You Don't Know Jack

Developed by Jellyvision Games (2/8/11)

You Don't Know Jack is not only my favorite quiz show game (currently) but is also my favorite party game at the moment.  While that statement may not seem like much, consider that this means it beats out the Kinect, Rock Band, and other quiz games like PS3s Buzz.  This isn't to say that those games aren't enjoyable because the previous three mentioned are some of my favorites at parties, it's just a testament as to how enjoyable YDKJ truly is.

Even though it's fairly common knowledge, for those in the dark YDKJ is actually a revival from a PC franchise that came out in the 90s.  Praised for it's wit and snarky humor, YDKJ became a hit nationwide.  As the rise of console gaming grew, Jellyvision didn't make the leap to consoles as smoothly as other franchises releasing only two games for the PS1 earning moderate success.  Aside from these two titles, there were over 15 YDKJ's released along with compilation packs from '95-'03.  For close to eight years the franchise seemed buried (aside from a beta and success in other countries) which makes the revival all the more impressive.  I owned volume 2 on the PC and while many times my brother and I didn't understand the content (rightfully so) we had a blast playing it.  In case I didn't make myself clear in the first paragraph, this game definitely does it's previous entries justice. 

Up to four players can get in on one of 74 episodes consisting of 11 questions each divided into 3 rounds.  Majority of questions are multiple choice and scores are determined on how quickly players buzz the right answers in.  Those with itchy fingers may want to hold off before answering though because if you get the wrong answer, you could lose just as many points (sometimes downwards of -$2000).  Every player is given one screw that can be used on an opponent to force them to answer a question but once again, it can backfire.  If a player is screwed and gets the answer right, the screwee (?) loses cash.  Peppered in every game is a dis-or-dat usually reserved for the losing players where they must determine if a statement belongs in column A or column B.  While some are difficult, majority of them are easy (tweets from Dalai Lama or Taylor Swift?)  The first two rounds follow the above order (round 1 worth $2000 a question while round 2 doubles that) but the final round is known simply as the Jack Attack.  There will be a clue given and slowly one word will be floating closer towards the screen.  During this time, other words will quickly float by and players must buzz in when the two words match and fit the clue.  Often times this is truly the game changer and left me with my friends anxiously waiting to see who actually pulled off the comeback win.

Certain omissions from previous installments are understandable due to the lack of a keyboard (like my favorite Gibberish Questions) but overall this is definitely a solid title.  Some people may gripe at the lack of visuals but the writing is hilarious and had us laughing the entire time.  You could easily lose a night quickly playing through the many episodes but don't fear because they're already releasing DLC episodes for purchase.  Throw in the fact that the game released with a $30 price tag and you have a solid title that is a great addition to your party nights. 

Pathetic

No more Snickerclish Testgum?  Umm..I mean Gibberish Questions.
Humor may not be for everyone
If you're a loner, don't bother
Online play doesn't replicate the joy of playing locally

 Very Nice!

Lots of fun and at a great price!
Wrong answers of the day are great as is the entire sponsor/commercials
Writing is once again strong and funny
Promise of future DLC means this game will stay in your system for a long time
Simple enough for anyone to get into
Some of the most fun you'll have playing with your friends on the same sofa

FINAL GRADE: A

Incredibly fun party game that anyone can play.  I highly recommend you pick it up or at least give it a rental for a free friday night.  The humor is more hit then miss and I found my friends and I really getting into the games.