Mental Samurai

Was excited to watch this at first, but ultimately was disappointed. Questions aren't that difficult, and the arm gimmick seems a bit over the top. Worst thing about this show is how long they focus on contestant's back stories. Get to the point. We're here for the game.

One of the worst game shows ever. The robot arm serves no purpose. (And robot arms don't go "clunk" every time they start and stop.)

Almost as much time is spent on "background pieces" about each contestant as is spent on the game.

About half the questions are embarrassingly simple. Like, repeat four words in order -- really? And then they throw in a ridiculously hard question about obscure pop songs or TV shows.

Contestants are given a time limit to complete all of the questions. Meanwhile, the clock continues to run while time is wasted by the arm moving around. Then the contestant wastes time explaining their answer. Then they say "Lock it in" and have to pull a shifter handle; what's the point of the shifter handle if they have to say "Lock it in"? Then there seems to be a random amount of time wasted until it's finally announced whether the answer is correct. All this makes no sense. If you're going to have a time limit, don't run the clock down with silly theatrics.

And what the heck does this all have to do with Japanese warriors?

I gave one episode a watch and I just didn't care for it. The questions are simple, the robot arm is ridiculous and the most infuriating issue is the fact the clock still runs as they are moved around the stage...why? Seconds are wasted moving the contestants from one question to the next. Rob Lowe is great, but it's sad his presence is wasted on such a silly show. My thirteen year old son enjoys it though.

Like many others already said, the robotic arm "Ava" (some dude with joysticks behind the scenes) is useless to any game. It does nothing. Rob Lowe is a great host and personality, but you can tell even this show isn't challenging enough for him. This show is just a bunch of questions - some ridiculously easy, and nothing else. I'd rather see Ellen's Game of Games which also has questions, but with fun, laughable and embarrassing moments. Maybe this show would be better if kids were sitting in that robotic arm.

Hosted by Rob Lowe, "Mental Samurai" is another of those big studio games, and it features a huge robotic arm that transports contestants between questions. The object of the game is to answer all twelve questions in five minutes. If you do, you win $10,000 and a chance to play the Circle of Samurai. If you miss even one of the twelve, you fail.

The Circle of Samurai consists of four questions. Correct answers increase your winnings to $25,000, then $50,000, then $100,000. Those who go the distance also earn the title Mental Samurai. It may lack the cachet of Jeopardy Champion or American Ninja, but it's something most people will not accomplish, if the first episode is any indication.

The questions are distributed equally among four categories: Knowledge, Puzzles, Sequence, and Memory. Factual knowledge helps, but this is not a trivia quiz. What makes the task difficult is the ticking clock. The robotic arm, called AVA, is disorienting. You can train for American Ninja and Jeopardy, but you can't simulate the jerky, 3-D movements of AVA.

Rob Lowe is there for support and empathy. The game is difficult enough without an antagonist. And the questions are not tricky; they don't have to be.

The producers strive to cast contestants with interesting backgrounds and/or big personalities. This can add or subtract to the enjoyment of watching. The show is a curious diversion from other game show fare, but lacks the engagement necessary for long-term success.

Update 6-2-21: Season two has welcome improvements, like contestanta competing against each other.