Question: What do you get when you pop “Buzz! Quiz World” into a PlayStation 3?
Answer: Addictive fun.
In fact, my wife is so enthralled by the latest addition to Sony’s trivia franchise that she’s inviting friends hither and yon to visit for a session.
The T-rated game developed by Relentless Software is basically the same as previous versions. Buzz, the goofy game-show host, asks a series of multiple-choice questions and players answer using special controllers covered with colored buttons. Sure the format is solid, but what makes “Quiz World” so fun is the variety and accessibility of the questions. It offers more than 5,000 questions on topics ranging from ’80s TV shows to current events to baseball. If that’s not enough, you can download more or make up your own questions at MyBuzzQuiz.com.
You start by selecting and naming your avatar, who reacts to the action and receives insults, praise and punishment from the host. You also select the type of game you’d like to play — standard, crazy, serious, short, long. You can play online if you’re daring, or a solo game if you’re antisocial. Up to eight people can play on one console if you have two sets of controllers.
A typical game consists of several rounds, with each covering a different topic and offering a different game style. For example, points might be awarded to each person who answers correctly, or more points might go to those with the speediest fingers and quickest wits. Sometimes players will play “hot potato” with a bomb or end up being tossed into a pit of green goo.
The graphics are cartoony and fun. However, the answers can sometimes be a little difficult to read on low-def TVs. Of course, that just might be the edge you need when facing a myopic opponent.
Platform: PlayStation 3
On the Web:www.mybuzzquiz.com
