Hollywood Squares

Hollywood Squares brings the familiar television quiz show format to the NES in a compact two-player game from 1989. Developed by Rare and published by GameTek, it combines trivia with a simple game of tic-tac-toe, creating a contest where knowing the answer is only part of the challenge.

Players take turns selecting one of the celebrity-filled squares and responding to a question. Rather than answering every question directly, the player decides whether to agree or disagree with the celebrity’s response. A correct judgment claims the square, while a mistake can hand an important position to the opponent. The goal is to complete a row, column, or diagonal, so each choice matters beyond the question immediately on screen.

The NES presentation keeps the television-show theme intact, using a familiar grid layout and question-driven pacing instead of action-platforming or arcade reflexes. Its appeal comes from the tension between genuine knowledge and calculated risk. Even when a player is unsure of an answer, reading the board and anticipating the opponent’s next move can make the difference. That makes Hollywood Squares a good fit for two people looking for a relaxed, competitive game rather than a solo adventure.

The question-and-answer format is straightforward, but the tic-tac-toe structure gives each round a clear sense of progress. Matches are easy to understand, while the agree-or-disagree mechanic adds enough uncertainty to keep repeated games interesting. Fans of classic television adaptations and retro trivia games will find a faithful NES interpretation here, especially when played with someone else.

You can play online on your browser through RetroCloud and revisit this unusual blend of quiz show personality and board-game strategy without needing the original Nintendo hardware.