Summer Games II by Epix is a typical sports title, incorporating several different events in which you can compete in. I first played this as a child in about 1987. The game starts by you selecting your nation's flag, accompanied by your national anthem. Then you have a selection of 8 events to compete in. The events available are rather unorthodox, not typifying what usually is included in an Olympics title, such as 100 meter sprint etc, the events are Fencing, Kayaking, Javelin, Rowing, Cycling, Triple Jump, High Jump and Equestrian.
Summer Games II by Epix is a typical sports title, incorporating several different events in which you can compete in. I first played this as a child in about 1987. The game starts by you selecting your nation's flag, accompanied by your national anthem. Then you have a selection of 8 events to compete in. The events available are rather unorthodox, not typifying what usually is included in an Olympics title, such as 100 meter sprint etc, the events are Fencing, Kayaking, Javelin, Rowing, Cycling, Triple Jump, High Jump and Equestrian. Most Olympic style games are about timing and button speed, and the two events that adopt this game play principle are Rowing and Cycling, these events involve you waggling the joystick or left and right controls
to maintain speed and beat your opponent.
Triple jump and High Jump involve pure timing button presses, and are simple and fun, but rather shallow experiences. Javelin and Equestrian step up a notch in their controls by incorporating more than one aspect of accuracy. Javelin has you controlling your running speed, and then at the right moment throwing the javelin, whilst holding a button to adjust your angle. Equestrian is a bit more laid back in that you control the speed of the horse and rider and use a button to clear obstacles as appropriate. The last two events, Fencing and Kayaking are more about navigation, in the sense that Fencing has you controlling your foil with directional controls and also controlling footwork of your competitor. Kayaking simply has you negotiating a river and passing gates, and requires a fair amount of precision.
Overall, Summer Games II is quite fun to play, it is ideal for people who like high scores and the challenge of beating them. This game is a pleasant reminder of the past, but may not have held up much of its charm over time, mainly due to its composure, it’s a game about timing purely, and there is, of course, no character development or much memorial sentimentality to grasp. Fun for quick blast though.
