California Games Review

Costas Stephanides ’s Review

The classic game returns from the 80's

California Games has been around for a long time, much longer than the OC. I remember playing it on the old Atari Lynx and it was a truly great game (which in fact I still play). As is becoming the norm, an old classic has been revamped and relaunched for the mobile.

For the uninitiated, California Games is comprised of lots of different events with a California theme. Events include Halfpipe skateboarding, BMX, Surfing and the imaginitively titled Flying Disc (which involves catching a flying disc aka Frisbee)

The first thing that you will notice are the much improved graphics. Mforma have totally redeveloped the BMX stage and it looks great. Overall, all the events have been tweaked from the detail in the characters all the way to the background. The second thing that will leap out at you is that the sound has been well and truly chumped. A few beeps and that's about it, not much of an intro and no in-game music. I guess something had to be sacrificed for what is otherwise a good game.

In total there are 6 events; Half pipe, Surfing, BMX, Skating, Footbag and Flying Disc. As you would expect you can compete in tournaments, single events or practice mode. However, you can also choose a selection of events for a mini tournament of your favourites.

The events seem a bit monotonous in today's market. While each game is totally different and independant from any other, they are pretty formulaic and the gameplay is limited. For example, in Footbag, all you need to do is to keep the ball air using your feet and head. Depending on your position and timing, different tricks can be done. Although there is only a limited number of tricks and combos you can do. You also have to be fairly precise with your foot position otherwise you will miss the ball. There is a steep learning curve for some of the events so spend some time in practice mode to fine-tune your skills.

All the events are pretty straight forward and the controls are quite easy and best suited to the D-pad. What was great about the previous incarnations of Califonia Games was the multiplayer option. Here you could link up to another Lynx and you could both race your BMX or play Footbag simultaneously. Unfortunately the only multiplayer option is via 'pass the phone'. A Bluetooth option would have turned this into a killer game.

At the end of the day the updated version of California Games is exactly that... an updated version of an old classic. Great graphics and some good options but just lacking a bit of substance for the 21st Century.