No, not from a recent intake of narcotics, but the release of Relentless Software’s ‘Buzz !– Quiz TV’ on the PS3.

The Buzz! franchise remains a BIG hit on the PS2 (probably the last unique thing Sony Playstation own) and its introduction to the PS3 has been a somewhat mixed affair.

Having had many a ‘gang’ around for some Buzz! sessions on the PS2 versions I though I should delve into the pocket and with the final remainder of Christmas credit on my GAME voucher card purchase this beauty.

£50!!!! Poorer I made my way home feeling slightly light headed hoping this has better live up to its name!!

– NOTE I would never venture into a GAME store with my own hard earned cash, that’s for a different debate at another time!!

Wireless Buzzers  (4) – This was one of things that sold this to me. Owning two sets of the wired versions these can be a B***H to untangle each time so these Bluetooth beauties are a god-send.
Requiring two AA batteries they have a bit of weight behind them and make it a little more relaxing knowing that a pull on the cable a little too much and the PS3 is on the floor!!!

These babies are also compatible with previous Buzz! titles and the kiddies versions Buzz! Jungle etc… and multiple sets \ combinations of wired and wireless can be used.

Buzz! – Quiz TV – On a BluRay disc we have 5000 various questions on numerous topics \ channels pre-loaded (I am sure they could have squeezed some more on there – I am sure there are reasons, I’ll come to that!)
So we have Buzz! (Jason Donovan) in HD, the same format, characters (plus some new ones) and games as previous titles (Point Stealer, Pie Fight) sadly no ‘Around the World’ with its regional based trivia.

On-line Buzz! – Yes we have an online mode named ‘Sofa v Sofa’. This part of the title is currently under a little scrutiny at present as it’s more like ‘Armchair v Armchair’.
Any advertisement of Buzz! – Quiz TV has clearly presented this part of the game as a group of you versus another group elsewhere in the world; unfortunately at present only one of you can hold a ‘live’ buzzer as you face your foes on-line.
There are 3 rounds to each game, one of which (All That Apply) needs a little work as you can just copy your oppositions answers within the time limit. Surely this will need to change and a possible patch \ update is in the pipeline.

My Buzz! – This little gem allows you to play quizzes that have been uploaded by other Buzz! Players. The website mybuzzquiz.com allows for the submission of these self generated questions for play within the Buzz! TV game.  It adds a twist to the quizzes if the pre loaded content is wearing a bit thing.

On Line Content – Ok, I mentioned 5000 questions on the disc. Those who have ventured into the PS Store in the last week may have noticed some Buzz! – Quiz TV content. The day before game launch there were 4 new questions packs added for download, so in true Sony style they are able to make some extra cash from us when we run out of questions!!

Sci-Fi, UK History, Australian History and Rock Legends currently available, I believe approx £3.50 each with 1500 questions in each pack.

Conclusions:

I’ll always a have a little place in my heart for Buzz! and this title just opens up doors for the PS3 to jump into the already established band wagon.
The wireless buzzers are a winner, the game needs some minor tweaks, but that’s mainly the online stuff so it remains a great party game when there are a few folks around for a drink up.
Once we are able to have a proper on-line battle in true ‘Sofa v Sofa’ style then I would say we finally have the icing on the cake!
Price is a little over the top, well if you go to GAME anyway. The game can be bought separately for about £18, and the wireless buzzers I have seen for about £30, but if you want to stick with the wired versions they work just as well (game supports 8 Buzzers at one time), there are quite a few on e-bay!