Buzz! is different from what I normally review for ITWeb LITE. It`s not an adventure-based action game or one involving fast cars and nitro, this game is a virtual music game show.
At first sight, it seems cumbersome because it comes with its own controllers (buzzers) that have long cables and give the impression that it will just add to the mess in the living room, but that thought is soon overshadowed by all the fun.
The game`s four specially made buzzers and USB hub connect to a PS2.
The graphics are not the greatest, but I don`t think this is what a game of this nature is focused on. The aim, I think, is to put the players on a game show that won`t be televised to the whole world.
The great thing is you can have fun and mess up without the risk of your friends and family calling you to let you know what a "banana" you made of yourself on TV last night...I love this game!
This music game show is all about having the fastest mind and fingers, which I guess could be said about most computer-aided games. This one, at least, tests more than the ability to smack the living daylights out of an opponent - players actually have to remember more that just fancy moves and combinations.
It accommodates two to four players. Characters resembling popular musicians, with a variety of costume selections, can be selected to represent players.
Games can also be short, medium or long. It is advisable to start off with the short game just to get acclimatised to the flow of the show and learn some tactics of how to outsmart other contestants.
Buzz! also allows the players to choose from either old music or much more recent hits as part of the questions. This is great because it helps players to customise the game a little to suit their taste, or just make the game easier.
The game`s short, funny "host" enlivens the game with his smart comments. His assistant who also has a quirk or two, adds to the enjoyment.
The average game has five rounds, in each of which the players either gain or lose points. The best rounds are ones that have players passing a shot-fuse bomb to each other, which explodes in one unlucky player`s hands, which leads to a loss of points. Also fun is the round that enables players to steal points from each other every time they get questions right...it`s quite a bonding exercise.
Ultimately, this game is a must try for groups of friends of all ages. It features 5 000 individually prepared music questions, with over 1 000 music clips from the past 60 years. It is the ultimate test of musical knowledge in gaming.
Buzz! gets a 7.5/10 on my scale.
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