Summer Games

Copyright : Epyx | Reviewed by : Ritchardo

Released to ride on the anticipation and excitement of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Summer Games was a smash hit on the C64 and despite plans to convert to the CPC, the game didnÂ't see the light of day until it was a part of the Gold, Silver & Bronze compilation in 1988 – just in time for the Seoul Olympics!

While it is undoubtedly a very decent conversion by Choice Software (coincedentally the team who brought Daley Thompson\'s Decathlon and Super-Test to the CPC) and to a large extent is faithful to the original version, the game still feels very dated by 1988 standards.

The graphics are not terribly well defined with an almost grainy choice of colours at times. Again, this is fairly accurate when compared with the C64, however, the CPC was and is capable of much more. The look of the game pales in comparison to other similar titles released at the time (see for instance Daley ThompsonÂ's Olympic Challenge), however, the game stands on its own when compared to earlier games of this genre and perhaps if it had been converted closer to its original C64 release then the game wouldÂ've commanded more interest and respect on the CPC.

The chosen events are also indicative of this as although they wouldÂ've been the first chance you had to play computerised versions of these disciplines in 1984, other games had jumped on the bandwagon and stolen much of their thunder so the novelty of taking part in Skeet Shooting or Freestyle Swimming had worn off by the time the game made its Amstrad debut.

Thankfully, itÂ's in the playability where Summer Games finally starts to make up some ground on its competition.

Allowing you and up to three friends to compete in all of the events in order or take part in just one at a time (or even put in some serious practice sessions), Sumer Games is far more flexible in its approach than most of its competitiors and itÂ's a credit to Epyx and their faith in their products that they are happy to reveal all of the available levels to every player without having to proceed through them chronoligically. This flexibility of approach means that you donÂ't find yourself constantly being frustrated at being unable to win at one event and it stopping you from seeing the rest (some of which you might turn out to be really good at!) While this may be less important with waggling games (as the next level is invariably just another shade of what has gone before), it would be remiss of anyone to dismiss Summer Games as a waggler. As much as any other game in its field, Summer Games rewards precision timing and technique far more than mindless crunching of a joystick.

To the Games themselves then, and as well as the aforementioned swimming and skeet shooting, you can also take part in the Pole Vault, Diving, 4x400m Relay (Athletics), 100m Dash (Athletics), Gymnastics and Freestyle Relay (Swimming).

Pole vault is a difficult beast requiring some absolutey spot on timing to land the pole in the first place followed by the pressing of the fire button to rise above the bar and let the pole go in time. Not as easy as it sounds! It will take you at least half a dozen turns to land the pole in the slot and then a further half dozen to work out how to make a vault but with some repetition, the event is masterable.

Diving is much more accessible and probably the best single event in the game, requiring you to twist and turn your way to getting the best possible score. You have to perform four different dives with the aim being to finish the move aiming due south straight into the water. Again, this will take a bit of getting used to but isnÂ't quite as precise and finicky as the pole vault as even relatively unsuccessful dives will still garner some points.

Rather unusually, the two athletics events are controlled in a different manner. The relay requires you to control the speed of your runner and successfully pass on the baton at the right time. Waggling is not necessary with you simply pushing left to decelarate and conserve staming and right to push through with more speed. More tactical than the other events, the 400m relay is probably the only event that could become formulaic when you hit on the exact timings for making your move and pulling back. The dash meanwhile is more of a traditional waggler with you having to waggle in time with your characterÂ's movements to increase speed. An effective means of control, these two are less strenuous than the joystick smashers you might be used to but are still two of the less interesting events.

Back to the vaulting next, only this time thereÂ's no pole and youÂ're in a gymnasium! Like a combination of the first two events. timing is of the essence again as you have to jump on to the springboard and then perform a tuck spin and try to land on your two feet at the same time. Again, this can be mastered with a lot of practice and is one that will severely test your skills and patience before youÂ're done with it!

The Swimming events are probably the poorest of the collection and are similar in execution to the dash event in that you have to keep up with the rythym of your character but rather than push left or right, all you do is press fire button at the right time to pull yourself along the water. The only other control you have is jumping in to the water. Not terrible by any stetch of the imagination but lacking in any real substance.

Finally skeet shooting has you charging down skeets flying over your head from set points using a crosshair. ItÂ's a well executed shooting sub-game but feels a little out of place.

Summer Games also picks up some bonus points over its rivals in the little details. Most games of this ilk throw you straight into the competition; not so Summer Games. As with all of EpyxÂ's ‘OlympicÂ' titles, the game begins with an admitedly lacklustre opening ceremony consisting of a lone athlete jogging up the steps to light the Olympic Flame while a flock of doves are released. An upbeat and fitting short tune accompany proceedings and although a far from necessary additon, itÂ's still a nice to see the developers put some thought into giving their game a theme and capture the spirit of the Games.

Likewise the game boasts the ability to represent any of 17 different countries (and a bonus ‘EpyxÂ' nation if youÂ're country or origin is not among the roll call) and each gives a short burst of their national anthem on selection. Once again, not essential but a welcome diversion.

All in all the Games provide a great multiplayer experience that although a little patchy in places provide enough laughs and close calls to maintain interest. As a one player, thereÂ's not quite as much to intice you back with only a series of world records to beat and better.