Sinclair Spectrum (1986)

Commodore 64 (1985)

Amstrad CPC (1986)

With a host of events at your fingertips, you're bound to find yourself on a slippery slope.

For those who weren't around in the UK before 1995, it might seem hard to believe how heavy December snowfalls could be. It wasn't just a dusting, but the kind of snow that shut down trains and swallowed up cars. I remember the drifts so deep that even grown adults wore moon boots. Back then, you always expected a proper winter, with sledges at the ready, associating the blustery chill with the festive season as much as a classic James Bond film.

My imagination went into overdrive whenever the Ski Sunday theme kicked in on TV, an upbeat tune that made the idea of arctic skiing feel exhilarating. This excitement contributed to the appeal of games like Winter Games by Epyx, which captured the spirit of the season. Not that Epyx needed much help as these developers were renowned for delivering quality games with gorgeous cover art. Winter Games stood out for its choice of events, from the ski jump to bobsleigh, skating, and biathlon.

The ski jump event is a nerve-wracking ride off a massive ramp, where perfect landings are hard-earned but oh-so-satisfying with practice. The bobsleigh was a childhood fantasy of mine, though the game's course is predictable and quickly mastered. Competing against friends for the fastest time is its main appeal, and the Commodore version features extra details like bridges, while the Amstrad shines with colourful graphics.

Skating includes options for free, figure, or speed skating, the latter requiring frantic joystick waggling reminiscent of Daley Thompson's Decathlon. Precision is key in figure skating, where nailing moves for a perfect 6.0 gives serious Torvill & Dean vibes.

Hot Dog aerials are a bit of a letdown, with limited tricks to perform, while the biathlon challenges you to ski across various terrains and shoot targets with penalty seconds for misses.

In the end, Winter Games might not be perfect, but it delivers a set of fun, winter-themed challenges that are best enjoyed with friends. It's a reminder of simpler gaming times, yet still manages to warm the heart on a cold winter's day.