Question time
If you can't get enough of television quiz shows then it's time you carried one in your pocket. Buzz! Master Quiz for Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) packs more than 3,000 questions to test a player's knowledge on topics including music, celebrities, television, sport, science, nature and movies.
Created by British developer Relentless Software and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, the game is 'hosted' by Buzz, who looks like an extra from The Muppet Show.
The host's voice is lent by Australian actor and 1980s pop idol Jason Donovan, who has been a part of the Buzz series of quiz video games on the PlayStation 2 and 3 consoles since 2003. There are six games specifically designed for the PSP, including the answer- 15-questions-as-fast-as-you-can 'quickfire challenge', the picture puzzler 'picture this', a second picture game 'snapshot challenge', the one-minute test 'time challenge', the place-items-in-order challenge called 'top rank', and the mind-boggling 'virus challenge'.
The single-player mode is entertaining but the questions do not pose much of a problem for gamers. This mode tests players with a series of 15 quiz challenges; winners earn bronze, silver and gold medals according to how many points they collect from correct answers.
There is a variety of special trophies to collect, based on how many correct questions the player has answered in a row and the speed of their reaction.
But the emphasis of the Buzz series has always been on social gaming, so friends and family can play together. The PSP version offers more of the same, with general knowledge and Trivial Pursuit types of quizzes.
The Pass Around mode allows players to use one PSP and pass the system from player to player. The Quiz Host mode enables up to six players to play against each other, with one taking control of the game to select and ask the questions. The host awards or deducts points as he or she sees fit.
Consider this game the next time you're on a group outing; it will keep everyone engaged on a long flight or train ride.
Pros: he quiz-show format makes it a fun game to play with family and friends
Cons: Tests are easy, so gaming can be short.
