California Games

In reviewing a game like California games, one that has several different portions of the game, you really have to just talk about each individually. There are four games available in California Games, there's a BMX competition, a skateboard half pipe, a little surfing, and even a hacky sack. None are especially good, and each is extremely repetitive. So, let's take a look at each:

BMX: While this isn't the worst portion of the game, it is damn close. The BMX bike is extremely difficult to control, and hitting at least half of the obstacles is likely. Both of the jump buttons are almost completely useless. This is one of the most frustrating experiences I have ever dealt with. I'll move on now ...

SURFING: If you will recall, Surfing was the sport that I put on my TOP FIVE WORST SPORTS FOR VIDEO GAMES and even went as far as saying: "surfing is the ocean spitting you back out". Well, I still agree with that comment, but put against the substandard quality of other sports on this compilation, Surfing is one of my favorites. The control is actually a lot better than I thought it was going to be. And it really is a lot of fun here.

HALF PIPE: This is the worst sport in California Games. Perhaps It's because I'm so used to Tony Hawk' Pro Skater, but regardless, this is just frustration! It's hard to keep your skater on the skate board, and it's even harder to do tricks. You can pretty much just pass this portion of California Games all together. I do like the background, which at least looks like California, what with the Hollywood sign and all. But then, that' s not much of a compliment now, is it?

FOOTBAG: Foot bag is "hacky sack", or a hands free juggling performance. The only catch is that in the past I have played hacky sack with friends, but in California Games you are all by yourself. The balance is a bit off, but this is the easiest of the games to play. I personally like being able to hit the seagulls above. But, like all the other games, I quickly tired of this competition. I wish it were more than just about the points, but this portion of the game is a lot of fun.

Hmm ... so after you've played through all the games you will come to the conclusion that there's only two good parts of this game. And then you'll realize that this game isn't really worth playing at all ... Well, at least this isn't New York Games.