Remote Control

I liked the show when it was on, and probably would have enjoyed being a contestant, so I guess I'm the target audience for this game. It would have been a bigger deal for me to play it when the show was hot, and I recognize that, but the presentation of the computer version still feels lacking. It's neither very auditory or visual when the show certainly was, and the result is some questions befitting of the show that you answer in a very bland manner. Better than the NES, probably the best video game version you're going to find, but still not as fun as even watching the MTV original.

Unless you happen to be a big fan of the TV show, MTV Remote Control is not for you. Even it that case it's probably not, but I'm giving fans the benefit of a doubt. Maybe they can see something that I can't, who knows. All I know is that this game's going to be in pristine condition, sitting on my shelf. It's not going to get enough play to damage it in any way. Don't bother with it unless absolutely necessary.

Remote Control was MTV's first attempt at a game show, making its first run in 1987. Like a wild and hip teenage Jeopardy, it played out more like a party and was very successful for its time. Ken Ober was an excellent host, but actually played the straight-man to the insane and entertaining supporting cast of announcer Colin Quinn, fun and peppy Kari Wuhrer, and random appearances by semi-regular cast member Adam Sandler as well as a number of famous "special guests." Even the lesser-known cast were funny, and the inventive challenges such as "Beat The Bishop" (where contestants have to solve a math problem before a guy dressed as the pope can run a full lap around the set) made the show. NONE of that is in this game.

Adding insult to injury, the mechanism used to answer questions is totally based on luck. You "ring in" before choosing your answer, making it a button-mashing contest to see who can ring in first. The computer usually lets you win in the one-player mode. Awful, repetitive music plays incessantly throughout the entire contest. Playing Remote Control ranks right up there with being kicked in the groin over and over again - it's that much fun!