Since its induction to the airwaves (and my own choice to view the latest ideals of televised entertainment), Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has reached the homes of coach potatoes and visonaires that all wish they go beyond the 'dollar and a dream'. Personally, I don't think the program had anything on Price is Right or Jeopardy (what is known as true game shows, Alex), its ratings would prove otherwise as each week folks tune in to watch contestants give it their all for the million dollar winnings.

So, you think you can keep your cool in the hot seat? Then, step up to the handheld version developed by Buena Vista Interactive, presenting all of the excitement of one of America's top rated TV game show. Featuring the host of the morning talk show circle, Regis Philbin and all the little bells and whistles are packed within, certain to appeal to all fans of the series (and any intrigued gamers looking for a new addition to their handheld library.

As it turns out doing some research that those wondering as to the first edition, will discover that one does not exist - the current version stands to be the only edition available, and the 600 questions packed within the small bundle were gathered from the PC/PlayStation versoins respectively. Second Edition mirrors the TV presentation, and it's all handled in a dynamic fashion as the camera zooms in for the current question, pull back and zoom back in for their corresponding question - all of this is executed with brief video clips, that's handled quite smoothly for the GBC. It even includes a brief animated Regis in the opening title screen, complete with a sampled digitized voice that utters "Who wants to be a millionaire?). Unfortunately this is the only time you'll ever hear sampled voiceovers, which are provided in abundance in the PlayStation/PC counterparts.

Even for a handheld edition, the GameBoy Color makes no shortcuts adopting the popular game show. The criteria behind the show is the most simplistic to date, though the skill factor is quite challenging: successfully answer 15 questions correctly and you'll be blessed with $1,000,00 virtual dollars (well, you surely don't expect someone to come to your home with a lifesize check now do you?).

In the event that you get stuck, you are issued "Lifelines", The first is "Ask the Audience" which polls random citizens to aid you in correctly answering the question. Unlike the actual show where a hundred audience members are polled, the handheld version will display the results in a percentage format (keep in mind though that this does not ensure you'll be given the correct answer). The second lifeline, "50/50" will eliminate two of the four available choices which hold the correct answer (this feature is accurately reflected). Finally, the last option - "Phone a Friend", in which as the game show, you'd actually have 30 seconds to phone up a friend and seek their guidance. Of course, unless you actually decided to mimic this aspect to a tee by pausing your game to phone a friend, you'll have to rely on the "friend" that's been made available to you. The answer will be displayed via text format, though, in the event that a definite answer is not available, your friend will say something to the extent "I'm not sure, but...". Thus caution is advised since like the game show, you have one opportunity to get all the questions right while you're in the "Hot Seat". Of course, should you decide after using up your "Lifelines" that you haven't figured out the answer and just want to run off with your virtual bucks can opt to press the B button and walk away. I can't tell you how many times I just wished I was truly playing the actual show in reality.

A great bonus to the entire package is the multi-player mode introduced availabe in the "Fastest Fingers" challenge. By selecting the "Multiplayer" option, you and up to four friends can take turns playing a "You Don't Know Jack" inspired game. The mode is quite a keen feature in which you must properly arrange the displayed items in its correct order, such as "songs that appear in the movie "Grease" from beginning to end. Once you see the correct order displayed, you must press the A button and then proceed to pass the unit to the other players until it reaches the last player and has arranged the answers. The player who has selected the correct choices the fatest will be declared the winner and then advance onto the hot seat.

Personally, there's very little to complain with the game, being it makes a credible effort to succesfully mirror the game show nuances and excitement. If anything, my biggest complain had little to do with the gameplay itself, but of the gui in which 2nd edition is designed - too dark. Unless your unit is equipped with a portable flashlight, don't try playing this in the dimly lit areas since the GBC unit does not feature a backlight. As for the game's longevity, 600 questions is upholds a significant capacity to keep one entertained for a few sessions in a day. Unfortunately, any gamer that becomes truly addictive will be smitten as to its shortened longevity. I did notice a question would repeat itself, but unless you're playing for endless periods throughout the day, don't count on the replay value dying out within a weeks time.

Capturing the esssence of the game show is quite a plus for the GameBoy Color, not to mention its multi-player feature which makes the unit more of a informal social event to boot. Even with a minor degree of spastic longevity, Who Wants to be a Millionaire is a great edition for fans of the trivia pursuit quotient, and those envisioning to make a virtual million bucks.

· · · Bahn