The Games: Winter Challenge Overview
The Games: Winter Challenge is a DOS sports simulation centered on Olympic winter events. It includes eight distinct competitions: Downhill, Giant Slalom, Luge, 2-men Bobsled, Ski Jump, Cross Country, Biathlon, and Speed Skating.
Players, up to ten in total, begin by customizing a competitor, selecting from sixteen possible nationalities and a corresponding face. The computer fills the remaining slots with athletes whose performance is tied to the chosen difficulty setting, making the competition fair or more challenging accordingly.
The core gameplay varies by event, demanding different strategic approaches. Success hinges on identifying the quickest path in races like the Downhill, Giant Slalom, Luge, and Bobsled. Endurance events such as Cross Country and Biathlon require careful pacing, while the Ski Jump is primarily a test of precise timing and skill. Only the Speed Skating event utilizes rapid button input as its main mechanic.
A basic 3D engine facilitates the simulation, particularly enhancing events that take place on slopes by allowing for convincing terrain modeling. This technical feature directly supports the gameplay focus on trajectory and speed in several of the races.
