Trivial Pursuit

Rating: This is a very difficult game to rate. Consider how much you like trivia, and read the review to better gauge your interest. I could see different people falling anywhere within the spectrum of loving or hating the game.

April ’09 Value: $20-$35 (again depending on how much you like trivia)

Achievements:
Achievement Difficulty: 7 out of 10 (average, with a few G's that are extremely difficult)
-500 G’s with 10 rounds (about 6 hours of play). The other 500 G’s can be a real challenge.

Review:
The 360 release of Trivial Pursuit in March '09 was much awaited by me. I've really enjoyed the two "Scene It?" games I have, and thought this would be another good party game. The typical game websites gave it an average to below average score. I think a lot of this has to do with the lack of any online capability other than leaderboards (which are pretty worthless). Although this is a strike against the game, I have enjoyed it and will continue to play it for a long time to come. Overall, I have not been disappointed, and see a lot of replayability potential. I've now played over 20 rounds, and have had only a few repeat questions. One free DLC of "Movie" questions can be downloaded. It isn't anything special, but adds more questions and fresh material to the game. Whether they have more DLC's, will probably depend on the game sales. I would buy any DLC right away.

The questions may be difficult for your average younger gamer. The typical high school student may find the game too challenging. For them, I’d recommend not purchasing the game. For the average college student, fan of the board game, and trivia nut, this may be right up your alley. My post-college working-man IQ gets me between 40% and 70% of questions correct. Each person will certainly find their niche category as you can focus your game toward questions on: Entertainment, History, Sports & Leisure, Geography, Arts & Literature, and Science & Nature. I avoid the Arts & Literature, although at times they do me a favor by sneaking in a question from something created this century that isn’t related to a murder mystery book. All other categories have, what I consider, fair questions related to worldly knowledge.

The new game goes for around $35 right now (April '09). If you like trivia and the classic board game, it is worth every penny. I was never too big of a fan of the board game, but I’ve grown to enjoy trivia. In the end, I like the game a lot. For those a little hesitant, you may want to wait for the price to drop to $20. If you don't like trivia, and don't have someone else willing to play with you (note: no online capability), forget about this one.

Positive: A wide variety of questions with few repeats, challenging but not too difficult, 3 game modes [Single player, Classic multiplayer (based on the board game), and Facts & Friends multiplayer (better referred to as a "lightning round") ]

Neutral: Most questions are multiple choice with four options. This can help you, but also helps your opponent if they’re lucky.

Negative: No online play (this is kind of a biggy), Scene It controllers can’t be used, Classic Mode games can take 45 minutes to an hour, and games can come down to the luck of the dice roll. Frustration can set in during the Classic game mode when you’re one block away from a win, but have to wait numerous rounds until you roll the die to the correct number, then also get the question right. This problem doesn't apply to single player or "lightning round" modes, which can take 20 minutes or less, and the modes I prefer.