| Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Second Edition Reviewed by: Debbie St.Germain Review Date 5.25.00 Publisher: Buena Vista Interactive MSRP: $19.99 |
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Millions of viewers are tuning in to watch the hit game show, "Who wants to be a Millionaire, " Hosted by Regis Philbin. This newest game sensation is now available in it's second Edition for trivia junkies to play at home. Just like on TV, if you answer all 15 questions correctly,
you can be a millionaire, virtually, that is.
Who Wants to be a
Millionaire offers two modes of play; Fastest finger or you can go straight
to the hotseat. If you're anything like me you'll appreciate the fact that you don't
have to sit on the sidelines trying to get past the fastest finger. With the CD version
you can hop right into the hotseat and guess your way to a million dollars. You have
the option to play with multiple players; but, four or more people huddled around
your computer can be a bit maniacal. The game boasts 35,000 questions so you have
enough to keep you stumped for each new game, even with the occasional repeats. Once you begin the game the tone is set. Regis is there, the flashing lights, and even the tension building sound effects. To start out you enter your name, but if you hesitate Regis will goad you to fill in your name. If you need help, you can take advantage of the quick and easy online tutorial. The only thing missing is the audience, but once you turn the game on and the theme music starts, you'll find your own audience, gathering around the computer.
It may be a computer game, but you are filled with the same excitement and tension created by being a real contestant. You are given a question and four answers to choice from. When you reach each safe haven you are treated to the same fanfare as the TV show; letting you know you've reached a milestone. If you get stuck you have the same lifelines that are offered by the show, but there are differences that make the lifelines less than reliable.
Fifty-fifty is the same, you get two wrong answers taken away and are left with the correct and one incorrect answer. If nothing else, it gives you a better percentage of guessing right. Asking the audience is the best choice, since they usually guessed right in most of the games I have played so far. The audience consists of 50 people that were polled from the internet. Even though the audience is usually right, it makes me nervous when I think what 82 percent means in actual numbers; when only 50 people have been polled.
"Phone a Friend" is the strangest lifeline of all. Unlike the TV show, you have no choice in who you call. The decision is made for you from an entourage of "Regis' close friends", not all of whom are experts in the topic areas. I think you'll agree, that Regis needs to make new friends, once you meet his unique or should I say strange list of friends.
You may end up with Johnny from the body shop or the amazing Earl, who gives you
a reading before he answers the question. If you think it's irritating listening
to contestants rambling on the show, you are sure to be pulling your hair out while
waiting for these extremely, annoying characters to get to the point and answer for
you. McArthur from the Rainy Day Book Store was one character I enjoyed. He gave
interesting facts on the subjects and he's great for those literature questions.
Regis has his good and bad points, as well. He seems a bit more caustic than on the
live show, but it adds to the interactivity and fun. 
Answer wrong and you will be handed
a line of biting remarks; such as, "At least you could have guessed better,
like you did earlier, or "Not bad for someone like you" and the all time
insult when you end up with zero dollars, "I've seen better, In fact; Everyone
is better."
I did find a big flaw with the CD while playing, one that ruined a few games for
me. I wasn't always asked, "Is that your final answer?" On occasion I hit
a key without thinking and once I realized I hit the wrong key, it was too late.
My answer was taken without my being able to say "No, that is not my final answer,"
so I wasn't able to correct the mistake and put in the right answer.
My own personal gripes are in the fact that not all of the graphics and play are
the same as on the TV show. For instance, contestants are not timed, but with the
CD version you have 30 seconds to guess, which of course distracts me, since my brain
goes into slow motion when I'm asked a question. The other is the hotseat, the seats
are empty, no Regis and no one to represent me. I would like to see a choice of characters
to represent myself and one for Regis. Another factor that could be improved on is
the question Queu. Perhaps less chat, from the phone a friends, and more questions
would add to the game's long term playability.
Even with all the nuances the game is fun and sure to keep you entertained for hours.
For those who like to play as a family, this game is great for getting everyone in
on the action by seeing who can answer the question correctly. The quality of the
music, graphics, realistic voices, and smooth running videos all help to recreate
the fun and excitement of the television show. Overall, if you are looking for a
fun game that can keep you entertained, sharpen your trivia skills, and something
the whole family can enjoy, then this is the game for you. I definitely plan on using
this game as a way to keep my family amused on our next trip. Nothing like a game
of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" to keep the family happy during the
long drive. Or in my case, a great way to keep my sanity!
System Requirements:
System 8.1 through 9.0
G3 Processor
32MB Ram
200MB free hard disk space
24X speed CD-ROM drive
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