Lately we’ve been getting more and more examples of why games aren’t just for gamers. We’ve got a console dedicated to the idea (Nintendo Wii), guitar and microphone (and soon drum) peripherals that are non-threatening and easy to pick up (Guitar Hero, Rock band), and now…now we’ve got buzzers!

Buzz! The Mega Quiz is a trivia game that was built around its controller. A trivia game akin to one you’d find on daytime TV (or anytime on the Game Show Network), it’s a concept that appeals to the masses. But a concept is one thing, and these types of games walk a fine line between innovation and gimmick. I was wary of Buzz! with its ADD attracting colorful accessory buzzers, as I’m wary of most things that require a peripheral. So here’s a tale of Saria being unwarified. Yeah, I make up words. So what?

Bzzzzzzzzzz…

Okay, so you’ve got this buzzer, see…it’s got your obligatory Big Red Button and four primary colored buttons underneath. It fits in the palm of your hand, and quoting Buzz! Producer Petro Piaseckyj, “You won’t know how comfortable this thing is until you’re holding it.” On that point, I must agree.

Buzz! The Mega Quiz will be sold with or without the buzzers, but you can’t play without ‘em, and they’re not sold separately. The reason for this being that there will be other buzzer games, and they don’t want you to have to buy the buzzers every time. HOWEVER! You might find it prudent to purchase more than one Buzz! title, like Buzz Jr. Jungle Party, because it’s possible to have up to eight players. What better way to keep your family from murdering each other at Thanksgiving?

The Darn Game, Already…Sheesh

The 14 playable characters are excessive and endearing and sport a few costume changes. You can pick the sound you want your buzzer to make when you chime in from multiple options. I liked the monkey noises, but that’s just me. The game’s host is voiced by Rodger Bumpass, you know, Squidward. All in all, the sideline presentation is fun, which is exactly what it ought to be. It’s a trivia game.

Now, you get questions, right, on various topics from entertainment, to sports, to geography, in several different quiz modes during your game. Some modes test your speed on the draw as well as your knowledge, and some just your smarts. In other modes your visual recognition is tested (a la Big Brain Academy), where it gives you bits and pieces of a picture ‘til you can name what it is. I’m just terrible at that.

The Unwarification

I think my stubbornness held out for a good minute and a half. I played with three other folks, people that I didn’t know, and found myself having one heck of a good time almost immediately. Asking your brain to give you information under pressure can cause some entertaining results, like shouting out the answers to the TV instead of pushing any of the darn buttons. Don’t laugh at me, I wasn’t the only one. Available October 30, 2007, Buzz! The Mega Quiz might just replace Scene It! in your living room this holiday season. 

More Screens!