The first surf game in the history of computers is California Games. The Commodore 64 video game was released in 1987 by Epyx, and it was a total success.
In the 1980s, video games ran on audio cassette tapes. California Games featured surfing, skateboarding, BMX, roller skating, freestyle footbag, and flying disc.
In the surfing competition, players had to perform the best possible moves and tricks, although they were not that complex.
Only a bottom turn, a few cutbacks, aerials, and tube rides could boost your final score.
Playing California Games was great at the time. If the surfer wiped out, a shark would appear, and the famous theme from the movie "Jaws" would be heard. A true classic.
Get a Virtual Life, Dude
After Commodore 64, California Games was ported to Amiga, Apple IIGS, Atari 2600, Atari ST, Atari Lynx, DOS, Sega Mega Drive, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Nintendo Entertainment System, MSX, and Sega Master System.
In 1993, California Games 2 arrived with better graphics, improved sound, and new sports.
Surfing is replaced by bodyboarding, and at the end of your wave ride, you'd get a nice message: "Get a virtual life, dude."
System 3, the company that owns the title, recently announced plans to re-release California Games on future video game consoles.
Luckily, Nintendo's Wii might be the first to duck dive into revival and nostalgia.