Publisher: Commodore Gaming

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

Screenshots

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Last Ninja 3 (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Last Ninja 3: A Masterpiece of Ninja Action and Adventure

Released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Last Ninja 3 is a side-scrolling action-adventure game that took the ninja genre to new heights. With its stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and epic storyline, Last Ninja 3 remains one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed NES games of all time.

A Timeless Tale of Revenge and Redemption

Last Ninja 3 continues the story of Armakuni, the Last Ninja, who must once again battle the evil Kunitoki to avenge the death of his master. The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes that are beautifully drawn and full of action and intrigue. The cutscenes do an excellent job of setting the stage for the game’s epic quest and establishing the motivations of its characters.

Groundbreaking Graphics and Animation

One of the most striking things about Last Ninja 3 is its graphics. The game’s backgrounds are incredibly detailed and feature a variety of locations, from lush forests to ancient temples. The character sprites are also very well-animated, and the fight scenes are some of the most fluid and exciting ever seen on the NES.

Innovative Gameplay that Pushes the NES to its Limits

Last Ninja 3’s gameplay is a mix of action and adventure elements. The player controls Armakuni as he explores the game’s world, fights enemies, and solves puzzles. The game features a variety of weapons and power-ups that Armakuni can use to defeat his enemies.

One of the most innovative aspects of Last Ninja 3’s gameplay is its “kuji-kiri” system. This system allows Armakuni to perform a variety of special moves by pressing certain combinations of buttons. These moves can be used to attack enemies, defend against attacks, or heal Armakuni’s wounds.

An Epic Soundtrack that Sets the Mood

Last Ninja 3’s soundtrack is one of the most memorable and atmospheric of any NES game. The music is a mix of traditional Japanese melodies and modern electronic sounds. The soundtrack perfectly captures the game’s sense of adventure and danger, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience for the player.

A Classic that Still Holds Up Today

Over 30 years after its release, Last Ninja 3 remains a classic example of ninja action and adventure. The game’s stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and epic story still hold up today, and it is sure to entertain and challenge gamers of all ages. If you’re a fan of ninja games, retro gaming, or simply great games in general, then you owe it to yourself to check out Last Ninja 3.

Additional Features that Set Last Ninja 3 Apart:

  • Multiple endings: The game features multiple endings depending on the player’s actions throughout the game.
  • Hidden secrets: The game is full of hidden secrets and bonus areas that reward exploration.
  • Challenging difficulty: Last Ninja 3 is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced, and players who are willing to learn the game’s mechanics will be rewarded.
  • Replayability: Last Ninja 3 is a highly replayable game. The game’s multiple endings and hidden secrets encourage players to come back and experience the game again and again.

Conclusion

Last Ninja 3 is a masterpiece of ninja action and adventure. The game’s stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and epic story make it one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed NES games of all time. If you’re a fan of ninja games, retro gaming, or simply great games in general, then you owe it to yourself to check out Last Ninja 3.

Review Score

8.5/10

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