Preamble: This isn't a review. It doesn't contain critical analysis, just the subjective opinions of one person. The intent is to remember the games I've come across in my life and share the nostalgia, nothing more. And some of those games I didn't play in great depth

California Games

Developer: Epyx
Platform: Various
Release Year: 1987
Stephen's Rating: 7/10



This game had a sort of retro revival 6 or so years ago for me and my friends.

Basic Plot

There is no particular plot. The game involves competing in various non-traditional sporting events (theoretically popular in California at the time). These sports included:

* Roller Skating
* Surfing
* Hacky Sack
* Skateboarding
* Frisbee
* BMX


The surfing event.

Gameplay

Each event was essentially an independent mini-game and each had completely different input controls and strategy. The general theme was either pressing buttons very quickly in succession or getting a particular timing just right.

Positives

This was a fun and social game to play with friends, taking turns to see who could get the highest score on any given event.


The BMX event.

Negatives

It's not a negative about the game as such but I played this game for the first time over 15 years after its initial release and it was a bit outdated to take seriously, but I still had fun.

Memorable Moments

There were easter eggs in the game such as a shark appearing sometimes when you fell off your surf board, and the Jaws music would play.