Video Power
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| Video Power | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Game show |
| Starring | Stivi Paskoski, Terry Lee Torok |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | syndicated |
Video Power was an American television show that went through two radically different incarnations. The constants were the subject matter of video games, and host "Johnny Arcade," played by Stivi Paskoski.
Contents |
[edit] First format
In the first edition of the show, episodes centered around a cartoon called "The Power Team," with live action scenes before and after. The live action scenes featured Johnny Arcade reviewing current and upcoming games from all the video game consoles of the time, and giving hints and tips, usually in a comedic fashion. The cartoon was an adventure featuring a team of heroes from different NES games released by Acclaim Entertainment: Max Force, a policeman from NARC; Kuros, the knight from Wizards and Warriors; Tyrone, a basketball player from Arch Rivals; Kwirk, a tomato from the game of the same name; and Bigfoot, a monster truck that had its own video game. The main enemy of each episode was either Mr. Big from NARC, or Malkil from Wizards & Warriors.
[edit] Second format
Around 1991, the show underwent a major remake and was reformatted into a game show hosted by Johnny Arcade and Terry Lee Torok.
[edit] Game play
[edit] Round 1: "Put Johnny on the Spot"
The game show starts with the introduction of "Johnny Arcade" by Terry Lee Torok. Then Terry would go into the audience of mostly young kids and have four of them ask game-related questions. Occasionally Johnny would get a question wrong and give a prepared excuse. On this rare occasion the audience would chant "STUMP, STUMP, STUMP" and the contestant who "stumped" Johnny would get a prize from the Prize Round area.
[edit] Round 2: Video Game playing
After asking questions the four contestants would go on stage and play a selected NES game for two minutes and two seconds. The winners were based on how many points a player would get or how far they reached in the game. For example, when playing "Bases Loaded 3" the winners were selected based on how many runs were scored in the time given. If no runs were scored, then the winners were based on how many balls versus strikes were called against the contestant. Another example was "For Little Nemo: The Dream Master", in which the scoring was based on how many keys were picked up and, if that resulted in a tie, how "far" in the level the contestants reached.
[edit] Round 3: Quiz
The two highest-scoring contestants from the video game playing round would then be given a "Power Vest" and a "Power Helmet" to wear (both of which were completely covered with Velcro). Johnny would then ask the contestants some NES questions.
There were three 10-"pizza"-point questions (one of which is always "What game is this music from"), one 20-"mushroom"-point question, and one question with a game as the prize. After the questions both contestants played a video game again for one minute and one second, and the winner would receive 50 "star" points. The winner would be the one with the most points. If there's a tie at 50-50, one final quiz question was asked to determine the winner.
[edit] Prize Round
Once a contestant would be declared the winner, they would get to run through the "Prize Round". The "Prize Round" was a maze with various NES games on the walls. The object of the winner was to grab as many NES games as possible and stick them onto their Velcro vest. Then they would go through a tube-slide on the side of the set before time runs out (41 seconds).
Additionally, there would be a "secret game" somewhere in the Prize round. The winner would be told where it is and if they got it they would get an extra prize (ex. rollerblades).
[edit] Theme Song Lyrics
My show is kickin'
with maximum height
Say Video Power...
Yeah, that's right. Word.
I've got the ability
to make you win,
You want the Edge?
I'll push the Power Surge.
Let 'er rip!
Feel the Power, Video Power...
[edit] External links
- Atari HQ's September Story about "Video Power"
- Video Power at the Internet Movie Database
- Stivi Paskoski at the Internet Movie Database
- Site about the show with screen shots
- One former contestant's cynical look back on the Video Power game show
Allen J. Bohbot (CEO of BKN) was the co-creator and executive producer of Video Power with Saban Entertainment's executive producers, Shuki Levy, Haim Saban, & Winston Richards
