data/claims/winter-games-history.yamlWinter Games (history and reception)
Game: Winter Games.
The Commodore 64 manual of Winter Games is Epyx's, dated 1985, and says the game program was designed by Action Graphics, Inc. winter-games-history/c64-makers
cover (image 1)Game program designed by Action Graphics, Inc.Winter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · back cover (image 16)©1985 EPYX Inc.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The manual names no individual designers or programmers. No other source read names Action Graphics or says what part it had in the versions for other machines.
Cited by: Winter Games
The Commodore 64 manual sets the game at the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary and offers seven events for 1 to 8 players: Ski Jump, Bobsled, Figure Skating, Free Skating, Hot Dog Aerials, Speed Skating, and Biathlon (cross-country skiing and rifle shooting). Players represent one of 18 countries, and the game saves world records. winter-games-history/c64-premise
image 2, Moment of TruthYou're an athlete at the 1988 Winter Games at Calgary, Alberta, Canada.Winter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 2, ObjectivesWINTER GAMES challenges your competitive skills with a series of athletic contests for 1 to 8 players.Winter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 2, Objectives18 countries you can represent in the competitionWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 4, Option 1Compete in all seven events, : Ski Jump, Bobsled, Figure Skating, Hot Dog Aerials, Freestyle Skating, Speed Skating, and Biathlon.Winter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 2, ObjectivesWINTER GAMES will save your name and display it on a special World Records screen.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The Objectives paragraph spells the skating event "Freestyle Skating"; the events' own pages and the reviews call it Free Skating.
Cited by: Winter Games
On the Commodore 64, a menu after the opening ceremony offers competition in all events, in some, or in one, practice of one event without scores, a choice of one or two joysticks, the world records, and the opening ceremony again. Each player types a name and picks a country's flag. winter-games-history/c64-options
image 3, How to Playa menu screen offers you a choice of six optionsWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 4, Option 4OPTION 4: Practice One Event No scores are kept during practice rounds.Winter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 4, Option 5OPTION 5: Number of JoysticksWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 4, Option 1To enter your name, type your name on the keyboard and press RETURNWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 4, Option 1OPTION 1: Compete in all the EventsWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 4, Option 2OPTION 2: Compete in Some EventsWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 4, Option 3OPTION 3: Compete in One EventWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 5, Option 6OPTION 6: See World RecordsWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 5, Option 7Repeats the opening ceremonies.Winter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 4, Option 1flag of your choice, then press the FIRE button to select thatRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Menu and option locators corrected; options 1 to 3, 6, 7 and the flag choice quoted.The menu text says six options but the manual describes seven, the last being the opening ceremonies; the claim lists all seven as printed.
Cited by: Winter Games
When players compete in every event on the Commodore 64, the manual names a Grand Champion by points: 5 for a gold medal, 3 for silver, and 1 for bronze. winter-games-history/c64-champion
Value: gold 5 · silver 3 · bronze 1
ManualWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) ·image 13, Champion CeremonyGold Medal = 5 points Silver Medal = 3 points Bronze Medal = 1 pointWinter Games instruction manual for the Commodore 64/128 (Epyx) · image 13, Champion Ceremonyplayer with the most points is honored as the Grand Champion.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the Grand Champion line.Cited by: Winter Games
In July 1985 Computer Entertainer, reporting from Epyx's booth at the Consumer Electronics Show, previewed Winter Games as a work in development, having tried its ice skating, bobsledding, and ski jumping. winter-games-history/ces-preview
p. 4, Winter Games a Beauty!another "work in development," WINTER GAMES.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 4 (July 1985) · p. 4, Winter Games a Beauty! — the OCR loses the left edge of the column; the line reads "try ice skating (took a few spills and then managed an exhilarating spin or two), bobsledding, and ski jumping"try ice sketingComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 4 (July 1985) · p. 4, Epyx Booth Busy! — the heading of the Epyx part of the show report, which runs on into the Winter Games paragraphBooth BUSY!Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The earliest known mention of the game among the sources read.
Cited by: Winter Games
Computer Entertainer reviewed the Commodore 64 disk in October 1985, rating it 4 of 4 for graphics and 4 for play value and recommending it, as "every bit as spectacular as the two Summer Games programs" and "another superb piece of programming from Epyx". It listed seven events for 1 to 8 players and gave the price as about $40, with Apple II and Macintosh versions coming soon. winter-games-history/c64-ce-review
p. 4 (image 4), Winter Games reviewis every bit as spectacular as the two Summer Games programs, and it's likely to be another gold-medal winnerComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 7 (October 1985) · p. 4 (image 4), Winter Games reviewWINTER GAMES is another superb piece of programming from Epyx.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 7 (October 1985) · p. 4 (image 4), Winter Games reviewto 8 players; Joystick; Disk.) Reviewed on C64; coming soon for Apple II, Macintosh.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 7 (October 1985) · p. 4 (image 4), Winter Games reviewRecom mended. (MSR approx. $40.00)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 7 (October 1985) · p. 4 (image 4), Winter Games reviewgoing on to compete in any or all of the seven eventsComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 7 (October 1985) · p. 4 (image 4), Winter Games review — read by the lead on the page image (image n3) as "WINTER GAMES (★★★★/★★★★) is every bit as spectacular"WINTER GAMES (RK /KKKK) is every bit asRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The review is on p. 4, not p. 3; the four-star ratings were read on the page image.The newsletter rates graphics, then play value, out of four.
Cited by: Winter Games
Computer Entertainer reported in October 1985 that Epyx was giving away a week for four at Lake Tahoe, with ski equipment as runner-up prizes, in connection with Winter Games. winter-games-history/c64-sweepstakes
p. 3 (image 3), Win a Tour of Lucasfilm Games HeadquartersIn connection with WINTER GAMES, Epyrz is giving away a week for 4 at Lake Tahoe. plus runner-up prizes of ski equipment.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The locator gives image 3.Computer Entertainer's front-page chart had the Commodore 64 version at number 7 in its Top Ten of October 1985 and at number 1 in its Top Fifteen of December 1985. In its Top Twenty of April 1986 the Macintosh version stood at number 5 and the Apple II version at number 8. The December and April charts say they come from telephone polls of a selected group of retailers. winter-games-history/ce-chart
p. 1, The Top Ten7. Winter Games (Epy/C64)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 1, The Top Fifteen1. Winter Games (Epy/Co)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 1, The Top FifteenTop Fifteen ix the result of telephoneComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 1, The Top Twenty5. Winter Games (Epy/Mac)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 1, The Top Twenty8. Winter Games (Epy/Ap)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 9 (December 1985) · p. 1, The Top Fifteenpolls with a selected group of retailersComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 7 (October 1985) · p. 1, The Top TenTHE TOP TENComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 1, The Top TwentyTHE TOP TWENTYComputer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 1 (April 1986) · p. 1, The Top TwentyTop Twenty is the result of telephone polls with a selected group of retailersRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The Top Ten, Top Fifteen, and Top Twenty are named and quoted, with the retailer polls.The charts abbreviate the machines: C64 and Co for the Commodore 64, Mac for the Macintosh, Ap for the Apple II. The October 1985 Top Ten doesn't say how it was compiled in the lines read.
Cited by: Winter Games
Zzap!64 reviewed the Commodore 64 version in November 1985, published in Britain by US Gold at £9.95 on cassette and £14.95 on disk, and gave it 94% overall (presentation 95%, graphics 98%, sound 97%, hookability 97%, lastability 94%, value for money 95%), calling it "another classic sports simulation from Epyx". winter-games-history/c64-zzap-review
Value
{
"review": "Zzap!64",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 95,
"graphics": 98,
"sound": 97,
"hookability": 97,
"lastability": 94,
"value for money": 95,
"overall": 94
}
}p. 104, Winter Games — the line reads "US Gold/Epyx, £9.95 cass, £14.95 disk, joystick only"US Gold/Epyx, £9.95 case, E14.95 diak, joyatlck onlyZzap!64, issue 7 (November 1985) · p. 106, ratingsPresentation 95%Zzap!64, issue 7 (November 1985) · p. 106, ratings — the lead read the whole ratings box on the page image (image n105): Presentation 95%, Graphics 98%, Sound 97%, Hookability 97%, Lastability 94%, Value For Money 95%, Overall 94%Overall 94% Another classic sportsRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: All six ratings were read on the page image.The OCR garbles the graphics, sound, and value figures; they were read on the page image. The ratings box faults the presentation for "a lack of restart facility".
Cited by: Winter Games
Zzap!64 noted that Winter Games kept the Summer Games format but had seven events to their eight. One reviewer thought it "a little harder" than the others in the series, its two skating events offering more challenge than almost any event in Summer Games II; another, finding that the skating events and the Ski Jump need a lot of practice, called it the best sports simulation since Summer Games II. winter-games-history/c64-zzap-verdict
p. 104, Winter Gamesthere are only seven events in Winter Games as opposed to eight in Summer Games.Zzap!64, issue 7 (November 1985) · p. 104, Winter Gamesthat Winter Games is a little harder than the others in the Games seriesZzap!64, issue 7 (November 1985) · p. 105, Winter GamesWinter Games, the best sports simulation since Summer Games IIZzap!64, issue 7 (November 1985) · p. 104, Winter Gamesskating events offer a lot more challenge than just about any other event in SGZzap!64, issue 7 (November 1985) · p. 105, Winter GamesSome of the events need a lot of practice, ones like the two skating events and the Ski JumpRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted and stated the skating-challenge and practice lines.Cited by: Winter Games
In Zzap!64's readers' chart of its Christmas 1985 issue, Winter Games entered at number 4 with 6% of the vote. In the readers' awards of April 1986 it came second for best sports game, with 26%, behind Summer Games II. winter-games-history/c64-zzap-readers
p. 156, readers' chart4. (-) WINTER GAMES (6%) US GOLD, £9.95 cass ZZAP! rating 94%Zzap!64, issue 12 (April 1986) · p. 62, readers' awards, Best SportsWINTER GAMES came in second with 26% of the voteZzap!64, issue 12 (April 1986) · p. 62, readers' awards, Best SportsSUMMER GAMES II US Gold/EpyxChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Winter Games
Crash reviewed the ZX Spectrum version in March 1986 as a Crash Smash: produced by Epyx and US Gold, written by Sentient Software, and priced at £7.95. Its seven events load in two parts from the two sides of the cassette. Crash gave it 93% overall (graphics 93%, playability 92%, addictive qualities 95%), and one reviewer reckoned it "the best sports game to date, with the possible exception of Hyper Sports". winter-games-history/spectrum-crash-review
Value
{
"review": "Crash",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"use of computer": 90,
"graphics": 93,
"playability": 92,
"getting started": 92,
"addictive qualities": 95,
"value for money": 90,
"overall": 93
}
}p. 132 (image 133), Winter Games, facts box — the facts box reads "Producer: Epyx/US Gold, Retail price: £7.95, Author: Sentient Software/US Gold"Produc«r : Epyx/US GokiCrash, issue 26 (March 1986) · p. 132 (image 133), Winter Games, facts boxAuthor: SentientCrash, issue 26 (March 1986) · p. 132 (image 133), Winter Games — the sentence reads "All these events won't fit into memory together, and two loads are required"; the package is a double-sided cassettetwo lioads aro rMpiiredCrash, issue 26 (March 1986) · p. 133 (image 134), reviewers' commentsbest sports game to date, with the possible excep- tion of Hyper SportsCrash, issue 26 (March 1986) · p. 133 (image 134), ratingsAddictive quaiittea 95%Crash, issue 26 (March 1986) · p. 133 (image 134), ratings — the lead read the ratings on the page image (image n133): Use of computer 90%, Graphics 93%, Playability 92%, Getting started 92%, Addictive qualities 95%, Value for money 90%, Overall 93%, with the Crash Smash markOveralJ 93%Crash, issue 26 (March 1986) · p. 132 (image 133), Winter Games — the line reads "seven of the events which will feature in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada"seven of the evants which willRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The Crash Smash and graphics 93% were read on the page image.The OCR garbles the graphics figure ("t3%"); the lead read it and the other ratings on the page image. The page footer on image 134 reads "CRASH March 1986 133".
Cited by: Winter Games
Crash's Hotline chart of Spectrum games for July 1986 had Winter Games, credited to Epyx and US Gold, at number 29. winter-games-history/spectrum-crash-chart
p. 50, Crash Hotline chart — the OCR garbles the previous-position figure in brackets29 f?^ WINTER GAMES EpyxAlS GoldChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Winter Games
In February 1986 Computer Entertainer reported that Winter Games would also come out for the Amiga. At the Consumer Electronics Show reported in July 1986, Epyx showed the Atari ST version as soon to be released, with the Amiga version to follow. winter-games-history/amiga-announcement
p. 11, Epyx reportOne of the company's popular sports collections, WINTER GAMES, will also be available for Amiga.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 4 (July 1986) · p. 8 (image 8), Amiga and ST Releasesalong with the soon-to-be-released WINTER GAMES for Atari ST (absolutely stunning!). The Amiga version of WINTER GAMES will followRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The item is on p. 8, not p. 7.No review of the Atari ST or Amiga version has been read.
Cited by: Winter Games
Computer Entertainer reviewed the Macintosh version in March 1986, rating it 4 of 4 for graphics and 4 for play value and recommending it at about $40. It drops Speed Skating, leaving six events (Figure Skating, Free Skating, Hot Dog Aerials, Ski Jump, Biathlon, and the Bobsled) for one to eight players with mouse and keyboard, and the reviewer found that the black-and-white graphics suit the snow-and-ice scenery. winter-games-history/mac-review
p. 8 (image 8), Winter Games (Macintosh)works well in its Macintosh version, where the starkness of black and white graphics suits the snow-and-ice scenery of winter sports.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 12 (March 1986) · p. 8 (image 8), Winter Games (Macintosh)Speed Skating, which is part of the other versions, is not included in the Macintosh program.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 12 (March 1986) · p. 8 (image 8), Winter Games (Macintosh)Mouse & keyboard.) Reviewed on Macintosh.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 12 (March 1986) · p. 8 (image 8), Winter Games (Macintosh)sports contests: Figure Skating, Free Skating, Hot Dog Aerials (stunts on skis), Ski Jump, Biathlon (cross-country skiing and shooting), and the Bobsled run.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 12 (March 1986) · p. 8 (image 8), Winter Games (Macintosh) — read by the lead on the page image (image n7) as "WINTER GAMES (♦♦♦♦/♦♦♦♦) from Epyx"WINTER GAMES (% © © @/@ @ @ @) from EpyxComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 12 (March 1986) · p. 8 (image 8), Winter Games (Macintosh) — the line closing the Winter Games review, after "(One to eight players; Mouse & keyboard.) Reviewed on Macintosh. Also available for Commodore 64/128, Apple II; coming soon for Amiga." (read on the page image by the lead)Recommended. (MSR approx. $40.00)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 12 (March 1986) · p. 8 (image 8), Winter Games (Macintosh)coordination skills and go for the Gold! (One to eight plComputer Entertainer, Vol. 4, No. 12 (March 1986) · p. 8 (image 8), Winter Games (Macintosh)Commodore 64/128, Apple I]; coming soon for AOur translationAlso available for Commodore 64/128, Apple II; coming soon for Amiga.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The review is on p. 8, not p. 7; ratings, the six events, players, price, and Apple II line quoted.The newsletter rates graphics, then play value, out of four; this issue prints its marks as diamonds.
Cited by: Winter Games
Computer Entertainer's look back at 1986 counts Winter Games for IBM computers among the major releases of September 1986. winter-games-history/ibm-release
p. 4, the year in review, SeptemberMajor releases include Marble Madness for Amiga, Ogre for Apple, Winter Games for IBM.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Winter Games
Computer Entertainer reviewed the Atari 2600 Summer Games and Winter Games together in November 1987, calling them Epyx's first Atari 2600 games, rating each 3½ of 4 for graphics and 3½ for play value, and recommending both at $24.50 each. Its Winter Games has seven events: Slalom, Bobsled, Ski Jump, Biathlon, Speed Skating, Hot Dog, and Luge, for up to 8 players. winter-games-history/atari-2600-review
p. 13 (image 13), Atari 2600 Softwareare the first-ever Atari 2600 games from Epyx.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 8 (November 1987) · p. 13 (image 13), Atari 2600 SoftwareWIN- TER GAMES events are Slalom, Bobsled, Ski Jump, Biathlon (cross-country skiing plus shooting), Speed Skating, Hot Dog (ski acrobatics), and Luge.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 8 (November 1987) · p. 13 (image 13), Atari 2600 SoftwareSolo or up to 8-player competitive/altermating.)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 8 (November 1987) · p. 13 (image 13), Atari 2600 SoftwareRecommended. (MSR $24.50 each)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 8 (November 1987) · p. 13 (image 13), Atari 2600 Software — read by the lead on the page image (image n12) as "SUMMER GAMES (★★★½/★★★½) and WINTER GAMES (★★★½/★★★½)"SUMMER GAMES (&x&xX1/2/%o%1/2) and WINTER GAMES (x&x1/2/Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The review is on p. 13, not p. 12; the ratings were read on the page image.The newsletter rates graphics, then play value, out of four. Page 12 (image 12) is the issue's Nintendo software page; the Atari 2600 reviews are on p. 13.
Cited by: Winter Games
Computer Entertainer's June 1988 report from the Consumer Electronics Show lists Winter Games among the Atari 7800 games Atari spotlighted. winter-games-history/atari-7800-ces
p. 8, Atari at CESFor the 7800, Atari spotlighted BALLBLAZERComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 8, Atari at CES(finally!), WINTER GAMES, SUMMER GAMES, IMPOSSIBLE MISSIONChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The page was located by the Internet Archive's search of the item (image 8). No 7800 review has been read.
Cited by: Winter Games
Winter Games came out for the NES in North America in September 1987, with Acclaim as licensee. winter-games-history/release-nes
PDF p. 14 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayWinter Games Acclaim September 1987Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The note points to the November 1987 shipped listing.The list gives a month, not a day. Computer Entertainer's November 1987 availability list marks the game as shipped under October (nes-schedule).
Cited by: Winter Games
Computer Entertainer's availability lists put Acclaim's NES Winter Games under September 1987 in its July 1987 issue and under October in its October issue; its November issue lists it under October as shipped by press time. winter-games-history/nes-schedule
p. 13 (image 13), Availability Update, Nintendo — the OCR runs the columns together and puts a July heading from the Atari list above these entries; on the page image (image n12, read by the lead) the Nintendo list's SEPTEMBER entries run from Goonies II at the foot of the left column to Stinger, Victory Road, and Winter Games (ACM) at the head of the right, before OCTOBERJULY Sunger (Kon) Desert Falcon (AT) Victory Road (SNK) Winter Games (ACM)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 13 (image 13), Availability Update, Nintendo (contd.) — on the page images (images n13 and n12, read by the lead) the Nintendo list on p. 14 reaches OCTOBER and Speed Rumbler before "Contd. on Page 13", where Spy Hunter to Winter Games (ACM) continue October before NOVEMBER; the entry carries no "x"Stadium Events (BAN) Victory Road (SNK) Winter Games (ACM)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 14 (image 14), Availability Update, NintendoContd. on Page 13Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 8 (November 1987) · p. 14 (image 14), Availability Update, Nintendo — under OCTOBER in the Nintendo list (read on the page image, image n13, by the lead)x-Winter Games (ACM)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 8 (November 1987) · p. 14 (image 14), Availability Update, noteNOTE: Programs noted "x" have shipped asRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The schedules give September and October, read on the page images, not July and August; the shipped mark is added.The lists give expected months and mark with "x" the games shipped by press time. The Nintendo list's September 1987 is the licensee's month (release-nes).
Cited by: Winter Games
The NES booklet sets the game in Calgary, Alberta, in the winter of 1988 and has the player compete in four events: Hot Dog Aerials, Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and the Bobsled. winter-games-history/nes-premise
image 3, The SceneThe Place: Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Time: Winter, 1988.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 3four different events: HOT DOG AERIALS, SPEED SKATING, FIGURE SKATING and the BOBSLED.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Winter Games
The NES booklet ends with a table of past Winter Games sites that gives the 1988 games as "Calgary, Ontario", though its opening pages place Calgary in Alberta. winter-games-history/nes-history-table
image 20, History of the Winter GamesCalgary, OntarioWinter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 3, The SceneThe Place: Calgary, AlbertaChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Winter Games
On the NES, the options screen offers competing in all events or in one, practising one event without saved scores, the world records, and the opening ceremony. One or two players each choose one of six countries and enter up to four letters. winter-games-history/nes-options
image 7, The Optionsyou will select from five different game play options. They are: Compete in All Events Compete in One Event Practice Events See World Records Opening CeremonyWinter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 8, Compete in All Events1 Player 2 PlayerWinter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 8, Compete in All Events — the last flag reads "Fra." on the printed screen picture (read on the page image by the lead); the OCR has "Fro."USA Can. USSR Jap. GB Fro.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 8, Compete in All Events(You can enter up to four letters.)Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 9, Practice Eventsyou don't enter the country or name, so no scores are saved.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Manual image numbers corrected; the Fra. flag checked on the page image.Cited by: Winter Games
In the NES Hot Dog Aerials, the player presses A to jump and the control pad to perform stunts and flips in the air. A jump scores from 6.3 for one stunt to 10.0 for two different flips or a stunt and a flip, and a fall scores nothing. winter-games-history/nes-hot-dog
image 11, Hot Dog AerialsTo begin your jump- Press BUTTON A To control your moves - Press the CONTROLLER in the d irection of the move you want to make.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 11, Hot Dog Aerial ScoringThere are no points for fallingWinter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 11, Hot Dog Aerial Scoring1 Stunt 1 Flip 2 Stunts (Same Kind) 2 Flips (Same Kind) 2 Stunts (Different Ones) 1 Stunt and 1 Flip 2 Flips (Different Kinds) POINTS 6.3 7.2 8.7 9.2 9.6 10.0 10.0Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Manual image numbers corrected; the hot-dog table checked on the page image.The table pairs each row with its points in order (checked on the page image by the lead): one flip 7.2, two of the same stunt 8.7, two of the same flip 9.2, two different stunts 9.6.
Cited by: Winter Games
NES Speed Skating races the player side by side against a computer opponent (in a two-player game each player has one), with the skater's legs worked by pressing the control pad right and left in rhythm. The fastest time wins. winter-games-history/nes-speed-skating
image 12, Speed Skatingyou'll be racing side-by-side against a computer opponent. And in a two-player game, each player will have his or her own computer opponent.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 12, Speed SkatingWith both of your thumbs, press the CONTROLLER RIGHT and LEFT- as if each thumb were a skater's leg.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 13, Speed Skating ScoringThe skater with the fastest time wins the race.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 12, Speed Skatingrhythmic movements while building up to your fastest possible speed.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Manual image numbers corrected; the rhythm line quoted.Cited by: Winter Games
NES Figure Skating is a one-minute routine of seven movements in any order: camel and sit spins, double and triple axels and lutzes, and a camel into sit spin. Completing all seven scores the maximum 6.0; a fall costs .7 and an awkward movement .2, and only the first attempt at each movement counts. winter-games-history/nes-figure-skating
Value: max 6 · fall -0.7 · awkward -0.2
ManualWinter Games (NES) instruction manual ·image 13, Figure SkatingTo get the best possible score in the one-minute FIGURE SKATING event, you must demonstrate your skills by completing at least seven movements. The order is up to you.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 16, Figure Skating ScoringThe best possible score is 6.0.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 16, Figure Skating ScoringOnly the first attempt at each movement completed within your one-minute time frame is scored.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 16, scoring tableMOVEMENT Camel Spin Sit Spin Double Axel Jump Triple Axel Jump Double Lutz Triple Lutz Camel into Sit Spin TOTAL SCOREWinter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 16, scoring tableA Fall - .7 An awkward movement - .2Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Manual image numbers corrected to images 13 and 16.Cited by: Winter Games
In the NES Bobsled, the player steers with the control pad's right and left to take the turns without capsizing, presses down to slow, and watches a map screen and a close-up screen; the fastest time wins. winter-games-history/nes-bobsled
image 17, The Bobsledpress the CONTROL- LER RIGHT and LEFT- to steer and to avoid capsizing. Steer hard in the opposite direction of your turns.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 17, The BobsledTo reduce speed - Press the CONTROLLER DOWN.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 18, The Bobsledwatch both the map screen and the close-up screenWinter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 18fastest time through the track wins.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Manual image numbers corrected to images 17 and 18.Cited by: Winter Games
After each NES event the results list each player's name, country, and score; a gold medallist's name heads the screen and the country's national anthem plays. A broken world record goes on the World Records screen. winter-games-history/nes-awards
image 18, Awards CeremonyIf you've won the Gold Medal - with the highest score -your name will appear at the top of the screen and the national anthemWinter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 18, World RecordsWhenever a World Record is broken, the new record (with the player's name and country) is recorded and displayed on the World Records screen.Winter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 18, Awards Ceremonyname, the country you represent and your score will be listedWinter Games (NES) instruction manual · image 18, Awards Ceremonyof your country will be playedRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Manual image number corrected to image 18; the results line quoted.Cited by: Winter Games
Nintendo's Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) gives Winter Games a page in its Sports Series, set at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, with speed skating, hot dog aerials, figure skating, and the bobsled; its credits give © 1985, 1987 Epyx. winter-games-history/nes-guide
p. 134, Winter Games, Go for the Goldthe grueling speed skating race on ice: daredevil hot dog aerials; graceful figure skating; and the bobsledThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 134, Winter GamesThe spectacle and pageantry of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in CalgaryThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · creditsWinter GamesTM of Epy«. ix. ©1985. 1987 Epyx.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Chris Scullion's NES encyclopedia (2019) lists the NES Winter Games as a 1987 Acclaim release developed by Atelier Double, with four events (Hot Dog Aerials, Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and the Bobsled), and says the port "is generally agreed to be substandard due to its unresponsive controls, poor graphics and meagre selection of events (other versions featured up to eight)". winter-games-history/scullion-nes
entry "Winter Games"Year 1987 Publisher Acclaim Developer Atelier DoubleThe NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Winter Games"the NES port is generally agreed to be substandard due to its unresponsive controls, poor graphics and meagre selection of events (other versions featured up to eight).The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Winter Games"There are four events to choose from here: Hot Dog Aerials, Speed Skating, Figure Skating and the Bobsled.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted and stated the four events.A retrospective, not a period review; it cites no source for the developer. Neither the NES booklet nor the Disk System booklet names a developer.
Cited by: Winter Games
The Japanese Famicom Disk System booklet (PNF-WIN), first edition March 1987, names Pony Inc. as maker and seller, with © 1985 Epyx and Winter Games as a trademark of Epyx of America. Its "Famicon staff" are Kunihiko Kagawa, Toshiro Inoue, Masashi Tamaki, and Yuki Nakajima, with thanks to K. Tsuchida and Shigeru Iwabuchi. winter-games-history/fds-manual
image 27 (back page), imprint — read by the lead on the page image (image n26): the imprint reads "WINTER GAMES 1987年3月 初版" (first edition, March 1987), "WINTER GAMES はアメリカエピックス社の商標です" (a trademark of Epyx of America), "発行 株式会社ポニー", "© 1985 EPYX, Inc.", and "製作・発売 株式会社ポニー"製作・発売株式会社ポニOur translation製作・発売 株式会社ポニー (production and sale: Pony Inc.)ウインターゲームズ (Winter Games, Famicom Disk System) 取扱説明書 · image 27 (back page), imprint — the OCR reads "1965"; the page image has "© 1985 EPYX, Inc."EPYXX, InC.ウインターゲームズ (Winter Games, Famicom Disk System) 取扱説明書 · image 27 (back page), staff — the OCR runs two columns together; on the page image "FAMICON STAFF" heads Kagawa, Inoue, Tamaki, and Nakajima, and "THANKS" heads K. Tsuchida and Shigeru IwabuchiFAMICON STAFF THANKS KUNIHIKO_ KAGAWA K. TSUCHIDA TOSHIRO INOUE SHIGE RU IWABUCHI MASASHI TAMAKI YUKI NAKAJIMAウインターゲームズ (Winter Games, Famicom Disk System) 取扱説明書 · image 1, coverPNF-WINウインターゲームズ (Winter Games, Famicom Disk System) 取扱説明書 · image 27 (back page), imprintアメリカ エピックス社の商標ですOur translationWINTER GAMESはアメリカエピックス社の商標です (Winter Games is a trademark of Epyx of America)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The imprint was read on the page image; the Epyx trademark line quoted; Japan named.The staff list gives names without roles or a company. The first-edition date and the trademark line were read on the page image; the OCR doesn't hold the date and garbles the trademark line's start.
Cited by: Winter Games
The Japanese Disk System booklet sets the player at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, in four events: hot dog, speed skating, figure skating, and bobsled. winter-games-history/fds-premise
image 4, prologue君はカナダのアルベルタ・カルガリで開催されるOur translation君はカナダのアルベルタ・カルガリーで開催される1988年冬季オリンピック大会の選手だ (you are an athlete at the 1988 Winter Olympics held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada)ウインターゲームズ (Winter Games, Famicom Disk System) 取扱説明書 · image 8, 全種目に参加する (compete in all events) — the OCR garbles the line's first three event names; the reading follows the event pages that come after itポプスレーの4つの技Our translationホットドッグ、スピードスケート、フィギュアスケート、ボブスレーの4つの競技 (the four events: hot dog, speed skating, figure skating, bobsled)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Japan named.The same four events as the NES booklet's.
Cited by: Winter Games
Family Computer Magazine's new-release calendar of 6 February 1987 listed Pony's Disk System Winter Games in Japan for late March at ¥2,900. winter-games-history/fds-schedule
p. 150, 新作カレンダー (new-release calendar) — read by the lead on the page image (image n149): the entry, under March (after the 20 March issue-date line), carries the calendar's ■ disk mark and reads "■ウィンターゲームズ ★ポニー ♥3月下旬 ♣2900円"; the calendar's key gives ● cassette, ■ disk, ★ maker, ♥ planned release date, ♣ price; the OCR reads the marks as "W" and "束"ウィ ンタ ー ゲ ー ム ズ ポニ ーW 3 月 下旬 束 2900 円Our translationウィンターゲームズ ポニー ディスク 3月下旬 2900円 (Winter Games, Pony, disk, late March, ¥2,900)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The disk mark was read on the page image; the quote follows the OCR's spacing; Japan named.Family Computer Magazine of 2 January 1987 (p. 166) had previewed it as planned for March. No source read gives the day the disk went on sale.
Cited by: Winter Games
Family Computer Magazine's Disk Card rewrite calendar of 17 April 1987 gave 17 May 1987 as the day Winter Games (Pony) could be written onto a Disk Card at the Disk Writer in Japan. winter-games-history/fds-rewrite
image 146, 新作カレンダー, ディスクカード書き換え日カレンダー (Disk Card rewrite-day calendar) — read by the lead on the page image (image n145); the OCR garbles the month ("王月"). The box's key marks ♠ as the rewrite day (書き換え日)ウインターゲームズメボニー王月17Our translationウインターゲームズ ★ポニー ♠5月17日 (Winter Games, Pony, rewrite day 17 May)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Japan named; the rewrite date was read on the page image.The rewrite day is when Disk Writer kiosks began offering the game, not the retail release of the boxed disk.
Cited by: Winter Games
Sinclair User's review of US Gold's Spectrum compilation Solid Gold in January 1988 found it a good-value package, listing Winter Games among its five games for "all the thrill of speeding about in the snow". winter-games-history/solid-gold-su
p. 97, Solid GoldA good value package of the better hits of this yearSinclair User, issue 70 (January 1988) · p. 97, Solid GoldWmter Games, all the thrill of speeding about in the snowChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR only; the score has not been read.
Cited by: Winter Games