California Games

California Games - the 1987 multi event sports for Commodore 64 from Epyx.

Six sun soaked events with sponsors and bragging rights. Nail tricks,
read patterns, and pass the joystick around as up to eight players
chase trophies and records.

Core loop
- pick practice - single event - or compete in all six
- choose a sponsor and enter names for 1 to 8 players
- score runs in each event and tally medals for the champion

Events and systems
- half pipe - pump the ramp and chain airs without bailing
- footbag - juggle with stall - around the world - and crowd tricks
- surfing - carve the wave face and hit floaters off the lip
- roller skating - dodge cones and cracks while timing jumps
- BMX - manage speed and angle over jumps for clean landings
- flying disc - lead the runner and catch clean in the end zone
- world records - saves per event on disk or tape

Level design and feel
Bright backdrops and big sprites with crisp inputs tuned per event.
Sponsors and podium ceremonies add flavor. The vibe is playful and
perfect for party nights.

Why it is notable
- Epyx follow up to the Games series with six Californian sports
- supports up to eight alternating players on C64

Tips
- in half pipe, move up on the rise and down on the drop to build speed
- in footbag, mix stalls with simple juggles to keep a safe rhythm
- in BMX, small taps on approach beat full pushes for clean landings

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - Epyx
Design - Chuck Sommerville - Ken Nicholson - Kevin Norman - Kevin Furry -
Jon Leupp
Graphics - Jenny Martin - Susan Greene - Sheryl Knowles - Paul Vernon
Music - Christopher Grigg - Gil Freeman
Publisher - Epyx
Genre - Sports compilation
Players - 1 to 8 alternating
Controls - Joystick in port 2