2009 · Ludia, Inc. · Quiz

Press Your Luck

Timed Nintendo exclusive

Don't let the "2010 Edition" fool you - this is based off of the original version of the popular 80's game show Press Your Luck. The garish 1980s set and the flow of the show have both been faithfully replicated in digital form. The game features a single player mode, where the contestant plays through 20 shows of different opponents and increasing difficulty. Alternatively, up to three players can play an episode as contestants in the game's "Party Mode."

Released: 27 October 2009
Platforms: Nintendo DS PlayStation 3 Wii Windows
Genres: Quiz
Developers: Ludia, Inc.
Publishers: Ubisoft Entertainment Ludia, Inc.
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Themes: Party
Age ratings: ESRB E

About

Press Your Luck is an American television game show created by Bill Carruthers and Jan McCormack. Contestants answer trivia questions to earn "spins" on a randomly cycling game board. The board's spaces display cash, prizes, extra spins, special items, or the show's mascot, a cartoon creature known as the Whammy. Landing on a Whammy eliminates any cash and prizes accumulated while also displaying a short comedic animation.

Its format is a revival of an earlier Carruthers production, Second Chance, which was hosted by Jim Peck and aired on ABC in 1977. The original version of Press Your Luck aired on CBS between 1983 and 1986. This version featured Peter Tomarken as host, Rod Roddy as announcer, and Carruthers as both director and voice of the Whammy. The original incarnation of the show gained significant media attention in 1984 for a scandal of contestant Michael Larson, who won over $100,000 after memorizing the original pattern of the game board.

Keywords

game show
based on - tv show

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Three contestants compete on each episode. Gameplay consists of four rounds: two question rounds and two "big board" rounds.

In a question round, contestants earn spins by correctly answering a series of trivia questions asked by the host. Each question is initially presented as a toss-up open to all; after a contestant buzzes in and answers, the host reads that response and two more to the opponents as a multiple choice selection. Contestants earn three spins for buzzing in and giving the correct answer, and one for choosing it from the three options. If no one buzzes in, the host reads three answers and each contestant can earn one spin by choosing the correct one.

Development

Press Your Luck is a revival of an earlier game show format created by producer Bill Carruthers, known as Second Chance. This show was hosted by Jim Peck and aired on ABC in 1977. Like Press Your Luck, it also featured contestants answering trivia questions to assume control of a board with cash and prizes. This game board also featured spaces labeled with a devil, who would take away all cash and prizes if the contestant landed on one. Carruthers and Jan McCormack began developing Press Your Luck in 1983.

Peter Tomarken, prior to working in television, was an editor for Women's Wear Daily magazine. His first major television role came earlier in 1983 on the NBC game show Hit Man, and he was chosen to host Press Your Luck after the former was canceled. Press Your Luck began both tapings and airings in September 1983. m.