Who doesn't love a good trivia game? They're perfect to play in holiday seasons, they'll boost your general knowledge, and they're sure to get everyone animated at family gatherings.
If you don't own a copy of Trivial Pursuit, don't fear. The Windows Store is full of games that will provide just as much enjoyment.
In this article, I'm going to introduce you to the best trivia games across a variety of categories and themes.
1. Quiz Up
Available on: Windows, Windows Phone
Let's get started with a standard general knowledge game.
Quiz Up claims to be the biggest trivia app in the world. It covers hundreds of broad and diverse topics, including American History, World Geography, TV Trivia, Sport, Science, Nature, Advanced Physics, Brand Logos, Star Trek, and a whole lot more.
Its multiplayer feature sets it apart from the other general knowledge quizzes in the store. Obviously, you can play against your friends, but you can also pair up with complete strangers in a battle of the brains. The app maintains regional and worldwide leaderboards.
The game is also available on Android and iOS.
Download -- Quiz Up
2. World War II Quiz
Available on: Windows, Xbox, Windows Phone, Holographic, Hub
Are you a history buff? If studying the epic wars of the 20th Century interests you, World War II Quiz is a must-have.
Be warned: the questions aren't easy. For example, do you know whether the Spitfire MK1 had direct fuel injection like the Bf109E? Neither do I.
Answers are either multiple choice or "true or false." There are six question categories to choose from: Chronology, Industry and Logistics, Equipment, Personalities, Operations, and Political and Pre-War.
You can also set the difficulty level and the number of questions.
Download -- World War II Quiz
3. GeoQuiz
Available on: Windows, Windows Phone, Holographic, Hub
Simply naming capitals, rivers, and mountains is easy, right? After all, who doesn't know the capital of Burkina Faso?!
GeoQuiz is a geography quiz with a difference. Rather than relying on "traditional" geographic facts, the app asks you to recognize a place (often from an image or fact), then locate the place on a map. Some of the locations are quite straightforward, but others are much more difficult.
There are 650 places included in the game, so it should keep you busy for a long time. (Oh, and in case you're interested, the capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou.)
Download -- GeoQuiz
4. Weird but True
Available on: Windows
I'm a stickler for random facts that sound totally false but turn out to be true. For instance, did you know movie theater popcorn is more expensive per ounce than filet mignon?!
Weird but True is packed with similar facts. National Geographic Kids is the developer, so you can be sure the content is factually accurate. Don't let the "kids" in the title put you off; if you're an inquisitive adult, you'll get just as much enjoyment from the game as your children.
For each fact, you can assess it's "weirdness" and share it with friends and family.
Download -- Weird but True
5. Guess the Song: Music Quiz
Available on: Windows
Do you know your Spice Girls from your Springsteen and your Avicii from your Abba? Find out by downloading this app.
You'll be played a few seconds of a song, and you need to guess either the artist or the track title. There are many game modes, including time trial and head-to-head.
You can choose from one of 18 musical genres or just play through a random mix of all the songs in the game.
Download -- Guess the Song: Music Quiz
6. Logo Quiz Ultimate
Available on: Windows Phone
If you're a consumerholic, you need to have this app installed on your Windows Phone. The premise simple: the app shows you a logo, and you have to type the corresponding brand name.
The game includes more than 1,000 logos, and they get progressively more challenging as you proceed through the 33 levels. If you're stuck, you can use a lifeline for a clue. You get two lifelines at the start of the game but can accumulate more as you input correct answers.
Download -- Logo Quiz Ultimate
7. The Great Football Quiz
Available on: Windows, Windows Phone
Are you one of the millions of Americans who are fostering a burgeoning interest in the world's favorite sport? Spend a few weeks playing this soccer game, and you'll be just as knowledgeable as the most avid European soccer fan.
It boasts a mammoth number of questions -- more than 4,000 at the time of writing. The app splits questions into 13 individual categories and 640 difficulty levels.
And just in case you prefer the "other" type of football, played in North America, there are special sections dedicated to the NFL and the New England Patriots. Two sports in one, what more could you ask for?
Download -- The Great Football Quiz
8. PopcornTrivia
Available on: Windows, Windows Phone, Hub
If football requires too much physical exertion and a night on the sofa with a movie is your sport of choice instead, give this app a try.
Questions are widely varied, covering quotes, scenes, characters, movie posters, film sets. The developers are always adding new teasers, so you should never run out of content.
The app has a fun side-story to keep you playing: as you guess the correct answers, you can add props from your favorite movies to your in-game avatar and climb the career ladder of the entertainment industry. Your ultimate goal is to own your own film studio.
Download -- PopcornTrivia
Your Favorite Trivia Games?
I've introduced you to my favorite games, but there are hundreds of quiz and trivia apps in the Windows Store.
Which games do you turn to for some family fun or to learn something new? Did your favorite make my list, or do you have an alternative you can introduce to your fellow readers?
As always, you can leave your tips, recommendations, and opinions in the comments section below.
Image Credit: Billion Photos via Shutterstock.com