The Olympics are in full swing and gamers can challenge their own style of abilities on the console platforms available.

Combine arcade gaming with some of the top winter games available, then add a solid graphics’ package and you has the GameCube release of International Winter Sports 2002 from Konami.

This is not a game that delves deep into the heart and soul of the competition, but rather gives players – with simplistic, but challenging – opportunities to best the courses and obstacles provided.

Think you have what it takes in the moguls? How about bobsleigh? For a change of pace try the curling venue or ski jump, or even see if you can connect the moves to perform precision figure skating routines – without bias from judges.

If anything (yes the current Olympic biases aside), this is a game that puts the power in game players hands.

Some of the elements of this game are very simplistic. Take, for example, the speed skating. You need only match the velocity standards capably depicted onscreen to cruise the course. No need to figure the angles, or the bend of the track. This is a two-button process.

That is the strength of this game. Players of any ability, with some reflexive aptitude can surmount the challenges.

There are eight disciplines – ranging from the downhill to K90 and K120 ski jumping to halfpipe and a downhill run.

The graphical elements are well realized. GameCube formatting provides some very nice rendering elements.

But first, let’s get to the controls. Some of the GC elements are very basic. For example, in the speed skating, you tap the A and B buttons in time with the onscreen prompts to achieve the maximum speed, as well as the slowdown on the turns to create a time that will guarantee success.

There are several countries and genders to pick from in selecting your on-screen avatar. In order to save your progress, you will need to have a GC memory card in place.

When it comes to downhill racing, you will need to judge speed, control, cutting edge and aim for the next gate. Time is the factor that must be conquered and the program provides all the elements necessary to do just that.

In Bobsleigh, the sleigh can sometime course ahead, which is very in tune with the arcade nature of this program on this platform.

Graphically, the game is solid. There is depth of perception – even the mogul course will enable players to see what lies ahead. If there is a drawback, it is that players will be concentrating on the player interface that they may not see the actual performance on the course in some events. Fortunately, the game has a replay element that will allow players to sit back and watch their run.

There are some detractions in the graphics. Enter the figure skating, and you will find a lack of natural movement from the skater’s attire or hair as they move around the rink. The avatars seem solid and while the initial movement is nice, this game lacks realism.

The sound is solid, but does little to enhance the quality of the game. You will hear exactly what you expect.

The options package is very good. You can compete in trials, competition or championship modes. In the competition format, two players compete head-to-head in 10 events; in the championship mode there is a three-day multiple event format for one or two players.

In the event of the single-player game, you will compete against times that are judged typical of the event.

This is a program that has a strong arcade feel, but that doesn’t detract from the entertainment value. This features some of the elements from the Olympics without the pressure and ‘iffy’ judging that the games offer.

This program is rated for everyone.

Game play: 8
From the start of an event to the end, this game feature some solid elements and while the bobsledders may not course through a tunnel, this game still offers skills that must be overcome along the way.

Graphics: 7.8
There are some drawbacks in the natural movements of the competitors, but the overall look of the game is very nice.

Sound: 7.5
The music is solid, while the actual sound effects are exactly what one would expect from this type of game.

Difficulty: 8
There are several options that will test players, and the controls are mostly of the arcade style.

Concept: 7.8
Other platforms have provided thrills and chills in the Olympic-style format. This game follows them, but may not be quite as strong as other formats.

Multiplayer: 7.5
Head-to-head competition is fine, but remember – this is an arcade-style turn-based game.

Overall: 7.8
This looks quite nice, but is an arcade game that seemingly skimps on the reality inherit in other platforms while still providing a solid gaming experience. It is mostly reflexive, with nice on-screen prompts for learning how to control contestants in the events, and while the action is smooth, this is a game that will leave some players a little cold. It looks nice, and plays well, but when you see the package (which states “Let the Games Begin”), it seems to be banking upon the Olympic fervor while supplying an arcade experience.