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Buzz PS3

Format:
PS3

Genre:
Minigames

Further reading:
Mini games

Buy/Support:
Support Andy, click to buy via us...

Quiz based video games have been around for a long time, but very few manage to capture the fun an exuberance of a Saturday night in front of ITV. Buzz provides that genuine TV quiz show experience, where you get to play from the comfort of the sofa.

It's one of those type of game genres...

Mini games come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What unites the genre is the speed with which players can pickup the games and the relativley short time requried to complete a level or two.

But why is it any better than the others...

Buzz is unique largley because of its slick presentation and bespoke wireless controllers. The game comes with four controllers, each have on large buzzer button and four choice buttons. This enables the game to pit players against each other in rounds that make use of the choosing ability of the controller.

These rounds include Stop The Clock, Point Builder, Pass The Bomb, High Stakes and the Final Countdown. There is that common quiz show issue where the higher scoring later rounds make the earlier ones a little redundant, but such is the fun that this isn't really a big issue.

Each game runs through the same series of rounds, albeit with different question types. Some may find the lack of variety a little disappointing. What is there is well executed, and can be played online against other people, but it seems like a trick is missed here to create a more varied experience.

Players should also ensure they have loaded the game before an evening's play. We came to play it after dinner and ended up with a large (hour) download before we could get started.

So what experience should I play this game for...

People are attracted to Buzz because of its convincing TV style presentation. The computer generated (appropriately annoying) host, the spangley stage, even the bizarre contestants all create an experience that is surprisingly close to many ITV quiz shows. When the credits roll at the end of the game and the camera pans back, you really expect to hear the voice of the channel announcer say something like 'And next tonight on ITV'.

And when can I take a break...

Each game takes around 30-45 minutes to play through with four people. It seemed surprising that the length of game and number of questions couldn't be adjusted (unless we missed something).This does however keep things to short snappy bursts, that can be punctuated by topping up the snacks and drinks.

This is a great game for who...

Although younger family members may struggle with the questions, they are all read aloud by the announcer so most ages will have a shot at answering. Those too young will benefit from teaming up with an adult.

Intermediate and expert players alike will enjoy Buzz. There is a Mature setting (mature as in grown up) that includes categories and questions for older audiences, this can be useful to adjust the game to the audience.

Written by Andy Robertson

You can support Andy by buying Buzz



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Andy Robertson writes the Family Gamer column.

"Videogame reviews for the whole family, not just the kids. I dig out videogame experiences to intrigue and interest grownups and children. This is post-hardcore gaming where accessibility, emotion and storytelling are as important as realism, explosions and bravado."

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