"Don't forget this: Concentration is addictive."

Ah, the many video games made from game shows. From Wheel of Fortune, to Hollywood Squares, to Jeopardy, to even the Price Is Right! Many game shows have been transformed into video games. The company that seemed to do this the most was Gametek. And, what a coincidence. Gametek gives us our next game that was formerly a game show: Concentration. Or, should I say CLASSIC Concentration? That's right, it's not just regular Concentration, it's classic. For those of you that don't know how to play Concentration, it's simply using something some people don't bother to use sometimes: your brain. With a board of 25 tiles, it is your job to uncover a word puzzle, or a rebus, and be the first one to be able to answer the word puzzle correctly.

However, in order for you to accomplish the feat of solving the rebus, you must pick two tiles when it is your turn. If whatever is under the two tiles match, then those two tiles are removed. Now, as is the case in the game show Concentration, under the tiles are prizes. So, if you match 2 of the same prizes, not only do those tiles disappear, but you get that prize!
Now, there are 11 possible matches (since one tile is automatically uncovered before the start of the game, and there are 2 wild cards, which means no matter which tile you pick, you will get that match), meaning that there are 11 possible prizes. Now, this game is fun, and tests your memory, because if you can't remember where that certain prize was, you will foul up and give your opponent a chance to capitalize. You can guess the puzzle at any time, but when the puzzle is clear, and you can't answer it, your opponent gets a chance.

Now, there are 3 rounds possible in a game. The winner is the person to win 2 rounds of Concentration. When you win, you go to the final round. The final round is another Concentration board, only there are brands of cars under the tiles. Once again, you must match these tiles. The only problem: You have 35 seconds to do it. If you don't find all 7 matches (8 brands) of cars in 35 seconds, you don't get any car. The final round is a fairly good challenge, so it's interesting to see how far a person can get in it.

Now, for the important parts of the game:
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Gameplay 8/10: There are plenty of puzzles to figure out, and plenty of chances to get that car!

Control 9/10: How simple can it get? You move the swirling star over to the tile you want to pick and hit A. Easy.

Sound and Graphics 8/10: Graphics are simple, they aren't the greatest. Sound is almost like the game show itself.

Replay Value 9/10: Once again, you can tackle the many word puzzles in this game, and even do it with a friend, if that floats your boat.
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To Buy or To Rent?

Well, if you had the choice to buy it or rent it, I'd suggest renting, because although there may be a fair number of word puzzles, they don't last forever. They will begin to repeat and the game will just become boring. It's not really worth buying unless you are interested in the game shows in video game form. Otherwise, don't waste your time at the bargain bin searching for this title.

Overall Score: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/21/01, Updated 07/16/01