For those who watched Nickelodeon heavily during the 90's, I'm sure you've seen your fair share of game shows. "Double Dare" might have been enjoyable in its own right, not to mention immensely popular, but I never thought that there was a great sense of urgency. I wanted to watch the types of programs which made me want to root for the people who were competing. At the risk of sounding nostalgic, these sorts of obstacle course racing shows hold a lot of good memories.
I think the show that mostly every old school Nickelodeon viewer remembers is "Guts," which was the ultimate athletic show at the time. There wasn't much in the way of sugarcoating or aesthetic; it was simply a matter of kids competing against one another through such events as rugby and power skiing in order to rack up the most points. Even though there wasn't much in the way of looks, it was still an endearing show. However, it's not my favorite.
If I had to pick out a favorite from the group, I think "Legends of the Hidden Temple" would be at the forefront. Not only was there a slight amount of reading comprehension and memory to be utilized but the ones who proved to be the most athletic would be able to take home the prize. Of course, getting through the actual temple was a test in and of itself. I was also a big fan of the shirts that the competitors wore and the fact that they exist to be purchased today cannot go unnoticed.
It seems that people will look at "Legends of the Hidden Temple" and deem it a ripoff of "American Gladiators" but I have an argument or two against it. First off, obstacle course racing games such as these are not exactly common on children's networks, so it was made with a different audience in mind. In addition, it has a distinct Mesoamerican theme, the most common aspect being the Olmec Head which serves as the announcer of sorts. It's hard to compare these shows which can possibly grant inspiration to events like Spartan Race.
Nostalgia is one of those aspects that I cannot help but attach myself to. The kinds of shows that I had watched at one time as a child were some of my favorites and it's easy to watch them today and enjoy. However, if I were to go and watch a show that I had little or no connection to when I was younger, it's tougher for me to feel said connection. Regardless, obstacle course racing games are not ones that will go out of style.
I think the show that mostly every old school Nickelodeon viewer remembers is "Guts," which was the ultimate athletic show at the time. There wasn't much in the way of sugarcoating or aesthetic; it was simply a matter of kids competing against one another through such events as rugby and power skiing in order to rack up the most points. Even though there wasn't much in the way of looks, it was still an endearing show. However, it's not my favorite.
If I had to pick out a favorite from the group, I think "Legends of the Hidden Temple" would be at the forefront. Not only was there a slight amount of reading comprehension and memory to be utilized but the ones who proved to be the most athletic would be able to take home the prize. Of course, getting through the actual temple was a test in and of itself. I was also a big fan of the shirts that the competitors wore and the fact that they exist to be purchased today cannot go unnoticed.
It seems that people will look at "Legends of the Hidden Temple" and deem it a ripoff of "American Gladiators" but I have an argument or two against it. First off, obstacle course racing games such as these are not exactly common on children's networks, so it was made with a different audience in mind. In addition, it has a distinct Mesoamerican theme, the most common aspect being the Olmec Head which serves as the announcer of sorts. It's hard to compare these shows which can possibly grant inspiration to events like Spartan Race.
Nostalgia is one of those aspects that I cannot help but attach myself to. The kinds of shows that I had watched at one time as a child were some of my favorites and it's easy to watch them today and enjoy. However, if I were to go and watch a show that I had little or no connection to when I was younger, it's tougher for me to feel said connection. Regardless, obstacle course racing games are not ones that will go out of style.
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