After the huge success of Epyx/US Gold's Winter Games, C16 owners expected cut-down junk and it came. There was Tynesoft's appalling Winter Olympics, then Udo Getz, the German who made a name for himself in the days of the old Vic-20, produced this classic. It has been said that Winter Games is among the top three sports sims on the home 8-bit machines.

To begin, the opening ceremonies are very nice. Mr Athlete runs along and lights the flame; similar to Summer Games 2. The game's graphics are well drawn, neatly animated.

Menu: There is a multitude of options here. These include number of players (1-4), option to compete in all or some events and a practice option. When choosing events, you are given the full list and choose the ones you want. You may also see the world records, save them or load up ones that you've saved before. This is all very well done using large characters. When you've decided what to do, you must enter your name and pick your country - there are ten. Then the national anthem of the country you've picked is played. The rendition of our one isn't bad; more faithful than the version that occurs in the Epyx range. Anyway, now the fun starts...

Biathlon: This is the first event and compares favourably with Winter Games. When going on the straight or uphill you must waggle in rhythm, going downhill just keep pulling the joystick down. At the shooting range loading is achieved by moving the joystick up then down. You have five shots and may shoot at any of the five targets, as the sight moves in a pulse wave from one side to the other and back again. I found this difficult but *very* addictive. There are a variety of backdrops, all well drawn, but why does my man have a green face?

Slalom: In the Epyx game, there were two naff skating events. This game has two excellent skiing events. This is the first: you're on a 3D course with trees and gates coming towards you, you must go around the gates left and right alternately. I found this fairly difficult - you're disqualified if you miss three gates. I did complete the course - travelling very slowly. Again, the graphics are good, as is the 3D effect. Watch out for the icy puddles though.

Ski Jump: Risk life and limb as you hurtle down the giant runway. Press fire to leap into the air whereupon the screen changes to show giant pictures of skiers. The one on the right shows the position you should be in and you're on the left. Left and right lean you backwards and forwards, joystick up uncrosses your skis and joystick down unbends your knees. If you maintain the correct flight and landing positions you should land safely. A definite improvement on the Epyx version.

Speed Skating: This can be played by two people simultaneously. One player is at the top, the other at the bottom, with a bar in the middle showing the players' relative positions and how far they've gone. Basically, it's a matter of getting into the rhythm. The animation is out of this world and again beats Winter Games.

Bobsled: The usual format but very well done and again the graphics are great. There's a map on the right which shows you how far you've gone. It's a vicious course but becomes easier with practice. Another one up on Epyx.

Downhill: Downhill skiing is the final event. The controls are the same as the slalom but with up and down as crouch and stand up respectively. Again, there are icy puddles and the course is marked by flares. Crashing into flags isn't penalised but you'll lose time. Another excellent event.

Great graphics. Several good tunes. Great game. But how does it compare? Well, the skating has been replaced by skiing and that gives it the edge. It also is what a C16 can do with a little thought. You can't fault it!