Play California Games Online

California Games came out on the Sega Genesis in 1989, developed by Epyx. It was part of that wave of early sports compilations that felt less like serious simulations and more like quick, arcade-style fun. You didn't play it for realism; you played it for the vibe, the bright colors, and the simple joy of trying something different.

You control an athlete across six events: surfing, skateboarding, BMX, roller skating, footbag, and flying disc. The main objective is just to score points, either by performing tricks or, in the case of footbag, keeping a hacky sack in the air. Signature mechanics include the frantic button mashing required to gain speed on the skateboard ramp and the precise timing needed to catch a wave and ride it without wiping out. The pacing is fast, the difficulty is unforgiving, and success often feels more accidental than skilled. It feels like a chaotic, sunny afternoon spent with friends, where the real goal is to laugh at your failures.