Championship Water-Skiing (1987)

by Christopher December 28, 2022

written by Christopher December 28, 2022 3 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1987
Genres: Sport
Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE
Developers: Infogrames
Publishers: Infogrames

Championship Water-Skiing: The Arcade Classic That Defined a Genre

Released in 1987, Championship Water-Skiing is an arcade classic that defined the water-skiing genre. Developed by Nautique and published by Data East, the game was an instant hit, thanks to its simple controls, addictive gameplay, and realistic graphics.

Gameplay

Championship Water-Skiing is a single-player game in which the player controls a water-skier behind a motorboat. The goal of the game is to complete a series of courses without falling off the skis. The courses are filled with obstacles, such as buoys, jumps, and ramps. The player must navigate the course while performing tricks and jumps to earn points.

The game is controlled with a joystick and two buttons. The joystick is used to steer the skier and the buttons are used to jump and perform tricks. The player can perform a variety of tricks, including backflips, front flips, and 360s.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Championship Water-Skiing had impressive graphics. The water is rendered in a realistic blue color and the skiers are animated smoothly. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that adds to the overall atmosphere.

Legacy

Championship Water-Skiing was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of its era and it helped to popularize the water-skiing genre. The game has been ported to a variety of home consoles and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Tips for Playing Championship Water-Skiing

Use the joystick to steer the skier and the buttons to jump and perform tricks.
Time your jumps carefully to avoid falling off the skis.
Use the ramps to perform big jumps and earn bonus points.
Collect the buoys to earn extra time.
Don’t be afraid to fall off the skis. You can always start the course over again.

Conclusion

Championship Water-Skiing is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its simple controls, addictive gameplay, and realistic graphics make it a great game for all ages. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging water-skiing game, then Championship Water-Skiing is the perfect game for you.

Additional Information

Championship Water-Skiing was developed by Nautique, a company that specializes in manufacturing water-ski boats.
The game was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore 64, and Atari ST.
Championship Water-Skiing was followed by a sequel, Championship Water-Skiing 2, which was released in 1990.
The game is still available for purchase on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

Review Score

7.5/10

Christopher

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.