Item: Retro Winter Sports 1986
Rating: 85
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

85/100

Retro Winter Sports 1986 is a masterclass in nostalgic game design, perfectly capturing the aesthetic and challenge of 80s home computer sports titles. It doesn't just look the part with its crisp pixel art; it feels authentic. The game offers six distinct events: Ski Jump, Biathlon, Bobsled, Speed Skating, Curling, and Slalom. Each event requires a different set of reflexes and timing, ensuring that the gameplay remains fresh even after several sessions.

What truly sets this apart from typical retro-style games is the execution. The controls are specifically tailored for mobile, removing the frustration often found in ports. Whether you are aiming for a gold medal in the tournament mode or competing with up to eight friends in the brilliant 'hot seat' local multiplayer, there is a genuine sense of 'just one more try' as you chase leaderboards. It’s a polished, heartfelt tribute to the Epyx era of sports gaming that every retro fan should own.

Reviewed on: Wed Dec 04 2024

Dinsun Review

This is how you do a retro throwback. It doesn't just look like a game from 1986; it feels like one, right down to the 'wobble the joystick' mechanics (reimagined for touch). It’s unapologetically old-school. If you remember the blisters you got from playing Winter Games on the Commodore 64, this will bring back some memories.

The events are varied and genuinely tough to master. Curling is actually quite strategic, and the Biathlon requires a steady hand. My only gripe is that it’s a bit light on content—once you've won the gold in all six events, there isn't much to do but chase high scores. But for the price, it’s a fantastic little time capsule. It’s one of the few 'retro' games that actually understands what made those games fun in the first place.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Beautifully authentic pixel art
Challenging and rewarding mechanics
Great chiptune music

Only six events
High difficulty might turn off casual players
Limited longevity

Technical Report

Performance: Flawless performance; tiny footprint.

Accessibility:

Adjustable Difficulty
Multiple Control Layouts

Audience Fit

Buy if: You have fond memories of Epyx sports games or 8-bit computers.

Skip if: You want modern graphics and simplified controls.

Similar Games:

Winter Games
Track & Field
California Games

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 13 mini
Playtime: 5 hours
Status: Gold medals in all events

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1157349848

$0.99 4+★4 2 reviews

Author : Headup GmbH

Pubish Date : Wed Dec 07 2016

Last Update Date : Wed Jan 25 2017

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.09Wed Jan 25 2017

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
- We added a stretch-screen option: less frame, less pixel-perfect, but larger screen and same fun
- On first start of the app you will be asked for your favorite language
- For multitasking-fans: auto-pause when app is set to background, e. g. when pressing the home button
- Game Center data is now synchronized retroactive
- Ski Jumping: leaving the ramp has been slightly adjusted
- Two new player icons
- More ice and snow ;)
"Retro Winter Sports 1986 is a surprisingly enjoyable title that not only brings six classic winter sports in the retro graphics, but, what is essential, brings really enjoyable gameplay which urge you to tap on the game icon more often. Overcoming your own record and trying to find ways to achieve a better time will keep you entertained for a long time. The price which the developers ask for this game, is just a symbolic price compared to how much fun you have with the game.” 8.5/10 - sector.sk
Do you remember the good old home computer sports games? Relive your youth in this beautiful pixelated remake of the evergreens.
Participate in the 1986 winter sports tournament and compete against other world-class athletes for international recognition.
Six different, action-packed events await you in a beautiful retro-style winter setting. Choose the country you want to represent from 12 different nations.
Practice to master your skills in training mode and demonstrate your abilities against the computer in the tournament mode or compete against your friends in hot seat mode for up to eight players. Will you be the one who takes the gold in the end?
Let’s compete like it’s 1980something!
Features
- Six winter sport events: Ski Jump, Biathlon, Bobsled, Speed Skating, Curling, Slalom
- Compete against friends (up to eight players hot seat mode) or the computer
- Unique controls perfectly fitted to mobile devices
- Choose between 12 different nations
- Leaderboards and achievements
- Handcrafted code by The Bitfather, the retro minds behind Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic!
Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
"Retro Winter Sports 1986 is a surprisingly enjoyable title that not only brings six classic winter sports in the retro graphics, but, what is essential, brings really enjoyable gameplay which urge you to tap on the game icon more often. Overcoming your own record and trying to find ways to achieve a better time will keep you entertained for a long time. The price which the developers ask for this game, is just a symbolic price compared to how much fun you have with the game.” 8.5/10 - sector.sk
Do you remember the good old home computer sports games? Relive your youth in this beautiful pixelated remake of the evergreens.
Participate in the 1986 winter sports tournament and compete against other world-class athletes for international recognition.
Six different, action-packed events await you in a beautiful retro-style winter setting. Choose the country you want to represent from 12 different nations.
Practice to master your skills in training mode and demonstrate your abilities against the computer in the tournament mode or compete against your friends in hot seat mode for up to eight players. Will you be the one who takes the gold in the end?
Let’s compete like it’s 1980something!
Features
- Six winter sport events: Ski Jump, Biathlon, Bobsled, Speed Skating, Curling, Slalom
- Compete against friends (up to eight players hot seat mode) or the computer
- Unique controls perfectly fitted to mobile devices
- Choose between 12 different nations
- Leaderboards and achievements
- Handcrafted code by The Bitfather, the retro minds behind Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic!

Ratings & Reviews

4 out of 5 with 2 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Retro Winter Sports 1986 is a beautiful pixelated remake of classic home computer sports games. Compete in six different events—Ski Jump, Biathlon, Bobsled, Speed Skating, Curling, and Slalom—against the computer or up to eight friends in hot seat mode. Choose from 12 nations and master unique mobile-optimized controls to take home the gold.

Features

Six winter sport events

8-player hot seat multiplayer

12 playable nations

Global leaderboards and achievements

Authentic retro pixel art style

Tips

Mastering the Events

Focus on rhythm in Speed Skating and precise timing in Ski Jump. In Curling, use the touch controls to adjust velocity and trajectory carefully. Practice in Training Mode before entering the Tournament.