Scene It: Lights, Cameras, Action
Xbox 360
Rating: 3.5/5
The original Scene It? was first released as a DVD board game that put film buffs to the test by showing them clips from classic movies and asking a series of challenging questions.
So one would assume the game’s transition to Xbox 360, which comes complete with four buzzers, naturally heightened the level of interaction.
But that largely depends on how knowledgeable the players are, because Scene It? Lights, Cameras, Action (LCA) is a challenging game that in some cases punishes players for having a go.
The chunky box gives a feeling of value for the $119 price tag, and the four wireless buzzers feel perfectly weighted in the hand.
Their design is clearly inspired by that of the Buzz series on Playstation 2, albeit slimmer and more ergonomic.
The game has two options – party mode or regular play – the former a continuous quiz format that can be picked up and put down by guests at a party and left going the entire night.
The regular play mode is the meat and potatoes of Scene It? LCA and contains three rounds and a variety of different quiz games.
These games are roughly divided into two categories – buzzer games and simultaneous play games.
Buzzer games, such as watching the computer gradually sketch a movie scene, require players to buzz in before their competitors and then provide an answer.
The simultaneous play games allow all players to answer at once with those who answer first receiving more points as a reward.
The game works well until you reach the second round and the announcer tells you that players will be penalised for incorrect answers.
Fair enough if the questions were about films made in the past 10 years, but with many of the clips or movie references dating back to the 1970s, ’60s and ’50s, younger players and those who don’t eat films for breakfast will find themselves discouraged from answering if they want to remain in the podium race – a move which really kills the game’s spirit.
But if you fit the criteria, then Scene It? LCA is a fantastic purchase, and with more than 1800 questions and the inevitability of future expansions, it’s the first and only choice for Xbox360-owning trivia aficionados.
