Ultimate Winter Games is a nice little package of four "snowday" games, as it were. Downhill skiing, curling, snowboarding and bobsledding are the featured games, and are presented in the basic racing game format of practice, championship and a "design your own tournament" modes.

Players will unlock racing tracks in the championship mode, which can then be played in the practice modes. Tournaments can be designed to feature any mix of the four games, for a 2-player competition. There is also a link option for 2 players for head-to-head gaming, but only for the curling event. Options include three difficulty levels, as well as sound and music choices.

The games themselves are simply presented, yet are constructed very nicely, for a smooth gaming experience. There is not much diversity in either the racing movement or tracks, but what there is, is done well. Moving the racers feels natural and the game mechanics are solidly designed, with a tight response to the control buttons. There is a definite sensation of speed going down the hills!

Of the four games, downhill and snowboarding are the most fun, with snowboarding requiring more involvement from the player for trick requirements. The buttons are very basic, with the R and L buttons for tricks, used simultaneously with the up/down, left/right control pad for correct execution. The trick requirements are easily met, for the most part.

The bobsled game was a trifle difficult at first, as my guys kept turning over before they barely got started. After practicing a few times, though, I at least was able to get them down the course fairly well, although not very gracefully. Curling was just downright boring, in my book, unless you like shuffleboard.

All the games are visually appealing, and offer attractive courses, although there's not much variety in the endless snow. The music is upbeat and sounds quite nice for a GBA title, but there are not a lot of different tunes.