete, give feedback, or just observe how others struggle with their brain — you’re welcome.
Challenge: Beat your best score, then share a challenge code and see who stays focused longer.
Development log
Comments
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Nice concept i made 37 it start to be very fast at this point
Thanks — and nice run! 37 is solid 👏
Yeah, that’s right around the point where reaction time really gets tight by design. If it ever starts to feel unfair rather than challenging, I’d definitely want to hear about it.
It's a fun concept, but it's too fast. For example, the first time I timed out before I could even finish reading the instruction that was on screen. When you start shuffling the colours, it times out before I can even find the colour.
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback — you’re absolutely right that the game can feel too fast, especially before you’ve had a chance to understand what you’re supposed to do.
I’ve made two pacing adjustments based directly on what you described:
The goal is to keep the game intense once you’re warmed up, but avoid “unfair fast” moments during learning and the first surprise distractions. If you try the updated build and it still feels too tight, please tell me roughly what score you reach when it starts feeling unreasonable — that helps me tune the difficulty curve without making the whole game sluggish. Thanks again!
It's better now. It is a fun challenge. I haven't gotten past 30 yet - but will keep trying :-).
That’s awesome to hear — thank you for coming back and giving it another go!