California Games is a 1989 multi-event sports game for the NES, developed by Epyx and Rare and published by Milton Bradley. Capturing the West Coast subculture of the late 1980s, the game replaces traditional track-and-field events with six iconic outdoor activities: Halfpipe Skateboarding, Footbag, Surfing, Roller Skating, BMX Bike Racing, and Flying Disc.
How to Play
Choose to compete in individual events or tackle all six in a full tournament mode. Each event features unique controls and scoring systems tailored to its sport:
- Default Browser Controls: Use the Arrow Keys for directional movement and balancing, Z and X for jumps, tricks, and kicks, Enter to Start/Pause, and Right Shift for Select.
- Halfpipe Skateboarding: Pump the D-pad up and down at the base of the pipe to gain momentum, then press A or B at the crest to perform kickturns and aerial spins.
- Surfing: Ride ahead of the cresting wave, carving up and down the face while avoiding wipeouts in the foam.
- BMX Racing: Navigate a dirt obstacle course by balancing your speed over jumps and dodging hazards like logs and rocks.
- Footbag & Flying Disc: Time your kicks and catches precisely to keep the footbag airborne or land the frisbee inside target zones.
Tips
- Master Momentum on the Halfpipe: Press Down as you descend the ramp and Up as you ascend to build maximum height for high-scoring tricks.
- Control Surfing Angles: Keep your board angled gently when turning; steep maneuvers near the top of the wave will flip your surfer into a wipeout.
- Pace Yourself in BMX: Holding high speed over rough terrain causes crashes. Lightly tap the D-pad to land smoothly off major ramps.
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