California Games is one of those classic Epyx sports compilations that just oozes late '80s vibes. Instead of boring old football or basketball, you get a weird mix of California-flavored events—half-pipe skateboarding, hacky sack, surfing, and even BMX racing. The Master System version feels a little stripped down compared to some others, but it’s still got that same janky charm.

First thing you’ll notice? The controls take some getting used to—especially the surfing, where timing your jumps feels oddly stiff. But once you get the hang of the half-pipe, pulling off flips and grabs becomes weirdly satisfying. The music’s cheesy in the best way, and the pixel-art palm trees and sunsets nail that West Coast aesthetic. It’s not the deepest sports sim, but it’s a fun time capsule of when games didn’t take themselves too seriously.

Honestly, I still fire it up just for the hacky sack mode—there’s something hypnotic about keeping that little pixel ball in the air.