As an adult, we like to think that we know everything. Sadly, this isn’t the way, as the younger generation is usually better informed. Now, I’m not talking about advanced specialist subjects, I mean general knowledge and junior school education. This is where Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? holds its own. Based on the popular TV show, you get to prove your intelligence while defeating the kids in your life.
Developed by Massive Miniteam and published by HandyGames, this is a family-friendly trivia title. What’s more, it has a fun, competitive edge and can be enjoyed solo or locally with up to 8 players. Consequently, it is a great game to play with friends or loved ones.
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? is a classic quiz game.
Though, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? lacks any type of story, it’s entertaining, nonetheless. Every playthrough follows a traditional TV quiz format where you are the contestant supported by a group of kids. Moreover, there are rounds of questions to get right, mini-games to overcome, and true or false problems to solve.
Playing this is as simple as picking your avatar and starting the action. What isn’t easy, however, is the vast selection of questions on offer. With 6800 questions to answer across 24 different subjects, your mind and knowledge will be tested. Furthermore, the real kicker is the all-or-nothing attitude.
Progress is dependent on you getting your answers right. If you are successful, you’ll proceed from 1st grade up to the 6th. However, if at any point you get an answer wrong, it is game over and you must start again.
Harsh penalties, but the kids can help, as can the cheats.
Failing on a question intended for a 3rd grader is tough to swallow. Yet, this is the harsh reality of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? But there are tools in place to help you to overcome these issues. If you are stumped for an answer, you can cheat your way to victory!
With 3 cheats available per playthrough, they can be a real-life saver. During every round, you are assisted by a child who excels in certain subjects. These little munchkins don’t influence the game unless you decide to cheat. You can opt to copy their answer, ask the class their opinion, or ask for a new question altogether. If you choose the latter, you cannot cheat again during that question. Consequently, you are on your own.
Alongside the cheating, there is a minor tactical element. Each child has strengths and weaknesses in each subject. Therefore, they may be as clueless as you are. Subsequently, asking them for help will be useless. As such, you must think wisely before you request their help.
Multiplayer is the king!
Though I enjoyed my solo endeavours, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? excels as a multiplayer title. The developers have allowed every player to share a controller if they so wish. This was an excellent choice as few people have 8 controllers lying around their house.
Taking on your friends was fantastic, as the action was genuinely competitive. Accordingly, it was amusing to watch each individual flunk the answers to the most rudimentary questions. Consequently, each playthrough is laced with banter, bragging rights, and a torrent of abuse. I mean, who doesn’t like to watch their intelligent friends crash and burn?
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? is vivid and well-polished.
Though, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? isn’t a visual masterpiece, it looks nice, regardless. Thanks to its cartoon style, vivid colours, and polished finish, it’s easy on the eye. Moreover, the animations are smooth; the characters are fun, and the blend of questions and mini-games keeps things interesting.
The audio is both fun and full of energy. With two OTT presenters and an array of excitable children, there is plenty of noise. Furthermore, I loved the cliché one-liners and the cheesy puns that aligned with every category. However, the glitz and glam nature of the action becomes tedious pretty quickly. Subsequently, this is best enjoyed casually.
Simple controls = no problems.
It is easy to play because of the UI and minimalist button layout. With no effort at all, you’ll understand the fundamentals immediately. What is also good is the pinpoint accuracy during mini-games. Fortunately, the precise and responsive nature of the controls ensured that unnecessary mistakes were rarely made.
The multiplayer option unsurprisingly enhances the longevity and replay value. However, if you are a completionist, or you like to unlock custom goods, then this has you covered. Potentially, there are hours upon hours of action if you wish to tick off every box.
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? delivers what’s promised.
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? is a niche-market game. Yet, it can be phenomenal with the right group of friends. I loved the range of questions, the competitive edge, and the custom avatars. Yet, I know it won’t be for everyone, but I liked it nevertheless. As such, I recommend you to buy it here! Why not prove your mental prowess and defeat the children in your life?
