Sega8bit.com - Review: California Games


	Review Information

	Reviewer Name:	Ian

	Game Difficulty:	Easy
	Difficulty Options:	False


	Game Information

	Full Title:	California Games
	Year Released:	1989
	Game Type:	Sports
	Max Players:	2

Introduction

This game doesn't give an introduction nor does it have any plot or story whatsoever. Quite simply, this is a collection of mini games. I don't remember too much about the first time I played this but I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it, especially the skating event. In recent times after playing it again I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was. Multi-player is the best way to play (you can have up to 8 players you know.)

Gameplay

There are 6 events altogether; Half pipe, footbag, surfing, skating, bmx and flying disk. You have the option to compete in them (playing for hi-scores) and practice them, which I recommend you should do. It can prove quite tricky to play at first. In no event are the controls similar. The trickiest I think being the half pipe. The flying disk is just hard. But overall after practicing all of these events I got the hang of it and found them all really enjoyable. There's not much I would change to this game except maybe throwing in a few more maneuvers on the half pipe.

Graphics

I think the graphics in this game are very good. The sprites are well drawn and the animation is not too bad. No slow downs or flickering at any time. The best parts I think are the backgrounds. The well drawn scenery's set the mood very well.

Sound & Music

The music was pretty good. Nothing grit-teethingly annoying I'm glad to say as SMS games can tend to be. The is different music for each event that relates to it pretty well. Nothing memorable but nicely done overall.

Controls

The controls are probably the games biggest trouble. I think first time players would get frustrated with them in several events which would put them off from playing the game. But I think once you've got in a bit of practice they become comfortable and the game becomes more enjoyable. This is also the problem with similar games such as 'Summer Games' and 'World Games'(I still can't even work out the controls on them!)

Replay Value


	Scores

I think this is a pretty common game, possibly not as popular as it should be. So if you don't own it and see it somewhere cheap, buy it! It's a really fun game, however you won't be coming back to it too much after a couple of days or so. I have a bash at it every now and then but there's not really anything that makes you want to come back to it regularly.

Conclusion

Overall I think it's a great game definitely worth owning. If you own it and don't think too much of it, I ask you to have a go, be patient, practice at it and you'll find it's better than you thought. And if you can, try play with some friends, it's a good laugh. And for the record, no one will ever beat my high scores.