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Review of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?: Make the Grade on Nintendo DS

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Oct 2008
Cover image of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?: Make the Grade on DS
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 20 Oct 2008
Genre: Trivia/Quiz
Developer: THQ
Publisher: THQ

Introduction

Welcome to 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?: Make the Grade', where you abruptly realize that all those times you swore you'd never use math in real life were, in fact, misguided. If you ever thought adulting was hard, wait until you realize that your elementary school knowledge is now a life-or-death (or at least life-changing $$$) situation. This game is your ticket to reliving your 5th-grade glory-or a painful reminder that maybe you should have paid attention in class.

Gameplay

In this charming little quiz show, you're not just sitting back and answering multiple-choice questions while munching on some popcorn. Oh no! You are a contestant fighting for cash prizes (watch out, your wallet)! Each round is divided into categories that are as nostalgia-inducing as that one time you accidentally turned in a blank homework assignment while looking really convincing. The questions cover various subjects, from math to history, perfectly tailored to remind you that you might not be the genius you once thought you were. But wait, there's a twist-while floundering beneath the pressure of a barrage of questions designed for 10-year-olds, you get to choose your trusty 'classmates.' Yes, your fate rests in the hands of these pint-sized scholars (and no, they probably don't know more than Google). You can chat with them, use their help for answers, or play the part of the overconfident adult while GASPING at the questions like, 'Wait, what is the capital of Peru again?' Spoiler alert: it's Lima. Each question you get right leads you up a cash ladder, and every wrong answer sends you spiraling back down into a pit of despair and potential financial ruin. Here's where it gets really spicy: you have three cheats at your disposal! "Peek" at a classmate's answer (which may result in side-eye), "Copy" an answer (which is 50-50 at best), and the ultimate lifesaver, "Save," which magically lets you carry on if your cheerleader child also happens to miss the question. Truly, the game is less about knowledge and more about your social skills; can you engage with your mini-mes if your intellect fails you? It's like the adult version of free-range parenting but without the field trips or the snacks! The structure is more than just answering questions and trying not to embarrass yourself in front of a classroom of toddlers; it's about grappling with that pesky pressure of being an "adult." Want to drop out and take the money? You can! But just like in life, there's always a chance you'll leave with less than you came with-or worse, be forced to admit you might not really be smarter than those little creatures. It's an emotional roller-coaster-grab a tissue!

Graphics

Let's be real; you're not playing this game for the graphics. The visuals are designed to provide a comfy trip down memory lane, with colors bright enough to blind you, and characters animated just enough to avoid lawsuits. You're treated to a cartoonish classroom environment where aesthetics scream 'this was made for kids.' It's so cute; it could give you diabetes from just looking at it. Clearly, the graphics aren't the focus-it captures that 'made for TV' vibe perfectly, which is just what you need to distract you from the fact that quite literally anyone can answer the questions but you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?: Make the Grade' dives deep into the depths of your educational psyche, challenge your ego, and tickle your funny bone, all in one go. It's a refreshing reminder that education never really stops, and even if you think you're a genius, you might just be that one guy in high school who never realized that 18 donuts are not actually a balanced breakfast. Grab a buddy, jump into this nostalgia-driven trivia quest, and prepare yourself for some face-palming moments. If you're up for a good laugh and want to test your trivia while fending off existential crises, this game is for you. You might even walk away believing you really are smarter than a 5th grader-at least until you face the next question!

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