Name: California Games Atari Lynx - Escapist Gamer
Brand: simple
SKU: 3XEAY0z5kJd7pyYyQ
Price: 12.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Description

California Games Atari Lynx

California Games was a launch title for the Atari Lynx handheld system in September 1989 and was included as the pack-in game for the console. The port of the classic Epyx sports game was known for showing off the Lynx’s colourful graphics and smooth scrolling, though it was missing two events from the original version.

Gameplay and features

The Atari Lynx version of California Games features four events instead of the six found in the original computer versions. The game is designed around achieving high scores, which are not saved when the console is powered off.

The included events are:

BMX: Players navigate a downhill dirt track filled with obstacles, performing flips for extra points. Reviewers often praise this event for its speed, solid controls, and colourful graphics.
Surfing: On a large wave, players perform tricks and turns to earn points. The gameplay features impressive visuals of the waves and sky. Unlike other events, you have a limited number of “lives” before getting wiped out.
Half-Pipe: Set in front of the Hollywood sign, this skateboarding event challenges players to perform stunts, like handplants and aerial jumps, on a half-pipe. It is often considered the most difficult and frustrating event due to its timing-based controls.
Footbag: In this hacky-sack-style mini-game, the goal is to keep the ball in the air by performing kicks and headers. Kicking a flying seagull adds a humorous touch and bonus points.

California Games Atari Lynx

Reception

As a launch title, California Games was critical to demonstrating the Lynx’s technical capabilities.

Graphics and sound: The game received praise for its visuals, which made good use of the Lynx’s colour display, smooth scrolling, and large, detailed sprites. Its upbeat, catchy music was also well-regarded.
Port quality: While the loss of two events (roller skating and Frisbee) from the original was a let down for some, the overall quality of the port was considered good.
Gameplay experience: Though some events were stronger than others, the game was generally considered fun and highly replay able due to its pick-up-and-play arcade-style mechanics. The Surfing and BMX events were especially popular.
Legacy: California Games on the Lynx is remembered fondly as one of the standout titles for the system. In 2004, GameSpot even inducted the Lynx version into its list of the greatest games of all time.