Genre: Sports / Multi‑event
Publisher: Kixx
Year: 1989
System: Amstrad CPC
California Games is a multi-event sports game that brings California’s laid-back beach culture to the CPC. Originally developed by Epyx and first released by U.S. Gold, this Kixx budget version offered the same gameplay at a more affordable price. The game includes six distinct events: surfing, half-pipe skateboarding, roller-skating, BMX biking, footbag (hacky sack), and frisbee throw. Players can enter individual events or compete in a full tournament, adding variety and replay value.
The CPC version is visually colourful and performs well for a multi-event title, though some events are more refined than others. Disciplines like rollerskating and frisbee are intuitive, while surfing and the half-pipe require more finesse. Controls were sometimes seen as inconsistent across events.
Amstrad Action reviewed the original full-price release of California Games in Issue 30 (May 1988), awarding it 59%. The magazine appreciated the bright presentation and variety of gameplay but criticized the uneven difficulty and lack of long-term depth.
This Kixx re-release was part of a broader trend of popular titles being made available to a wider audience through budget labels, and California Games maintained its reputation as a fun—if not flawless—entry in the multi-sport genre.
