California Games (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

California Games (1987): The Original Extreme Sports Extravaganza

Released in 1987, California Games was a groundbreaking sports video game that introduced a new generation of gamers to the thrill and excitement of extreme sports. Developed by Epyx and published by Atari Games, California Games was one of the first games to feature multiple extreme sports disciplines in one package, including skateboarding, surfing, BMX biking, roller skating, flying disc (frisbee), and footbag.

The game was an instant success, selling over two million copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling games of its era. California Games was praised for its innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and addictive challenge. It also helped to popularize extreme sports and inspired a new generation of athletes.

Gameplay

California Games is a collection of six different extreme sports events, each with its own unique gameplay mechanics and challenges. Players can choose to compete in any or all of the events, and they can also select their own sponsors from a variety of real-world companies.

The events in California Games are as follows:

  • Surfing: Players control a surfer as they ride a wave, performing tricks and avoiding obstacles. The goal is to score as many points as possible by performing impressive maneuvers.
  • Skateboarding: Players control a skateboarder as they skate through a half-pipe, performing tricks and avoiding obstacles. The goal is to score as many points as possible by performing impressive maneuvers.
  • BMX biking: Players control a BMX biker as they race through a track, performing tricks and avoiding obstacles. The goal is to finish the race in first place.
  • Roller skating: Players control a roller skater as they skate through a course, performing tricks and avoiding obstacles. The goal is to finish the course in first place.
  • Flying disc: Players control a flying disc as they throw it back and forth with an opponent. The goal is to score points by catching the disc in the end zone.
  • Footbag: Players control a footbag as they juggle it with their feet. The goal is to keep the footbag in the air for as long as possible.

Graphics and Sound

California Games features colorful and vibrant graphics that bring the excitement of extreme sports to life. The game’s characters are well-animated and the environments are detailed and realistic. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a variety of upbeat and energetic tracks that perfectly complement the gameplay.

Legacy

California Games was a major critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize extreme sports around the world. The game also inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs, including California Games II (1988), California Games 3 (1991), and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999).

California Games is still considered to be one of the best extreme sports games ever made, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, realistic graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a timeless classic.

California Games: A Retrospective

In 1987, California Games was a revolutionary sports video game. It was one of the first games to feature multiple extreme sports disciplines in one package, and it helped to popularize extreme sports around the world. The game’s innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and addictive challenge made it an instant success, and it remains one of the best extreme sports games ever made.

California Games was a major influence on the development of extreme sports video games, and it helped to inspire a new generation of athletes. The game’s legacy continues to this day, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Additional Information

  • California Games was developed by Epyx and published by Atari Games.
  • The game was released in 1987 for the Atari 7800, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS.
  • California Games was a critical and commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide.
  • The game was ported to a number of other platforms, including the Amiga, Apple II, and Nintendo Entertainment System.
  • California Games inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs, including California Games II (1988), California Games 3 (1991), and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999).

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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