Trivial Pursuit's status as one of the top casual games is unquestioned. It's an elegant game design wrapped around both answering trivia questions and social interaction. Various expansion packs containing new questions have only added to the fun over the years.
Hasbro's version of the game for the PlayStation 3 adds a few new game modes and high quality graphics and sound to Trivial Pursuit's winning formula. PlayStation Network trophies are another welcome addition, but the lack of online multiplayer gameplay is pretty surprising.
Trivial Pursuit for the PlayStation 3 Features
- Three Game Modes (Classic, Facts and Friends, Clear the Board)
- PlayStation Network Trophies
- Downloadable Question Packs
Still a Trivial Pursuit for Wedges
Even in its console version, the rules of Trivial Pursuit remain essentially the same. Players roll dice, moving their pieces around the game board, answering questions as they go. The questions are categorized, with each category having its own color. Answering a special wedge question in a certain category earns that color wedge; collecting all the wedges and then answering one more question is still the way to win the classic game.
Trivial Pursuit for the PS3 also features a quicker Facts and Friends mode that involves players sharing one piece and competing for the same wedges. The players can also bid on whether or not their competitors can answer a question, which adds a fun element to this faster-paced version of Trivial Pursuit.
Solitaire gamers have the Clear the Board mode to sharpen their skills. Essentially a one-person assault on the Trivial Pursuit game board, Clear the Board players can shoot for either the highest possible score or the fastest time in clearing the board.
Why no Online Multiplayer Trivial Pursuit?
The most stunning omission in Trivial Pursuit for the PS3 is the lack of an online multiplayer mode. While PSN Trophies are a nice addition, who does trophy-related smack talk? EA and Hasbro really missed the boat on this one.
The console version of the game features modern graphics and sound, but the play-by-play announcer needs to be muted in the game's audio settings after the first 10 minutes of game play. Thankfully the focus of Trivial Pursuit is answering questions, as it should be, and the slightly overdone graphics don't really get in the way.
Downloadable question packs are available on the PlayStation Network's store, with the movie pack being currently available for free. Good knowledge of Bollywood is a requirement for that question pack.
Trivial Pursuit for the PlayStation 3 is a blast for fans of the game, but the lack of a multiplayer online mode prevents the game from receiving an unquestioned recommendation. Interested PS3 casual game fans should check out this Suite101 article about Monopoly for the PlayStation 3.
Paul Williams - Paul Williams' unique set of experiences allow him to communicate complex issues in a clear manner, yet still be an entertaining read.
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