Winter Games by Epyx for the Atari 2600 starts with a pleasant rendition of the Olympic theme, allowing up to eight players to select countries to represent. Each of the seven events demands distinct techniques. The game begins with an attractive yet challenging Slalom event. Next is the Bobsled, which features an overhead view of a gracefully curving track. The Ski Jump, another demanding event, includes a picture-in-picture close-up of the skier whose body position must be carefully managed. The Biathlon resembles the Slalom, but requires joystick synchronization with a heartbeat for optimal performance. This event also introduces occasional “shooting range” screens to test players’ reflexes.
Speed-skating necessitates rhythmic joystick movement and allows two players to compete head-to-head. Hot Dog, a ski acrobatics event, involves performing a combination of ten distinct tricks. The final event, Luge, resembles Bobsled but grants players speed control through braking. The game concludes by listing the top three players with minimal celebration. Overall, Winter Games offers an enjoyable, challenging experience that highlights the capabilities of the Atari 2600’s graphics.