Games Winter Edition

The Games: Winter Edition - the 1988 multi-event sports game for
Commodore 64 from Epyx.

Compete in a series of Olympic-style winter sports, mastering timing and
precision across skiing, skating, and sledding events for the gold.

Core loop
- choose events and represent a country
- practice or compete for medals in each discipline
- score based on speed, form, and accuracy
- aim for record-breaking totals across all events

Systems and items
- eight events - downhill, slalom, ski jump, speed skating, figure
skating, luge, bobsled, and cross-country
- practice mode - refine timing before official runs
- instant replay - watch your best jumps or crashes
- multiplayer - up to eight athletes alternating turns

Level design and feel
Smooth scrolling courses and detailed sprite animation highlight Epyx’s
engine refinement. Each event uses distinct mechanics, from rhythmic
skating inputs to split-second gate control on steep slopes.

Why it is notable
- follow-up to “Summer Games II,” pushing C64 graphics and fluidity
- released during the Calgary ’88 Winter Olympics craze
- hallmark of Epyx’s peak sports anthology era

Tips
- in ski jump, start crouch early and release just before the edge
- keep rhythm in speed skating—too fast ruins stride efficiency
- steer lightly in luge; overcorrection costs precious speed

At a glance
Year - 1988
Developer - Epyx
Design and programming - Chuck Sommerville - Scott Nelson - Jon Leupp
Graphics - Michael Kosaka - Henry Lee
Music - Bob Vieira
Publisher - Epyx
Genre - Sports (Olympic multi-event)
Players - 1 to 8 alternating
Controls - Joystick in port 2