Review: The Tester
So this past weekend, I was curious and decided to download the first episode of The Tester from the PlayStation Network. It's Sony's reality series where a group of people compete to earn $5,000 and a job as a tester for Sony. The whole thing is pretty weaksauce, with a middling cash prize and the prize being a menial slave labor job which would personally drive me crazy! All these contestants are thrilled to have the opportunity to embarrass themselves on "TV" to earn this entry level opportunity, but I'd never want to be a tester, because I'm afraid that being forced to play crap games over and over again looking for bugs would make me hate videogames forever.
The Tester is a low budget program, and it clearly shows in the production values. It follows the standard conventions of your average reality show, and they've found a few interesting characters... I mean, contestants. It's a little irritating that they introduce themselves with their real names, but mostly go by their PlayStation ID's (Which is a little awkward when one of them is named "Nauseous.") "Cyrus" offers some nice eye candy for us, but a few of the girls are cute, too. Oh, and Sony employee Brent Gocke is also a nice addition to the panel of judges, if you know what I mean... Unfortunately, one of the other judges in the first episode is Hal Sparks. On the plus side, it's only 22 minutes long, so his screen time is minimum, as is his annoyingness.
It's a short show, so you're basically in and out, and aside from the slightly low budget production values (including the pretty but awkward hostess), it's actually kind of a fun watch. Especially for "Barmy," who is adorably socially awkward in his geekiness. The poor guy... Unfortunately, The Tester's availability is limited. Maybe at a later date they'll make it available online, but right now, you've gotta have a PS3. At least it's a free download! And the second episode just went up...
Wootini
Posted to Video Games, Videos on 1 March 2010
· Comments (3)
Other stuff like this: playstation 3, playstation network, reality tv, sony, the tester, video
I think you are a bit harsh on the show. Its actually pretty neat to watch.
Its better than the crap thats shown on G4TV now-a-days.
The only reason I'm not watching this show because can't handle more Ciji. God, she is a annoying little girl who makes up so many excuses on why she loses and runs her mouth. :l
I'm a fan of Ciji, she is very nice in person, and all gamers seem to love to talk a big.. well game... when describing their talents.
And Hal Sparks annoying? Blasphemy!