Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX, Wii
- Developers: Action Graphics, Inc.
- Publishers: Epyx
Winter Games (1985): The Ultimate Winter Sports Simulation
Released in 1985, Winter Games was one of the most ambitious and comprehensive sports games of its time. Developed by Epyx and released on a variety of platforms including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and Atari 8-bit family, Winter Games allowed players to compete in a wide range of winter sports, including skiing, skating, bobsledding, and biathlon.
Winter Games was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best winter sports games ever made. The game’s graphics were impressive for the time, and the gameplay was challenging and addictive. Winter Games also featured a variety of innovative features, such as the ability to create and customize your own athlete.
Gameplay
Winter Games features a total of nine different events:
- Alpine Skiing
- Bobsleigh
- Biathlon
- Cross-country skiing
- Figure skating
- Freestyle skiing
- Ice hockey
- Luge
- Ski jumping
Each event is unique in its own way, and players must master a variety of skills in order to succeed. For example, in Alpine skiing, players must carefully navigate a downhill course, avoiding obstacles and staying on the fastest line. In bobsledding, players must work together to steer their sled down a treacherous track. And in biathlon, players must ski a cross-country course while also shooting at targets.
Winter Games also features a variety of multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other in any of the nine events. The multiplayer modes are a great way to add some extra excitement to the game, and they can be a lot of fun with friends or family.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Winter Games featured impressive graphics and sound. The game’s characters are well-animated, and the environments are detailed and realistic. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that helps to create a sense of excitement and atmosphere.
Reception
Winter Games was a critical and commercial success. The game received positive reviews from critics, and it sold over one million copies worldwide. Winter Games was also nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year from the Arkie Awards.
Winter Games is still considered one of the best winter sports games ever made. The game’s challenging gameplay, variety of events, and innovative features make it a must-play for any fan of sports games.
Legacy
Winter Games has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s success helped to popularize winter sports games, and it inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs. Winter Games also helped to establish Epyx as one of the leading developers of sports games.
In 2007, Winter Games was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The game is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered a classic of the 8-bit era.
Conclusion
Winter Games is a classic winter sports game that still holds up today. With its challenging gameplay, variety of events, and innovative features, Winter Games is a must-play for any fan of sports games. The game’s legacy is still felt today, and it is considered one of the best winter sports games ever made.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
