VIDEO GAME REVIEW

That virtual gameshow

Gallantly you surf past Regis Philbin for more dramatic entertainment on Wednesday; on Thursday, there’s a special engagement at the local cineplex; on Friday, Tom Cruise seems to have more star power than the host of "Live"; then on Saturday, hitting the club scene appears to be more reasonable than staring at television. So with all these other affairs, how exactly does one get his or her daily Who Wants to Be a Millionaire fix?

Rather than snickering at the laymen in the hot seat on ABC, why not put your own knowledge to the test? Simply click, load and play on your home computer – without commercial interruption.

"How can a game critic possibly like that Regis bologna?" asks a confused reader. Well, simply put, this 2nd Edition of Millionaire is a guilty pleasure. Like any made-for-cable action flick or senseless Comedy Central sitcom, Millionaire is unsung entertainment. Sure, it’s completely mindless and utterly addicting. Yet, similar to the TV show, the more you’re disturbed by it, the more you’re attracted by the game’s phenomenal ability to keep players captivated.

Compared to Jeopardy! or You Don’t Know Jack, Millionaire might seem quite casual. But complexity isn’t the key – and neither are wits. Instead of Alex Trebek saying "correct" or "incorrect" after an answer is given, suspense gets built up. Regis pauses dramatically, waiting for that moment when the player finally begins to worry whether "B" was a better answer than what they had chosen. "Is that your final answer," he inquires. Then, complete silence. Uncertainty attacks your mind, your fingers clinch, your tongue rolls, your eyes wander. You want him to acknowledge your choice. Your sweaty palms demand a conclusion.

From this moment forth, there are only 3,999 other questions to nervously pursue, enhanced by full-motion video, prerecorded lifelines and a horribly intense soundtrack. Suggestion: Just make sure you get some sleep.

Jon M. Gibson writes about video games for Metro Times.