Set Design- 10
Gameplay- 8
Show Flow- 9
Play-Along Factor- 10
Potential Viewer Ratings- 9
Host- 9
Overall Rating- 9.2
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| A screenshot of the Blockbusters board during a game. |
Premise- One contestant competes against
a team of two contestants. The contestants play on a 5x4 hexagon board, with each
hexagon containing a letter. Every question is a toss-up question and a
contestant can buzz-in in the middle of the question being asked if they know
what it is. If a contestant answers a question correctly, the hexagon will turn
to the corresponding color of the contestant/team and they will get to choose
another hexagon. The contestant/team will also be awarded £5 for every correct
answer. The solo contestant (represented by white hexagons) has to make a
vertical connection with a minimum of four correct answers. The two-player team
(represented by blue hexagons) has to make a horizontal connection with a
minimum of five correct answers. The first team to win two games will win the
match and plays the Gold Run bonus game. In the Gold Run game, the champion
will have 60 seconds to make a horizontal connection with a minimum of five
correct answers. If they answer a question incorrectly or pass on it, a block
is placed on the board and they will have to work their way around it. If they
successfully make the connection, they will win a special prize. If
unsuccessful, they will win £10 for every correct answer. If a contestant /team plays
five straight Gold Run games, they will be forced to retire undefeated.
And now, for the review……
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| A champion who is one correct answer away from winning the Gold Rush bonus game. |
Of all the Blockbusters
revivals, I think this one will have a very good chance of being the most
successful and running the longest. Challenge TV did an excellent job of reviving
this game show, maintaining the same fast-paced gameplay and competitive
atmosphere as in the original, and maintaining the "are two heads better than one?" aspect of the show. Before watching the 2012 revival, I originally didn’t
care for U.K. version of Blockbusters
because I was spoiled with the 1980 U.S. version with Bill Cullen hosting, with
his quick wit and humor. Simon Mayo is an excellent host who keeps the show
going at a quick pace, like Alex Trebek with Jeopardy!, while taking enough time to get well acquainted with the
contestants, which is somewhat rare nowadays with today’s game shows. I also
like the enhanced set using the contestants’ and Gold Run color scheme and the show’s
updated electric guitar-lead theme. The only criticism I have about the show is
the show’s prize budget. The cash award needs to be increased to at least £50
per correct answer and the Gold Run consolation prize of £100 per correct answer. Despite the cheapness of the main game, the Gold Run prizes
are cool and unique such as the Sports Car Driving Experience or a One-Night
Luxury Getaway Vacation Package.
 |
| Are two heads really better than one? |
Overall, the 2012 Blockbusters
revival is an excellent, competitive game show that is fun to play along while viewing. The network’s website gives
their viewers a chance to play against other players online with the Blockbusters online game. From Simon
Mayo as the host to the new Blockbusters board, Blockbusters is a terrific show to watch and I can see this show being
renewed for another season and hopefully many, many more.
For U.K. viewers, watch new episodes of Blockbusters weeknights at
8:00pm on Challenge TV! For everyone else, you can check out episodes of Blockbusters on YouTube!
**All screenshots have been taken
from the actual episodes of Blockbusters. No ownership
is implied.**
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