Buzz! Quiz TV Hands On

By Angus Deacon

For cave dwellers not in the know, Buzz! is essentially a TV trivia game show that you can partake in, complete with buzzer controllers for sweaty palms. The game (or show) is hosted by a vivacious little man called Buzz, who is voiced by ex-Neighbours star, Jason Donovan. The game allows you to chose your own virtual character, each with their own eccentric personalities and then to compete against others in order to become the Quiz Master. Although there are a variety of different game types, the objective of the game is to answer as many questions correctly as you can in the fastest time.

One of the previous downfalls for the PS2 version was the frequency of repeat questions. The limited hardware would result in at least two or three questions being asked twice in under four hours of gameplay. Luckily the PS3 version has seemingly eliminated this problem and has a huge database of questions (a whopping 5,000 apparently) covering five categories, or channels as they are now called. The channels represent the different genres of questions from Music, Movies/Television, Sports, Knowledge and Lifestyle. Buzz! Quiz TV even expands this database by allowing you to download additional question packs online. Apart from adding longevity to the game, this also allows gamers to customise their version of Buzz! to suit their own interests. Sony have even promised localised content to become available for download including questions specific to individual countries or even towns. Imagine getting asked questions about the A-League or Super 14 tournaments, or to name the bassist from Shihad for example.

The PS3 has also given Buzz! a whole new vibrancy thanks to the vast improvement in the graphics department. Although the world of Buzz! is cartoonish and garish, the new models are bolder and more dynamic to watch. Animations are more fluid and the setting has a much slicker feel to it, incorporating the channel concept brilliantly with a stylish living room environment. Not to mention the loading times and saves are less time consuming.

But the main strength of this game will always come down to the multiplayer. Buzz! Quiz TV supports up to 8 players and those with cats in the household will be glad to hear that the PS3 will support wireless buzzer controllers. All the favourite game modes are still here including “Pie Fight” and “Pass the Bomb” and players can even create their own quizzes for hours of fun. Buzz! Quiz TV is set for release on the 4th July and will be available as both a stand-alone title, or as a pack with four wireless controllers and USB dongle.

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