So Much Fortune, So Little Time

It doesn't matter: we'd have to pay our respects to Merv Griffin for creating such a huge, syndicated game show that has measured up to the popularity and the likes of The Price Is Right. However, because the object of the game is very simple and fun to play, it's only right to release a video game variant of the hit show. Not enough? No worries, they've got more versions to release. Still not enough? More editions with better graphics and gameplay are on the way. Still unsatisfied? Then developers will announce releases on other consoles, handhelds and even the computer, both PC and Mac. Still too little opportunities to obtain Fortune? Then they shall release a board game, with an awesome wheel replicate, and a dot-matrix handheld made by TIGER® Electronics. Still not en...okay, that's enough.

Not afraid to flaunt the TV game show geekery under my belt, Wheel of Fortune is so popular that even an avid video/computer game collector would have lost count on the number of official games, editions, platforms, board games and handhelds that have been released for the hit game show (not counting PC/DOS knockoffs and pirated versions). As much as this game show is one of my all-time favorites, too much is already too much. Unless you love the show, the game itself and/or feel it's a perfect game for gathering family and friends on the weekends, how much does the average gamer spend playing Wheel of Fortune (WOF)? What do these various editions and versions entail? From the outcry of bad reviews of the first releases?

This article isn't to detract the releasing of this classic game show in video/computer game form, let alone various handhelds and portables (including apps). Argumentatively, the same could be said about the Mario, Zelda, Kirby and/or even the Megaman series, but where does one draw the line? Only thing is these titles are only exclusive to Nintendo®; Titles like WOF get released on either platform without any conflicts. I've personally dedicated almost three weeks playing 9—yes, count them, 9—versions and editions of WOF in order to review them, which I went on to do on our front page SHOWSOTROS com. There aren't very many reviews out there, so why should I dive in to see what's going on and why are there so many?

It's nice when the masses have enough of something to satisfy our entertainment and recreational needs. However, sometimes you just need to draw the line and not make things too hasty or you'll lose money. Then again, WOF is still on the air and is keeping up with big ratings making the beautiful Vanna White the woman with "the most enviable job in the world." The TV show has also versions across the pond with their own Vanna White too! I can't blame nor can I argue the mere success of a 30-minute game show that has made puzzle-solving contestants rich in no time. In that case, I want to interview that one person with the biggest, and possibly most complete, Wheel Of Fortune collection on the planet. I'm serious; If that happens to be you, send me an email and let's talk.

Lastly, Pat, I'd like to solve the puzzle: "The DOS version of 'Wheel of Fortune Deluxe Edition' never worked properly for me since 1995."

Kris Caballero

Founder of KCU Network and KCU Plus, Kris has been writing since he started blogging in late 2005. Officially back to doing computer programming, Kris enjoys reading books on Mathematics, Quantum Computing, Philosophy, plus playing old video/MS-DOS games, digital video archiving, listening to sports, public radio and classical music.

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