Austin Powers Operation Trivia (PC)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 1.5 stars Poor
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 3.8 (1.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  John Broady
• Reviewed on: 06/18/1999
• Updated on: 04/12/2000
• Released on: 05/31/1999
• Originally published on GameSpot: Austin Powers Operation Trivia (PC) Review

When Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery first hit theaters in 1997, not even Mike Meyers could have imagined the cultural impact his film would have. Yet two years later, the impact of Austin Powers is as powerful as ever. In fact, Austin's outlook on life has become a kind of catchall expression of happiness and optimism ("Groovy, baby!"), while Dr. Evil gives words to our hidden fantasies of revenge ("When Mr. Bigglesworth gets upset, people die!").

With a totally shagadellic sequel in theaters, what could be a better time to unleash an Austin Powers trivia game onto the world? Utilizing the tried-and-true style of its You Don't Know Jack games, Berkeley Systems has hatched Austin Powers: Operation Trivia. Although the game starts on a fun and promising note, Operation Trivia quickly comes to resemble one of Dr. Evil's botched plots to take over the world. If you've already grown cynical about all the product tie-ins to the new Austin Powers film, then this game will confirm your suspicions that Austin Powers has become more about making money for the studio than having a good time.

At the start of the game, we learn that Dr. Evil is holding Austin captive and plans to take over the world. Instead of simply killing Austin, however, Dr. Evil instead decides to hatch an "overly elaborate game show" to decide the world's fate. Austin must take on Dr. Evil in a trivia contest called "Win, Lose or Die." It's a promising premise indeed, and it's a real hoot to watch the game's intro for the first time.

But unlike the Austin Powers films, which seem to get funnier with repeated viewings, Operation Trivia loses its punch after just a few minutes of gameplay. Beyond the flaws in the design of the game (more on that in a moment), the first real blow hits home as it becomes apparent that Mike Meyers was unavailable (or unwilling) to perform the majority of the game's voice-overs. Instead, we're treated to the voice of an impostor who tries desperately to mimic the intonations of Austin, but who instead comes off like a bad actor in a high school play. Just hearing the poor bloke give it a try is enough to make your skin crawl.

Continue reading

Compare prices for Austin Powers Operation Trivia

This product is currently not in stock at any of our online merchants.

Email me when this product is available