Welcome to the search for the best all-around gamer. Eleven contestants compete in both physical and virtual challenges for $100,000 dollars, a massive Samsung prize package, and the chance to represent the World Cyber Games in events the world 'round. This is WCG Ultimate Gamer on Syfy. And it's totally fun.
How refreshing to see reality show contestants who don't act like complete buffoons straight from the get-go. Sure, there's the requisite drama (preexisting boyfriend theft), but most of the idiocy is charmingly delusional. One guy thinks he's a household name. He is clearly not. Another guy thinks people will like him because of his hair. Yet another guy is 30, unemployed, and out to prove his worth to his father. See? Harmless.
The show is rife with opportunities for product placement, the products, of course, being video games. The focus of the season premiere is Tekken 6, pretty much your standard arcade style button-masher. The supposedly corresponding real-life competition involves dumbed-down wire fu and guest host Kelly Hu. The format is obvious, but lighthearted and engaging.
It's also cool to see game battles commentated on like sporting events, although I wish they delved more into the oh-so-relevant hand-eye coordination these individuals have so painstakingly cultivated. But then we wouldn't have time for the petty drama of decent people, now would we? Season two of WCG Ultimate Gamer premieres tonight, August 19, at 11pm ET/PT on Syfy.
Sum...ology: Nothing groundbreaking, but totally fun.
