Acrophobia

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: 1997 11
• Genre: Traditional
• Style: Game Show
• Similar Games: Wheel of Fortune (Game Boy), Wheel of Fortune (IBM PC Compatible), Wheel of Fortune (Macintosh), Wheel of Fortune (Nintendo 64), Wheel of Fortune (game.com), Wheel of Fortune (Sega CD), Wheel of Fortune (Arcade), Wheel of Fortune (Sega Genesis), Wheel of Fortune Featuring Vanna White (Nintendo Entertainment System), Wheel of Fortune (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), Wheel of Fortune (PlayStation), Wheel of Fortune (Nintendo Entertainment System), Scrabble (Sega Genesis), Scrabble (Commodore 64/128), Wheel of Fortune CD-ROM (IBM PC Compatible), Wheel of Fortune (Sega Game Gear)

Game Description

Acrophobia is an online word game on the Bezerk Network. The game utilizes clever wit, quick thinking and acronyms to bring the player a fast-paced multiplayer game. Players receive a category which could include sports, movies, politics, food or a whole wide range of other subjects.

Players are then given a series of letters from which they must make a phrase or statement within 60 seconds. For example, "Y.E.F.C." could be turned into "You eat fried chicken", "Young Einstein follows Canadians" or many more. The players then vote on the best "acro" (in their opinion). The person with the most votes receives points for each vote.

Points are also earned for each letter in a winning series and two speed bonus points for being the first person that types in an answer. After 30 points, the top two players face-off in a one-on-one acro' match on which everyone votes.

Roots & Influences

Acrophobia was designed as an online game for the Internet with a definite influence from board games like Scrabble and Yatchze, and television game shows like Concentration and Wheel of Fortune.

Review: Overall

When Acrophobia made its debut, it was a thing to behold. Rooms filled with witty, intelligent people who complimented each other on their "acros" and made hilarious and clever ones themselves. Since its debut, many have found Acrophobia, the free game offered on the Bezerk Network. Now the rooms are full of young school kids who vote for anything containing street language. It is very frustrating to be one of those witty players who is now forced to compete with opponents who have "code" words their friends know to look for to vote for them.

The game is fun, with plenty of potential, however, the players make the game. Acrophobia is full of diverse topics and is fast paced. Occasionally, you can find a decent crowd to make the game incredibly enjoyable. The game runs commercials in between the action to pay for it, but it helps build a "game-show" feel. Acrophobia is well made from a technical standpoint. A host voice gives instructions, while music plays for the various rounds. Categories display different images when chosen.

For a free online game, Acrophobia is well done. The sponsors carry the burden of payment, leaving the players with no charges. Unfortunately, you get the immature crowd who probably would not be playing if they had to pay.

Review: Enjoyment

It depends on the type of crowd you encounter in a room.

Review: Graphics

Commercials download quickly when you log on for updates.

Review: Sound

Host voice, sound and music are excellent.

Review: Replay Value

Never the same game twice.

Review: Documentation

Support for this game is online.

Production Credits