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Are you a trivia buff? Do you like winning prizes from the comfort of your own couch? Then Microsoft's soon to be released, free (for Xbox Live Gold members), massive multiplayer game, "1vs100", might just be what you've been looking for.
Based on the short lived, Bob Saget-hosted NBC game show of the same name, "1vs100" is straight forward and simple to play. A randomly selected gamer known as The One must outlast 100 other gamers called The Mob in a series of trivia and pop culture questions. The longer The One lasts, the more prizes he or she can win, with loot ranging from 200MS Points ($2.50) to 10,000MS Points ($125). If The One is eliminated and 40 or fewer Mob members remain, the Mob receive prizes instead, these can include MS points or arcade games.
A free online game where players can win prizes for knowing the answer to pop culture questions? Can this be real? Intrigued, I had to learn more and managed to sneak my way into the "1vs100" Canadian beta, despite not living anywhere near Canada. The game is pretty impressive, but don't think for a second that once the game comes to the States (the U.S. beta will be coming soon) that everyone will suddenly be lighting cigars with 1600MS Point cards.
The Good
Something for everybody - Even if you aren't selected to be The One or part of The Mob, you still get a chance to participate. Gamers can also play as a member of The Crowd. You'll get to answer questions right along with everyone else while you're waiting your turn to win some loot.
Live Hosting - While there is some canned dialogue, host Chris Cashman does a great job of giving gamers the feeling that they're participating in a real game show, which they are. He'll make comments about players' gamertags and outfits, and crack jokes. During my time in the beta, Cashman read emails and talked to participants who phoned in, he also occasionally spent time with in-studio guests.
Take the money and run - Just like other game shows, "1vs100" offers players a chance to quit while they're ahead. Don't think you can beat all 100 members of the Mob? Take whatever Microsoft Points you've earned so far and buy yourself something nice. Besides giving gamers a chance to not leave empty handed, allowing participants to "cash out" adds to the realism of the game.
The Thrill of Competition - While I wasn't selected to be The One during my time with "1vs100", it was exciting just to finish a round and see if I was going to get picked. You're not competing against a game AI, this is real, and the chance to take on so many players at one time is hard to pass up. Unlike a TV game show, gamers actually have a chance to take on all comers after a round (which on average lasted about 15 minutes) was completed. You can't say that with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.
Possibilities for Achievement Whoring - A "1vs100" season lasts 13 weeks, during that time gamers can earn 200MS points. For every season, a new 200MS points are available. For those of us who like to collect Achievements, we'll take free points any time.
The Not So Good
Uneven questions - The questions in "1vs100" were a bit inconsistent. In some rounds the first few questions would be laughably easy, in others they'd be way too tough. There needs to be more consistency with the difficulty. The Canadian beta also had some regional flare. Being asked if I know the color the $5 Canadian bill was too much for this Yank. This makes me curious as to what types of questions we'll get here.
Speak up - While I understand not allowing participants to talk to each other, some form of communication would be nice. If I'm the One or part of the Mob, I'd like to be able to trash talk a bit or at the very least, try and throw some false info out there. A text feature would be a good add-on.
Let me pick my prize - I have no problem with what Microsoft plans on offering for prizes (arcade games, MS points, the chance to enter sweepstakes for bigger prizes) but gamers should be allowed to chose which prize they'd prefer. The arcade game MS dishes out is random. If I win a game I already own, or one I don't want, I won't be as likely to come back and play again.
Can I be Neo now? - While "1vs100" offers gamers an opportunity to increase their chances to be something other than a member of The Crowd with its 30-minute Extended Play episodes, its going to be tough to sustain an audience if The One and The Mob aren't switched up frequently. Right now the show schedule is only 2 hours a night on Friday and Saturday. Will that allow for enough gamers to participate? We'll see.
In-game advertising - Okay, now I'm getting nitpicky. While what I saw was not at all invasive, I'm not a big fan of in-game advertising. Sure it added a little bit to the realism of the game, but unless contestants can win something from a sponsor, I don't see a need for it.
Wrapping It Up
Even though I didn't get a chance to be The One, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with "1vs100". The games moved quickly and lag free, the questions were fun to answer, and I enjoyed participating in a game with so many players. Its simple format and the ability to play locally or online with friends make for a good time.
Related Links: Check out this week's GPArcade giveaway, be sure to answer our question of the week, and read our review of Texas Cheat'Em.
