This 1989 release of the European title Alternative World Games is a comedic twist on the classic multi-event sports compilation.  Sports-A-Roni lets up to six players compete in a series of zany mini-games styled after an international Olympiad—if the athletes were slightly uncoordinated and the rules rewritten for laughs. Developed with a sense of humor, Sports-A-Roni brings slapstick charm to events like Sack Racing through manhole-laden streets, balancing stacks of plates through Pisa, and lobbing boots in the shadow of the Colosseum. Gameplay spans eight distinct challenges including Pole Climbing, River Jump, Pogo Stick Balloon Popping, and a gondola-bound Pillow Fight in Venice. With a tongue-in-cheek design, the game features TV-themed menus, quirky controls, and animations that don’t take themselves too seriously. Whether practicing solo or battling friends, Sports-A-Roni spoofs traditional sports sims while still requiring just enough timing and reflexes to keep players engaged. Load up, laugh, and let the games begin.

There are some rumors that Epyx wasn’t too pleased with Gremlin Graphics releasing a title called Alternative World Games after Epyx released World Games.  Especially since the two firms were supposed to be friends.  Not wanting to imply this was any sort of sequel, or take away from the brand equity of World Games, the companies seem to have worked things out, and this title was published in North America as Sport-A-Roni. More of a sports spoof competition, it was an interesting addition to the rest of the Epyx Games titles.  Gremlin Graphics was acquired by Infogrames which took on the name of another one of its acquisitions – Atari.  Any IP inquiries should be directed to them.