Found this devious little Flash game/IQ test while browsing the new del.icio.us (now delicious.com) last night.

The set-up is just like those IQ test/mensa puzzles randomly advertised on blogs. Apparently in Japan (I think that writing is Chinese actually), some companies have handed this out as a job placement test. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather play this cute little Flash game than fill out one of those massive Myers-Briggs tests.

The basic task is to get everyone across the water in a raft. Only two people at a time. But of course, there are obscure rules about who can be left alone with who. Here are the strangest:

The Mother can't be left with either of the sons without the Father present. The Father can't be left alone with either of the daughters without the Mother present.

How weird is that? Is this a disturbed family of combative misogynists/misandrists? Actually, the "wrong move" Flash animations confirm this.

The full rules can be found at Rob Mathiowetz's site. Make sure you read them before attempting the game. I hope he makes a permalink for this. For now, here's the direct link to the game.

It took me a few tries to get through, but I felt just like Jack Shepard when I was done. Thankfully the game let's you keep trying as many times as you like.

If this game is any indication, the Japanese version of the Lord of the Flies would read like an workplace organization manual.

Tags: japan, china, IQ test, games, Flash, employment, puzzle, mensa