Tech-Gaming Technology, Gaming, and Culture
Let’s be upfront about this: most video game interpretations of game
shows aren’t very good. Mirroring the formula of the television programs
they are based on, these interactive recreations are typically low-cost
alternatives to big budget, narrative-based entertainment. Yet,
translations of a popular shows certainly have the potential to stir up a
rousing rivalry among a group of players. Gather a group of the most
unlikely gamers together and it’s a safe bet they’ll all know the rules
to Wheel of Fortune.
Beyond the aforementioned budgetary
limitations, game show translations repeatedly make puzzling design
choices. From versions of Jeopardy! which demand faultless spelling, to The Price is Right‘s
contestant row competitions which cycle through a dozen or so items,
developer inexperience seems like a widespread ailment. After creating
PC and console versions of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Press Your Luck, and Hollywood Squares, developer Ludia has used their familiarity to craft Family Feud Decades.
Although better than most game show interpretations, the title still
succumbs to several perplexing slapdash decisions. Despite these gaffes,
forecasting audience responses to amusing queries proved to be
undeniably enjoyable- especially for non-gamers.
The game’s charming hook gives participants the ability to enjoy Family Feud
in four different eras. Integrating clothing styles, set changes, and
question from the 1970’s through the 2000’s adds a dose of variety
missing from similar diversions. Just don’t expect avatars resembling
hosts Richard Dawson, Ray Combs, or Louie Anderson to mingle with the
virtual contestants- except for the game’s enthusiastic announcing
(which is a spot-on imitation of John O’Hurley’s) . While Family Feud‘s
superfluous socializing has been excised, it helps the game keep a solid
pace. Players do get a customize an avatar, with the game creating a
clan of similar-looking relatives.
In keeping with the source material, Decades
sporadically includes a madding, thick-witted, audience response. One
example: “Who would Superman most likely send a Christmas Card to?” The
third most popular response was “Clark Kent”; my playing party was
surprised to find out that the Man of Steel was so narcissistic. While
that problem is common to the television program, as few other blemishes
are initiated by the game’s developers. Family Feud‘s Versus
Mode allows two teams of up to four players to oppose one another by
passing the Wiimote along, but don’t expect the game to dutifully cue
participants when it’s their turn. Worse, when a team enters the game’s
culminating Fast Money round, Decades fails to conceal the
answers for the second player. Teams which don’t win the round are given
a prize based on the final score; inexplicably the game requires
players to do the math, as a final dollar amount isn’t shown. Generally,
score are shown infrequently enough, that it can be hard to know which
team is in the lead. A simple picture-in-picture graphic could have
remedied that.
While these gaffes were disheartening, Decades does made some inspired
choices. Players aren’t required to type out their entire response.
After a few characters are input, the game will offer suggestions, which
players can then choose from. It’s a great time saver, even if the
mechanic might reveal additional answers or alert players that their
non-suggested responses will result in a demoralizing strike. In lieu of
button prompts preceding each player’s turn, Decade‘s tempo is
consistency fluid. Unlike many of its peers, there’s no spots where
players will be pounding their Wiimote buttons to skip a cinematic.
Ironically, Family Feud Decades toughest competition may be Ludia’s own
PS3 version of Family Feud. The PSN title runs at a higher resolution,
and sells for a third of Decade‘s price. While players may not have
access to grunge-themed attire and over-sized ‘fros, the savings can’t
be overlooked. Ironically, families (and groups of friends) without a
PS3, will probably have the most fun with the title. I wouldn’t expect a
feud, but rather a competently crafted sense of camaraderie.
Yeah for captions.
You’re right, why get this if you can get the PSN version for $10?
Not something I’m run out to buy, but if I saw it on clearance I might pick it up.
But Superman might send a Christmas card to himself to protect his cover. 🙂
Top Ten Answers on the Board.
Name a failed or soon to be failed peripheral released this generation.
This seems like a good DLC game but as a full-priced disk, I don’t know. Unless it’s $20…
I didn’t know this existed. How many question are there?
Weren’t hippies from the 1960’s- i.e. before Family Feud started.
Not a big Family Fued fan. I like Jeopardy! a bit more.
Sounds like it could be fun with the right people.
Thanks for the review.
I looked up the price on this. $30 seems like a lot for a game show type game.
I never liked Family Feud too much. The Price is Right has always been my only favorite.
Did Ubisoft publisher the PSN one? Is not they’re getting a cut of the difference. Factor is disc, manual, the stores take and marketing and there you go. DLC FTW!
No Richard Dawson is a deal-breaker. That guy was a cold blooded pimp.
I was about to ask how much this was. $20 seems about right.
Hell, I know the GF would like this. I might have to get it as a Christmas present.
I cant find another review on this game ANYWHERE on the net. I’m not even sure it exists….
thanks for the review. I’m glad you didn’t tear it apart for not being another shooting game for hardcore players. Some of us like the more casual games.
Don’t forget to mention Steve Harvey in the 2010s…
Actually Feud started in 1976. So it’s not quite 40 years old. 4 decades yes.
I agree. I’m glad you review these type of games as well. I don’t know if I have the reflexes to play Call of Duty.
No way am I played $30.00 just to have a afro. BTW- Jeopardy is $4.99 on PSN right now.
They’re not questions, they’re surveys.
No whammies….stop!
The greatest FF moment is where the girl is jumping around and her boob pops out.
(link deleted: Please don’t post NSFW videos)
This might be a great game for the holidays when family comes over.
thanks, just bought it.