data/claims/california-games-history.yamlCalifornia Games (history and reception)
Game: California Games.
Computer Entertainer's report on the June 1987 Consumer Electronics Show has Epyx introducing California Games at its booth to Beach Boys music, with visitors queueing to try the events. Epyx was finishing the game, the newest of its "Games" series, which had begun with Summer Games, and planned it for the Commodore 64/128, Apple II, IBM, Amiga and Apple IIGS. california-games-history/ces-1987
p. 1The Epyx booth filled the air with Beach Boys music as California Games was introduced-the lines were always there as people wanted to try their hands at surfing, skateboarding, and the like.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 6, Let's Go Surfin' Nowfinishing up California GamesComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 6, Let's Go Surfin' NowThe newest in the highly successful "Games" series which began with Summer GamesComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · p. 6, Let's Go Surfin' Now — the sentence ends "the Apple IIGS." on the next lineThe game will be made available for Commodore 64/128, Apple II, IBM, Amiga, andChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The pinned PDF is an image scan; its text is our own OCR of it (tesseract), which verify-quotes reads. Page images were not read.
Cited by: California Games
Epyx's Commodore 64 version is the earliest one known to have been reviewed: Computer Entertainer reviewed it in August 1987 at a suggested retail price of $39.95, for one to eight players with a joystick, and listed versions for the Apple II, IBM, Amiga and Apple IIGS as coming. california-games-history/release-c64
p. 4, Commodore 64/128 Software(one to eight players; joystick required; reviewed on Commo- dore 64; coming for Apple Il, IBM, Amiga, and Apple 11GS.)Our translation(one to eight players; joystick required; reviewed on Commodore 64; coming for Apple II, IBM, Amiga, and Apple IIGS.)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4 — the line closing the California Games review; B-24's review followsRecommended (MSR $39.95)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No source read gives a day or month of release. "Earliest known" rests on the June 1987 report of the game as unfinished (california-games-history/ces-1987) and this August review; the U.S. Gold leaflet and the British reviews come later. The pinned PDF is an image scan read through our own OCR of it.
Cited by: California Games
Computer Entertainer's review of the Commodore 64 version describes six events and the settings it gives them: half-pipe skateboarding below the Hollywood sign, foot bag in a park by the Golden Gate Bridge, competition surfing judged by a panel on the beach, roller skating down the Venice boardwalk, BMX racing in the California desert, and the flying disk, for which it names no place. As in Epyx's earlier "Games", the player can compete in all the events or one, or practice. california-games-history/events
p. 4, The EventsThere are six events, all with the definite California overtone.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4, The Eventsyou can choose to play all the events, one event, practice, etc.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4in the shadow of the famous Hollywood signComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4it's on to Foot Bag in apark next to the Golden Gate BridgeComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4A panel of judges on the beach judge you when you're done.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4it's time for some roller skating down the Venice boardwalkComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4dips at in the California descrt.Our translation(jumps, bumps, and) dips in the California desert.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4Finally, there's the Flying Disk competitionRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Dropped "each tied to a California place"; the review places no flying disk.Cited by: California Games
In the Commodore 64 version each player picks a real sponsor; Computer Entertainer names Ocean Pacific T-shirts, NHS Santa Cruz Skateboards, Spin Jammer Flying Discs and Kawasaki Jet Skis, and reports that Epyx planned to give away over 3,000 prizes, valued at over $80,000, through an instant-winner game packed in each box that fall. The package included a "California Spoken Here" list of slang. california-games-history/sponsors
p. 4, Choose a Real SponsorYou can choose to represent such sponsors as Occan Pacific T-shirts, NHS Santa Cruz Skateboards, Spin Jammer Flying Discs, Kawasaki Jet Skis, and more.Our translation... such sponsors as Ocean Pacific T-shirts, NHS Santa Cruz Skateboards, ...Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4, Choose a Real SponsorEpyx promises to give away over 3000 prizes valucd at over $80,000 through an Instant Winncr Game packaged inside each game box this fall.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4, In the Fine TraditionThere's a "California Spoken Here" ]ist of words and definitions included in the packageOur translationThere's a "California Spoken Here" list of words and definitions included in the packageChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: California Games
Computer Entertainer recommended the Commodore 64 version. It praised the graphics as "up to the normal Epyx excellence", down to a seagull and "that gull call which is so familiar", and called the game "another terrific effort that you'll enjoy for hours on end". It gave four of four stars for graphics and four for game play. california-games-history/ce-c64-verdict
p. 4, In the Fine TraditionThe graphics are up to the normal Epyx excellence with crisp, bright colorsComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4even a seagull occasionally flying through some of the scenesComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4it's another terrific effort that you'll enjoy for hours on end.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4Recommended (MSR $39.95)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4that gull call which is so familiarComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 4 (PDF p. 4) — the OCR reads "(xx&x/*x%x)"; the stars were read on the page image (PDF p. 4) by the lead, 2026-11-06CALIFORNIA GAMES (★★★★/★★★★)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the gull call line; four stars and four, read on the page image (PDF p. 4).The stars are graphics, then game play.
Cited by: California Games
California Games headed Computer Entertainer's Top Twenty in its October 1987 issue, on the Commodore 64. california-games-history/ce-chart
p. 1, The Top TwentyTHE TOP TWENTYComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 1, The Top Twenty1. California Games (Epyx/Co)Our translation1. California Games (Epyx, Commodore 64)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The chart's key and method weren't read in this issue.
Cited by: California Games
Computer Entertainer's editors gave the Commodore 64 version their Award of Excellence for sports program of the year, in the newsletter's sixth annual awards (January 1988). california-games-history/ce-award
p. 3, Awards of Excellence AnnouncedAWARDS OF EXCELLENCE ANNOUNCEDComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 10 (January 1988) · p. 3this is the Sixth Annual time we've met and slugged it out over the bestComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 10 (January 1988) · p. 3SPORTS PROGRAM OF THE YEARComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 10 (January 1988) · p. 3Commodore 64: CALIFORNIA GAMES (Epyx)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: California Games
In Computer Entertainer's 1988 Readers' Hall of Fame vote, which The Legend of Zelda won, California Games (Epyx, Commodore 64/128) was one of four honorable mentions, with Metroid, Space Harrier and Marble Madness. california-games-history/ce-readers
p. 8, The Computer Entertainer Readers' Hall of Fame AwardsHonorable mentions go to the runners-up in the voting: METROID (Nintendo), SPACE HARRIER (Sega),Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 4 (July 1988) · p. 8and CALIFORNIA GAMES (Epyx for C64/128).Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 4 (July 1988) · p. 8was THE LEGEND OF ZELDA byChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: California Games
Computer Gaming World reports California Games among the nominees for best graphics in the Software Publishers Association's 1987 Excellence in Software Awards, which Adobe Illustrator won. The report names no version ("California Games (Epyx)"). california-games-history/spa-nominee
p. 8, Inside the Industrythe 1 987 Excellence in Software Awards were presented.Our translationthe 1987 Excellence in Software Awards were presented.Computer Gaming World, issue 47 (May 1988) · p. 8The award for Best Graphics went to Adobe Il- lustrator (Adobe Systems), but California Games (Epyx), Deluxe Paint (Electronic Arts), Falcon (Spectrum Holobyte), and Shadowgate (Mindscape) were also nominated.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The report names no version.Cited by: California Games
Zzap!64 reviewed the Commodore 64 version, under US Gold and Epyx, in September 1987 at £9.99 on cassette and £14.99 on disk, joystick only, for up to eight players, each choosing one of nine sponsors. It gave the game a Gold Medal. california-games-history/zzap-review
p. 18US GoItf/EpVK, £9.99 cass, £14.99 disk, joystick onlyOur translationUS Gold/Epyx, £9.99 cass, £14.99 disk, joystick onlyZzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 18eigtil players to compete <n all orOur translation(This allows up to) eight players to compete in all or (some of the events)Zzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 18(there are nine,Our translation(choose a sponsor) (there are nine, (including ... and Kawasaki))Zzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 3, contentscampilatlon wins a Gold MadalOur translation(Epyx's sunny) compilation wins a Gold MedalChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR only; the OCR of the review is poor, and the page images weren't read. The review runs over pp. 18-20 (printed page = PDF page).
Cited by: California Games
Zzap!64 rated the Commodore 64 version 96% for presentation, 97% for graphics, 84% for sound, 98% for hookability, 96% for lastability, and 97% overall. california-games-history/zzap-score
p. 20, ratings boxOVERALL 97°/Our translationOVERALL 97%Zzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 20, ratings boxGRAPHICS 97%Zzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 20, ratings boxSOUND 84%Zzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 20, ratings boxLASTABIUTV 96%Our translationLASTABILITY 96%Zzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 20 (image n19), ratings box — read on the page image (image n19) by the lead, 2026-11-06; the OCR garbles presentation and hookability ("H00KABILmr98'%")PRESENTATION 96% / GRAPHICS 97% / SOUND 84% / HOOKABILITY 98% / LASTABILITY 96% / OVERALL 97%Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: States all six marks, read by the lead on the page image (image n19).The OCR holds the graphics, sound, lastability and overall marks; all six were read on the page image (image n19).
Cited by: California Games
Zzap!64's reviewers found all six events of an equally high standard and called the game "the apex of computer sports gaming"; one named the surfing as his favorite. One reviewer judged the multi-load cassette a minor inconvenience beside the enjoyment. california-games-history/zzap-verdict
p. 18six games are of an equslty high standardOur translation(all) six games are of an equally high standardZzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 20the apei of computer spfsrts gangingOur translation(California Games is quite simply) the apex of computer sports gamingZzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 19Just lor the record, the Surfing is my lavoLiriteOur translationJust for the record, the Surfing is my favouriteZzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 18 — the sentence goes on, in the OCR, that the enjoyment is so high "even Ihls inconvenience should only seem mmor"The multi-load cassette mayZzap!64, issue 29 (September 1987) · p. 18should only seem mmorOur translation(even this inconvenience) should only seem minorRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Locators corrected to pp. 19 and 20; one reviewer called the multi-load minor, not "the review's one complaint".Read in the OCR only; the page images weren't read.
Cited by: California Games
U.S. Gold's European instruction leaflet gives loading instructions for Commodore 64/128 cassette, Amstrad cassette, Atari ST, Amiga and IBM PC versions. Its menu has an option, for the Spectrum and Amstrad only, to define two sets of control keys, and the leaflet carries a 1987 Epyx copyright. california-games-history/uk-leaflet
English section, loading instructionsCBM 64/128 CASSETTE:California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, loading instructionsAMSTRAD CASSETTE:California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, loading instructionsATARI ST:California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, loading instructionsCBM AMIGA:California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, loading instructionsIBM/PC:California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Starting PlayOPTION 6: Detine Contrak Spectrum, Amstrad OMYOur translationOPTION 6: Define Controls (Spectrum, Amstrad only)California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, end© 1987 EPYI incOur translation© 1987 Epyx Inc.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Spectrum dropped from the loading list; the OCR's LOAD line has lost its heading.The OCR is poor: a loading line between the Commodore and Amstrad ones ("Type LOAD"" and press ENTER") has lost its heading, so the OCR doesn't say which machine it is for, and the license line after the copyright is garbled. Page images weren't read.
Cited by: California Games
The U.S. Gold leaflet's scoring tables, which don't separate the machines the leaflet covers, give for foot bag 10 points for any kick, 250 for a half axle (two kicks with a half spin between), 500 for a full axle, and 5,000 for a left outside kick, a head butt and a right outside kick; and for half-pipe skateboarding, 100 to 300 for a kick turn, 400 to 700 for a hand plant and 400 to 999 for an aerial turn. A surfer has 1:30 and four wipe-outs, a roller skater three falls, and the flying disk three throws. california-games-history/uk-scoring
English section, Foot Bag, ScoringAny Kick: (10 pts.)California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Foot Bag, ScoringHalf Axle: (250 pts.) Any two kicks with 0 half spin in between,Our translationHalf Axle: (250 pts.) Any two kicks with a half spin in between,California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Foot Bag, ScoringFull Axle: (500 pts.) Any two kicks with o full spin in between.California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Foot Bag, ScoringDeda: (5000 pts.) Lett outside kick + head butt + right outside kickOur translation(name unread): (5000 pts.) Left outside kick + head butt + right outside kickCalifornia Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Half Pipe Skateboarding, ScoringKick Turns 100 300California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Half Pipe Skateboarding, ScoringHandPlants 400 700California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Half Pipe Skateboarding, ScoringAerial Turns 400 999California Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, SurfingYow get 1:30 minutes for the event ar 4 wipeoutiOur translationYou get 1:30 minutes for the event or 4 wipeoutsCalifornia Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Roller SkatingYow re alhowed three hathOur translationYou're allowed three fallsCalifornia Games (U.S. Gold) instruction leaflet, English section · English section, Flying DiskYou get three attempts to throw and catch the disk.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The tables don't separate machines; the 5,000-point stunt is described by its kicks, its name unread; columns read on the page image.Read in the OCR. On the leaflet's page image (the item's _text.pdf, p. 1) the lead read the skateboard table's column heads, "Stunt / Minimum / Maximum", so the figures are ranges, low to high; the 5,000-point foot bag stunt's name is too blurred on the scan to read (the OCR's "Deda").
Cited by: California Games
U.S. Gold published the ZX Spectrum version in Britain, by the reviews of early 1988; Crash lists Epyx as its author and £8.99 as its price. california-games-history/spectrum-release
p. 27Producer US GoldCrash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 27Retail price: £8,99Our translationRetail price: £8.99Crash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 27AuthOfB: EpyxOur translationAuthor: EpyxSinclair User, issue 71 (February 1988) · p. 20-21£8.99Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Sinclair User 69 (December 1987, p. 46) carries an advertisement for the game, which our index lists from the page image; its OCR doesn't hold the title, and it hasn't been read here.
Cited by: California Games
The three Spectrum reviews all mention that the events load one at a time from tape: Sinclair User called the multi-load "a definite pain", and a Crash reviewer found each event not worth the wait to load it. california-games-history/spectrum-multiload
p. 20in horrific mutti load one-event-at-a-time orderOur translationin horrific multi-load one-event-at-a-time orderSinclair User, issue 71 (February 1988) · p. 21the multi-load aspect is a definite painCrash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 27You hav$ to wait 10T each event to load inOur translationYou have to wait for each event to load inYour Sinclair, issue 27 (March 1988) · p. 65onto the six multiple- loading events, which can be played in any order you desireChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: California Games
Crash's three reviewers panned the Spectrum version. One called it "a real disappointment" with poor graphics and little playability, another "definitely not recommended", and the third "a total waste of time and money"; the comments box's general rating calls it "the poorest Epyx release yet; lacking playability and addictiveness". california-games-history/crash-verdict
p. 27, CriticismH a real disappotntment.Our translation(California Games) is a real disappointment.Crash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 27, CriticismOennttety not recomn^nded.Our translationDefinitely not recommended.Crash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 27, CriticismCalifornia Oames is a total wttsfe of tinw and money.Our translationCalifornia Games is a total waste of time and money.Crash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 27, Commentsthe poorest Epyx release yal^Our translationthe poorest Epyx release yetCrash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 27 (image n26), Comments, General rating — read on the page image (image n26) by the lead, 2026-11-06; the OCR reads "the poorest Epyx release yal^ lacking piayabiiity and addictivaneas"the poorest Epyx release yet; lacking playability and addictivenessRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the General rating "the poorest Epyx release yet", read on the page image (image n26); "almost" dropped.The reviewers' comments are read in the OCR, which is badly garbled on p. 27; the General rating was read on the page image (image n26).
Cited by: California Games
Crash's comments box rates the Spectrum version 55% for presentation, 42% for graphics, 43% for playability, 43% for addictive qualities, and 36% overall. The second reviewer's own mark, after that reviewer's comment, is 41%. california-games-history/crash-score
p. 27 (image n26), comments box — the OCR doesn't hold the box; read on the page image (image n26) by the lead, 2026-11-06. The 71% box on the same page belongs to another gamePresentation 55% / Graphics 42% / Playability 43% / Addictive qualities 43% / OVERALL 36%Crash, issue 49 (February 1988) · p. 27, Criticism — the second reviewer's own mark, after the comment ending "Definitely not recommended"41%Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Now T1, the comments box's five marks (36% overall) read by the lead on the page image (image n26); the OCR's 41% is a reviewer's own mark.Cited by: California Games
Sinclair User's review of the Spectrum version found it "great value for money". It liked the surfing best, found roller skating and BMX "a bit iffy", and thought the graphics weak and the multi-load a pain, but the variety and programming redeemed much of that. Its setup screens name up to eight players. california-games-history/su-verdict
p. 21California Games is great value for money.Sinclair User, issue 71 (February 1988) · p. 20 — the OCR reads "Surfing is the mosi enjoyable event on the whole tape"enjoyable event on the whole tapeSinclair User, issue 71 (February 1988) · p. 20Roller skating and BMX Racing are both a bit iffySinclair User, issue 71 (February 1988) · p. 21there's enough variety and it's programmed we'N enough to redeem much of This.Our translationthere's enough variety and it's programmed well enough to redeem much of this.Sinclair User, issue 71 (February 1988) · p. 20you can name each player (up to eight)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: California Games
Sinclair User's Jim Douglas gave the Spectrum version 8: "One of the best sports-sims around. 4 great events and 2 iffy ones. Definitely worthwhile." The review's Facts Box gives the label as Epyx, the author as in-house, the price as £8.99, the memory as 48K/128K, and the joystick as various. california-games-history/su-score
p. 21 (image n20), Facts Box — the OCR doesn't hold the box; read on the page image (image n20) by the lead, 2026-11-06CALIFORNIA GAMES / Label: Epyx / Author: In-house / Price: £8.99 / Memory: 48K/128K / Joystick: variousSinclair User, issue 71 (February 1988) · p. 21 (image n20), Facts Box — with the mark, 8, and the reviewer's signature, Jim Douglas; read on the page image (image n20) by the lead, 2026-11-06One of the best sports-sims around. 4 great events and 2 iffy ones. Definitely worthwhile.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Now T1, the mark of 8, comment line and Facts Box read by the lead on the page image (image n20, p. 21).Cited by: California Games
Your Sinclair's Duncan gave the Spectrum version a total of 7 on its Clapometer. He found no joystick option on the menu, judged the conversion "a little bit of a 'rush job'" with big, chunky graphics and almost no sound, and summed it up as a not too frenetic keyboard waggler with six playable events for up to four players. california-games-history/ys-review
p. 65 — the answer to "can you guess what was missing?" at the menu screena joystick option!Your Sinclair, issue 27 (March 1988) · p. 65 — the OCR runs the columns together; the sentence goes on "conversion) was a little bit of a 'rush job'"California Games (the SpeccyYour Sinclair, issue 27 (March 1988) · p. 65'rush job'Your Sinclair, issue 27 (March 1988) · p. 65, YS ClapometerWest-Coast fiavoured events. Up to four can compete.Our translationWest-Coast flavoured events. Up to four can compete.Your Sinclair, issue 27 (March 1988) · p. 65, YS ClapometerTOTAL 7Your Sinclair, issue 27 (March 1988) · p. 65Epyx/£8.99 DuncanChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR; the page image wasn't read. Your Sinclair's "up to four" and Sinclair User's "up to eight" (california-games-history/su-verdict) disagree for the same Spectrum game.
Cited by: California Games
By early 1989 U.S. Gold had put the Spectrum game on its compilation Giants (World Beaters Giants) with Gauntlet II, Rolling Thunder, 720° and Out Run, at £12.99 on cassette and £19.99 on disk. Your Sinclair's review of the compilation found California Games "totally failed to set me alight", with chunky, colorful graphics and no sound to speak of, fun only with friends. california-games-history/giants
p. 4, mail-order advertisement — under "GIANTS", at £11.50 by mail orderGAUNTLET II ROLLING THUNDER + CALIFORNIA GAMES + 720° + OUT RUNYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · pp. 40-41US Gold /£!2.99 cass/£19,99 diskOur translationUS Gold / £12.99 cass / £19.99 diskYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · pp. 40-41all hit compilation World Beaters GiantsYour Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · pp. 40-41but this one totally failed to set me alight. Chunky and colourful graphics but non¬ existent sound: only great fun when you've mates to play it with.Your Sinclair, issue 38 (February 1989) · pp. 40-41 — the paragraph on California Games, which the review doesn't name in ittypical West Coast activities like frisbee throwing, surfing and keeping a bean bag in the air with your foot.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the West Coast activities line that names the game.Crash 60 (January 1989, pp. 92-93 and 114) reviews and advertises the same compilation; its OCR is too poor to quote, and it hasn't been read here.
Cited by: California Games
An Atari 2600 version, reviewed by Computer Entertainer in July 1988, kept the "Louie, Louie" music but had four events instead of six (foot bag, half-pipe skateboarding, BMX and surfing), for one to eight players. The only weak spot it found in the graphics was the surfing wave, too big a piece of animated scenery for the machine, and it called the game a must for the 2600 library. It lists the game as also available for C64/128, IBM and Apple II. It gave three and a half of four stars for graphics and three and a half for game play. california-games-history/atari-2600
p. 13computer hit to the Atari 2600, complete with the music of "Louie, Louie," but with four events instead of six.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 4 (July 1988) · p. 13The only weak spot in the graphics is the representation of the wave in the Surfing eventComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 4 (July 1988) · p. 13CALIFORNIA GAMES is a must for the 2600 gamer's library. (1 to 8 players.)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 4 (July 1988) · p. 132600 version reviewed; also available for C64/128, IBM/compatibles, Apple II.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 4 (July 1988) · p. 13 (image n12) — the OCR reads "(xx x1/2/xxx1/2)"; the stars were read on the page image (image n12) by the lead, 2026-11-06CALIFORNIA GAMES (★★★1/2/★★★1/2)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The surfing wave was the review's only graphics complaint; stars read on the page image (image n12).The review's publisher line wasn't read. The stars are graphics, then game play.
Cited by: California Games
Milton Bradley released California Games for the NES in North America in June 1989. california-games-history/release-nes
PDF p. 3 — the row gives title, licensee and month, not a dayCalifornia Games Milton Bradley June 1989Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Nintendo Software — the OCR line begins "ALIFORNIA GAMES (4%21/2/&21/2) ships for Nintendo", and the next "Im Milton Bradley"ships for NintendoComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Nintendo SoftwareIm Milton Bradley coinciding (coincidentally) with the release forOur translationfrom Milton Bradley coinciding (coincidentally) with the release for (Sega)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The scan's left margin is cut, so the OCR loses each line's first letters. No source read names the NES version's developer, and no NES manual has been found.
Cited by: California Games
Computer Entertainer reviewed the Sega Master System and NES versions side by side in June 1989 and recommended both. The Sega game has six events (half-pipe skateboarding, surfing, BMX, foot bag, roller skating and flying disk), played all, in any combination, one at a time or in practice; a choice of sponsor; trophies after each event; the "Louie Louie" opening; and one to eight players. The reviewers found the control-pad adaptation fine and the graphics "very strong". The NES game has the same six events and features, with small differences: on the NES a shark comes with the "Jaws" theme when the surfer wipes out, while the Sega version's shark crosses the screen without music, and the reviewers preferred the Sega version's waves. They called both excellent translations. The newsletter gave each version three and a half of four stars for graphics and three and a half for game play. california-games-history/nes-sega-review
p. 13, Sega Softwareme includes half pipe skateboarding, surfing, BMX bike racing, footOur translation(the Sega ga)me includes half pipe skateboarding, surfing, BMX bike racing, foot (bag,)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Sega Softwareme opens to the strains of "Louie Louie")Our translation(the ga)me opens to the strains of "Louie Louie")Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Sega Softwareatures the awarding of trophies after each event and scoring.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Sega SoftwareThe action is quite good and adaptation to the control padComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Sega SoftwareGraphics are very strong with some nice sound effectsComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Nintendo Softwaretures the same six events as the Sega game, with gameplay veryComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Nintendo Softwareinstance, the Nintendo version features a shark with the "Jaws" theme )Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Nintendo Softwareoccasionally crosses the screen without music; however, we felt the waves were a bit better in the Sega version.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Nintendo SoftwareBoth are excellent translations of a hit titleComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Nintendo Softwareto eight players) RecommendedComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Sega Softwareg, roller skating, and flying disk. You can choose to compete in allOur translation(foot ba)g, roller skating, and flying disk. You can choose to compete in all (ev)entsComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Sega Softwareents, any combination, one event, or practice one event.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Sega Softwarepick your sponsor.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13, Sega Software — the line that closes the Sega review; the next line, "(commended" in the OCR, reads RecommendedWith this one. (one to eight players)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13 (PDF p. 13), Sega Software — the Sega review; the OCR reads "(4xX1/2/4%x1/2)"; the stars were read on the page image (PDF p. 13) by the lead, 2026-11-06CALIFORNIA GAMES (★★★1/2/★★★1/2)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 13 (PDF p. 13), Nintendo Software — the NES review; the OCR reads "(4%21/2/&21/2)"; the stars were read on the page image (PDF p. 13) by the lead, 2026-11-06CALIFORNIA GAMES (★★★1/2/★★★1/2)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the Sega events, combination, sponsor and Recommended lines; stars for both read on the page image (PDF p. 13).The scan's left margin is cut, so the OCR loses each line's first letters. The stars are graphics, then game play. The pinned PDF is an image scan read through our own OCR of it.
Cited by: California Games
The NES version stood fifteenth, last, in Computer Entertainer's Top Fifteen Videogames in June 1989, the month the NES list gives for its release (california-games-history/release-nes). california-games-history/nes-chart
p. 1, Top Fifteen VideogamesOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMESOur translationTOP FIFTEEN VIDEOGAMESComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 1, Top Fifteen Videogames — fourteenth, the line aboveZelda II: Adv of Link (Nin/NES)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 1, Top Fifteen Videogames — the OCR reads the position number as "i."; the place is counted from the list's order, last of fifteenCalifornia Games (MB/NES)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The position is counted from the OCR's order of the list; the page image wasn't read.
Cited by: California Games
Nintendo Power's Video Shorts of March/April 1989 described the NES game's trail-bike course, skateboard half pipe, obstacle-laden sidewalk for roller skaters, foot bag, flying disc and surfing, from Milton Bradley. california-games-history/nes-preview
printed p. 78 (PDF p. 74), Video Shorts"fun-in-the-sun" activities to choose from in California Games. For you free-wheeling types, there's a treacherous trail biking course, an intense skateboard half-pipe, and a bad obstacle-laden sidewalk course to challenge the best rollerskaters.Nintendo Power, issue 5 (1989-03) · printed p. 78 (PDF p. 74)park for a little foot bag or flying disc toss or board your board and grab some waves.Nintendo Power, issue 5 (1989-03) · printed p. 78 (PDF p. 74)from MILTON BRADLEYChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: California Games
Computer Entertainer reported from the June 1989 Consumer Electronics Show that Atari's hand-held Portable Color Entertainment System was packaged with California Games. california-games-history/lynx
p. 10, Advanced Hand-Held Game Technology from Atari and Epyx — the OCR breaks the title over two lines ("CALIFO)" and "NIA GAMES")The Atari system is packaged with CALIFO)Our translationThe Atari system is packaged with CALIFORNIA GAMESComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 10Atari Portable Color Entertainment System (PCES)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The article names the machine the Atari Portable Color Entertainment System; the Lynx name isn't in it.
Cited by: California Games