Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Party Edition

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Party Edition is a multiplayer quiz game based on the iconic TV show, where players answer 15 multiple-choice trivia questions to accumulate money, utilizing lifelines like eliminating wrong answers, polling the audience, or phoning a friend. The game features a comical art style with humorous characters, three difficulty levels (easy with extra lives, normal, and hard without lifelines), and dedicated modes including quick-fire rounds. Its multiplayer focus allows up to four players to compete through buzzing in, forced challenges, and team-based gameplay across varied formats like play-or-pass and millionaire remix.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Party Edition: Review

Introduction

“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Party Edition” is a trivia quiz game that brings the thrill of the iconic TV game show into the gaming realm. Originally released in 2006 for Windows, PS2, and PSP, this title reimagines the classic format for multiplayer fun. As a professional game journalist, I’ve delved into the game’s mechanics, history, and impact to reveal why it remains a beloved party game after nearly two decades.

Development History & Context

Developer Climax Action Limited sought to modernize the “Millionaire” experience for a multiplayer audience. The vision was to create a game that not only replicated the TV show’s tension but added strategic depth through competitive multiplayer modes. Released during the seventh generation of consoles, the game navigated the era’s hardware limitations to deliver a polished experience. The gaming landscape at the time was marked by popular party games like “Mario Party,” and “Millionaire: Party Edition” aimed to compete in that space by blending trivia with social interaction.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

While traditional narrative elements are sparse, the game excels in creating an engaging narrative arc through its gameplay loop. Players take on the role of contestants striving for a virtual £1 million, facing increasingly difficult questions. The host, Chris Tarrant, guides players through each decision point, his voiceovers adding authenticity. The game’s characters, including a diverse cast of in-studio contestants, inject humor with witty banter and reactions to correct and incorrect answers.

The themes of knowledge, risk-taking, and competition come to the forefront. The game rewards trivia expertise but also strategic use of lifelines and understanding of the opponent’s psychology in multiplayer. The underlying message is that intellectual prowess combined with a bit of luck can lead to virtual fortune, mirroring the TV show’s appeal.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The core gameplay revolves around answering 15 multiple-choice questions, each offering four options. Correct answers climb the prize tiers, while mistakes cost money unless a “guarantee point” is reached. Three lifelines—50:50, Ask the Audience, and Phone a Friend—aid in difficult moments. The game introduces three difficulty levels: Easy adds three lives, Normal follows the original rules, and Hard removes lifelines entirely.

Multiplayer mode is where the game truly shines. Up to four players can compete in several variations:
1. Millionaire Party: Players buzz in to answer, can steal from others, or force opponents to answer.
2. Play-or-Pass: Pass questions to others, trying to make them fail.
3. Millionaire Remix: Collect lives and lifelines to reach the million first.
4. Multi-Millionaire: Each player takes turns in classic mode, with only lifelines preventing elimination.

The UI is designed to mimic the TV show’s set, with smooth animations and clear question displays. The control scheme is straightforward, using button presses to select answers and manage lifelines.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s setting is a virtual replica of the “Millionaire” studio, complete with the iconic purple and blue lighting and audience setup. Characters have exaggerated personalities, adding a layer of comedy to the proceedings.

Graphically, the game doesn’t push technical boundaries but successfully recreates the TV show’s atmosphere. The host’s animations are smooth, and the set’s details are well-rendered. The sound design excels with the trademark theme music, suspenseful cues, and audience reactions. Chris Tarrant’s voiceovers are expertly recorded, making the virtual experience feel as authentic as possible.

Reception & Legacy

Upon release, “Millionaire: Party Edition” received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its multiplayer innovations and atmospheric presentation but criticized the potential for question repetition in solo play. The average critic score is 63%, while player ratings hover around 4.0 out of 5.

The game’s legacy is secure as a go-to party game that offers both casual fun and strategic depth. It influenced subsequent trivia games by incorporating multiplayer modes with competitive edge elements. Even today, it’s a staple in game night collections, proving its enduring appeal.

Conclusion

“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Party Edition” successfully captures the essence of the beloved TV show while enhancing the experience with innovative multiplayer modes. Its combination of tense trivia gameplay, strategic lifeline management, and competitive multiplayer options make it a standout title in the party game genre. Whether you’re a trivia buff or simply enjoy testing your knowledge against friends, this game offers an engaging and memorable experience that continues to stand the test of time.