Phi Brain: Puzzle of God

Kaito Daimon is a high school student who eats, sleeps and breathes puzzles. After a mysterious puzzle appears in his life, the problems he tackles stop being casual brainteasers and start having real consequences, pushing his skill and confidence to new limits. The series follows Kaito as he faces increasingly elaborate puzzles, squares off with talented rivals, and leans on friends like Nonoha Itou when challenges strain his relationships. Episodes alternate between tournament-style competitions and character-focused moments, keeping the focus on clever puzzle mechanics without revealing the series' later twists.

Produced by Sunrise and directed by Hirotaka Endo, Phi Brain first aired on NHK Educational TV in October 2011, with the initial run continuing through September 2012 and a third season beginning in October 2013. The show was licensed in North America by Sentai Filmworks, received a manga adaptation by Yoshiki Togawa in Newtype Ace, and inspired a PlayStation Portable game released May 31, 2012.

Viewer response has been mixed to positive, reflected in a modest average score of 6.75 out of 10 from a small pool of votes. Fans tend to praise the inventive puzzle designs and brisk pacing, while some critics note that character arcs and emotional beats don't always match the energy of the set pieces. The series leans into themes of competition, teamwork, and personal growth as Kaito sharpens both his mind and his sense of responsibility.

Beyond the anime itself, Phi Brain generated tangible tie-ins that helped it find an audience: the manga and PSP game extended the world, and North American licensing made it more accessible to overseas viewers. It fostered a steady niche fanbase interested in puzzle-centered storytelling, visible through fan translations, forum discussions, and occasional convention panels. While it never became a mainstream anime phenomenon, it carved out a recognizable spot among themed anime that focus on intellectual challenges.

The series did not receive major mainstream awards, yet it maintained a loyal following among viewers who enjoy puzzle-focused anime and game-like plot mechanics.