Most TV viewers would agree that they simply don’t make them like they used to. This could be said of any generation of TV viewers but the 80’s and 90’s were definitely filled with a unique selection of game shows that really did appeal to children around the country hoping to win a place as a contestant and experience the magic first-hand. Here are just some of the best nostalgic shows that we’ve picked up.
Knightmare
For fans of fantasy adventure and immersive role-playing there was nothing more fitting for geeks in the late 80’s than CITV’s ‘Knightmare’. A team of three youngsters must help guide a fourth member (the dungeoneer), who’s vision was blocked, through a virtual reality-based series of rooms and chambers solving puzzles, meeting strange characters and fighting for survival along the way.
Bullseye
Mostly notable for its low budget set and often unusual star prizes (where am I going to park a speedboat?) this enduring darts-based quiz game was a popular staple of Sunday afternoon viewing. It became a cult classic mostly thanks to comedian host Jim Bowen’s catchphrases and the oddball contestants that would play each week. And it’s this long continued cult following of the classic show that has led to a revival in popularity during recent years.
The franchise has spawned the creation of a Bullseye themed slot game most recently, as well as many other fun spin-offs games that have appeared in many a Christmas stocking across the UK.
Fun House
With loud sounds, colourful action, host Pat Sharp sporting an incredible golden mullet and sexy twins Melanie and Martina running around you can see why kids game show ‘Fun House’ was always pulling in the viewing figures back in its day. It ran for 11 seasons and saw a variety of children plunge their way through a soft play fun house collecting tokens and the power prize tag before their time ran out.
The Crystal Maze
Often considered to be one of the best and most innovative British game shows of all time ‘The Crystal Maze’ was at the time one of Channel 4’s most watched programs. Teams progressed through the maze made up of 4 separate zones playing different styled games such as skill, physical, mental and mystery each with the intention of winning a crystal.
By the end of the game the remaining contestants (who hadn’t been locked in) would collect shiny scraps of paper in a Crystal shaped dome requiring 100 gold tokens to win the main prize. Long regarded as a true classic, the beloved gameshow is even set to make a comeback next year.
