People love to test their knowledge against others. This is one of the reasons game shows like Jeopardy are such a big hit. Not only can you show off what you know, but you can also learn things as well. There have been video game adaptations of game shows for years, that allow you to play with friends and family for the top score and imaginary prizes. Handy Games and THQ Nordic have recently added a new game to this line up – Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader.
Starting at 1st grade, you must correctly answer 2 questions per grade, until you have finished 5th grade. There is a final question for 6th grade, that will prove if you are indeed smarter than a 5th grader. There are 6,800 questions total in subjects like Math, English, Social Studies, and Art. And the more you play the more specific subjects will open up. Earth Science, Physical Science and Foreign Language are just a few of the subjects that you can explore.
For the first 5 grades you have a helper that you can ask for help in case you are stuck on a question. At the start of each grade, you are given a random CPU 5th grader that you can call on if you need some help. Each 5th grader specializes in 2 categories, so it helps to choose subjects that are good in. You can either copy their answer, ask the whole class to chime in, or get a whole new question. You are allowed to use each cheat only once during a game.
Questions are read out and most are displayed on the screen. I say most because some questions, especially Spelling ones, ask for an answer that if you saw the word, would just give it away. Answers are either multiple choice, 3 possibilities, a slider that gives a range of numerical answers and pin your response on a map. While the multiple choice are by far the easiest to figure out, the map and slider questions are not that difficult either. Add in the fact that there is no time limit for you to set your answer, it is not that hard to get every question correct.
Being a game show, there has to be a “show” and this is where the game bogs down a bit. When you start, you are introduced to 1 of the 2 hosts. They then explain the rules and introduce the grade you are at. 5 random kids are brought in and 1 is picked to help you with that level. The kid then introduces themselves and tells you what their strong subjects are. You pick a category for your question; the host makes a joke and then your question is read. You answer and the correct answer is revealed. Your helper is then asked for an interesting fact about themselves, and it is on to the 2nd question for the grade. Once a grade is completed, your helper is whisked off stage, the host is changed, and you start all over. It would be nice if there was an option to turn off all the scene swapping so you can just answer the questions.
There are 2 versions of the game that you can play. The 1st is the normal single player game in which if you get a question wrong, the game is over. There is also study mode. This version allows up to 8 people to play at once. You are able to work your way through all the grades even if you miss a question. In both versions you earn points for correct answers, and those points are used to unlock new categories, students, and cosmetics. If you are playing solo, it can take quite a few games before you unlock everything.
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader is out now for Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch and PC with a price tag of around $30. You can add another 3,600 questions for $10 with the currently available DLC. If you are looking for a fun game that you can play with your friends, this one will fit the bill. The lack of a timer removes any real challenge. It is simple to google the answers before they are even done reading the questions. The color commentary from the hosts and your partner gets a little grating, but luckily you can skip over almost everything.
