BUZZ! Quiz TV

"A fun, if slightly repetitive, party game that benefits from the added longevity of its online mode"

BUZZ! Quiz TV is the first Playstation 3 entry into Sony's long running PS2 game show series. For those unfamiliar with BUZZ!, the game mimics a TV game show in its presentation and is played using a special "buzzer" controller. For the first time in the series, these buzzer controllers are completely wireless and four are included with the game. The game focuses on multiplechoice trivia questions with topics ranging from TV to science. The "show" is hosted by Buzz, a muppet-like fellow who is quick to insult anyone giving the wrong answer.

Graphics (7/10)
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For the first time, BUZZ! is now in HD. Everything has a clean look to it, though there is nothing jaw-dropping. All of the contestants represent a stereotype or archetype, from the bookish nerd to the bouncy cheerleader. Since the game itself all takes place on one "set", there isn't much variety to speak of, but what's there works.

Sound (8/10)
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There isn't much music to speak of, but the voice work for the announcer and Buzz is quite good. Buzz is always quick with an insult or verbal jab but he manages to avoid being overly annoying. In fact, he has a certain charm to him that is difficult to describe. My only complaint is that Buzz's lines tend to repeat.

Gameplay (810)
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There are 3 gameplay modes, offline single player, offline multiplayer and online multiplayer. The offline single player is a "beat the clock" challenge where you attempt to score as many points as possible in a fixed time period. Unfortunately, there are no AI opponents in the single player mode. That said, there are trophies to be earned for playing through single player, so there is some motivation to play on.

The offline multiplayer mode is the meat of the game and is the real reason to pick up this title. The offline multiplayer takes 2 to 4 players through a series of rounds including "point builder", "fastest fingers", "pie fight", and "the final countdown". The various round types do a good job of keeping the competition close and the final mode, the final countdown, ensures that even a player who was previously in last place has a shot to win. There are a few minor complaints however. There is only one intro video to the various rounds and these can get old quick. It's also a bit disappointing that there aren't any prizes for the contestants to win.

The online multiplayer mode, billed as "sofa vs. sofa" is great and adds some real life to the experience for times when your friends aren't available. The caliber of online players is quite good and it usually isn't too difficult to find other players. The online multiplayer game is a shorter experience than the offline multiplayer mode and offers some round types not available offline.

Lastly, the game gives players the option to play and create their own quizzes. This is an amazing feature that essentially gives the game unlimited replay value. These user made quizzes are simple 8 question affairs, but they cover any topic you can think of from Final Fantasy to the Boston Celtics.

Overall (8/10)
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While the lack of variety in game modes can get repetitive, the offline multiplayer game is solid and makes for a great party game. The offline single player mode is a little dull, but the online experience ensures you'll always have someone to play against. Full trophy support adds to the replay value. With over 5000 questions on the disc, plus additional DLC questions available, this is the only quiz game you will need for your PS3.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/22/09

Game Release: BUZZ! Quiz TV (US, 09/23/08)