Review of Family Fortunes 3 (Interactive DVD)

Introduction

Ah, Family Fortunes. Provider of material for stand up comedians everywhere. I think it was Craig Ferguson (now an accomplished TV host in the US) who I first saw make a routine out of stupid people`s stupid answers on Family Fortunes.

"Name something red"
"My red cardigan"

"A fabric that feels nice next to the skin"
"Nylon"

This was in the era of Les Dennis. Before him there were other presenters of this cult show - Bob Monkhouse and Max Bygraves. And of course the legendary sound effect of "Eh eh" (you know the one I mean, it`s very hard to represent it in words!)

But this is the modern era, and Family Fortunes is now presented by cheeky chappie Vernon Kay. And apparently people still watch it. This is the third DVD game to bear the Fortunes name, and the premise is once again a simple one. Play the game at home, just like it`s played on the telly.

Well, almost. You need a special pad to play (not provided with the review copy, but you can make one up if you feel that way inclined), and then you write your answers down.

Whoever gets the most points is the winner.

Video

A 4:3 picture on offer here. You don`t need more for such a simple quiz, but we do live in a widescreen world nowadays...

Audio

A DD2.0 stereo soundtrack, which does its job. This is not the game for you if you are irritated by Vernon Kay though...

Conclusion

Well, it`s a slightly different proposition to most quiz DVDs, because it`s more about opinions than trivia. And second guessing the British public is a very difficult skill, as it always has been when it comes to Family Fortunes. Some of the most logical answers are missing, and some of the most popular answers are baffling. Still that`s all part of the fun isn`t it?

The only problem with this DVD is that you need the special notepad on which to keep your scores. Granted, you`ll get one when you buy it (unlike reviewers who get a DVD with a bit of label stuck to it), but this just makes the game that bit more difficult to get into. Most other DVD games keep score for you...

A little bit of fun if you enjoy Family Fortunes, and should provide a small amount of entertaiment. It`s certainly come down in price since before Xmas too!