California Games II is a sports competition game released by Epyx in 1990. As the sequel to California Games, it retains the original style and lets players experience a variety of outdoor sports in California. It first launched on MS-DOS, then was ported to Amiga, Atari ST and SNES in 1992, with a Sega Master System version came out in 1993.
In California Games II, players can take part in five different sports: surfing, hang gliding, jet skiing, snowboarding and skateboarding. Each event features unique gameplay mechanics and physics effects, designed to deliver a diverse and challenging experience. The goal is to score high by performing tricks and surviving as long as possible in competitions.
The game supports single-player and multiplayer modes for up to eight players. Players can compete against each other or team up, boosting interactivity and fun. Besides, players can customize their athlete teams, choosing names, appearances and preferred sports.
In terms of gameplay, California Games II offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience. Each event requires mastering different skills and strategies, and players need to practice and hone their abilities to get high scores. The controls are easy to learn and responsive, suitable for both experienced players and newbies. The game also has a cool soundtrack, with cheerful tunes that perfectly capture the essence of California and its laid-back lifestyle.
Notably, the game incorporates humorous elements. For example, players might get eaten by a shark in the surfing event, or witness a car crash during hang gliding. These humorous episodes add extra fun to the game.
Overall, California Games II provides players with an unforgettable California sports experience with its diverse events, fine graphics and humorous elements.