Awesome Golf

Last updated

Awesome Golf
Atari Lynx Awesome Golf cover art.jpg
Cover art in all regions
Developer(s) Hand Made Software
Publisher(s) Atari Corporation
Producer(s) Juliana Wade
Designer(s) Jim Gregory
Programmer(s) Chris Manniex
Rob Nicholson
Artist(s) Val Gregory
Composer(s) Paul Tonge
Tony Williams
Platform(s) Atari Lynx
Release
Genre(s) Sports
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer
(up to four players via ComLynx)

Awesome Golf is a 1991 golf video game developed by Hand Made Software and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. [1] [2] The first project to be created by Hand Made Software, players have the choice to compete either solo or against other human players using the console's ComLynx system on matches set in any of the three available countries across any of the game modes available. Its gameplay mainly uses a two-button configuration.

Contents

Awesome Golf was developed by most of the same staff that would later go on to work on future projects for Atari Corp. such as Kasumi Ninja on the Atari Jaguar. Atari had plans to develop a golf title for their Lynx platform and Hand Made Software travelled to meet with the company in order to work on a title for a handheld game console, which Atari agreed and decided to trust their golf project to the latter after being impressed with the team's abilities.

Awesome Golf was met with positive critical reception from video game magazines and dedicated outlets that reviewed the game since its launch, with reviewers praising several aspects such as the presentation, visuals, digitized voice samples, controls and gameplay, though some criticized other aspects of the title like the sound design. After its release, Hand Made Software would go on to develop five more titles for the Lynx. [2]

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot LYNX Awesome Golf.png
Gameplay screenshot

Awesome Golf is a golf game similar to Top Player's Golf and other golf titles from the era, where players compete in matches on various golf courses set across three countries of the world. There are three game modes and multiple golfers to choose from at the main menu: [3] Medal is the main single-player mode where one player participates in 18 holes. Practice, as the name implies, is essentially a training mode where players can refine their skills. Lastly, there is Driving mode. Before starting each mode, players can configurate a set of options on the menu screen such as the number of holes to play through. [3] Players also have the option of consulting with a gopher caddie called Chipper for advices and tips in how to complete a course before hitting the ball during gameplay. [3] Multiplayer is a heavy focus of the game, as up to four players can compete with each other by connecting four Atari Lynx units via the system's ComLynx port. [3]

Production

Background

Awesome Golf was the first project to be created by Hand Made Software for the Atari Lynx. Atari-Lynx-I-Handheld.jpg
Awesome Golf was the first project to be created by Hand Made Software for the Atari Lynx.

Atari Corporation were already planning to release a four-player golf game for the Lynx as early as May 1990 under the title Masters Golf, however it did not have a concrete release date. [4] Its original internal working title was Lynx Links, however Atari Corp. failed in registering said title, as the name "Lynx" was already in use at the time. [2] Hand Made Software was a British studio founded in August 1990 by former Mr. Micro employees to focus on creating titles for handheld game consoles and recruited people with experience working in the video game industry, however the company had no project assigned to them but settled on working with the Atari Lynx. [2] [5] Two members of the company travelled to Chicago in order to meet with Atari to work on a Lynx project. Impressed with the team's abilities, Atari ultimately decided on trusting Hand Made Software with the development of a golf game that would later become Awesome Golf. [2] [6]

Development

Awesome Golf was made by most of the same team that would later work on various projects for Atari such as Kasumi Ninja on the Atari Jaguar. [2] [7] The development was helmed by a small team at Hand Made Software with Atari producer Juliana Wade leading its creation, while both Jim Gregory and Rob Nicholson served as the game's designers. Jim and Nicholson also shared roles as artists and programmers alongside Chris Manniex and Val Gregory. [7] Both Paul Tonge and Tony Williams acted as composers for the title and created the sound effects as well, among other people collaborating in its development like David Gregory providing the voice work for Chipper. [2] [7] Jim Gregory and the team at Hand Made Software recounted the project's development process in a 1992 issue of British fanzine Lynx User, where they stated that Atari wanted a title which could appeal to audiences of all ages, as well as the controls "to be quick to learn" and realistic visuals instead of polygons as with other golf titles from the era. [2]

The game was originally intended to feature only one area to play, however the team managed to generate courses with highly compact data structure, expanding the number of holes from 18 to 54 as a result. [2] In addition, the team was aided by the University of Salford, who managed to provide materials necessary in order to accurately simulate the ball's flight and a total of three months of research, including consulting with golfers and video game players were spent into the project and after the mechanics were completed, the team focused on testing and adjusting the product. [2] [7] The team had difficulties implementing the ComLynx functionality into the project, as the game exhibited issues when Lynx systems were linked together, which led them on writing a custom code and routine to keep the consoles synchronized during multiplayer. [2]

The team at Hand Made Software also had to develop a new zoom technique for the game as well, as the Lynx can only zoom into graphics of a certain size. [2] During development, the cost for a 2 megabit cartridge was reduced, allowing the team to improve visuals and the inclusion of Chipper due to the increased memory size. [2] The game went gold in November 1991 after passing through testing and debugging, with the team holding a wrap party to celebrate. [2]

Release

Awesome Golf was published by Atari in North America and Europe in December 1991. [1] [2] [8] Previews of the game featured different visuals compared with the final version released to the market, going under the name of Golf. [8] [9]

Reception

Awesome Golf was met with positive reception. [26] Robert A. Jung reviewed the game which was later published on IGN in June 1999. In his final verdict he went on to say "This game captures the intricacies of the sport, while offering enough extras to enhance its appeal, though playing with friends can be a hassle. If golf is your game, Awesome Golf should not be missed." Giving a final rating of 9 out of 10. [12]

Legacy

After the release of Awesome Golf, Hand Made Software worked on five more projects for the Lynx: Dracula the Undead (an adventure game loosely based on Bram Stoker's Dracula novel), Power Factor (a conversion of an unreleased Atari ST project by Red Rat Software titled Red Ace), Malibu Bikini Volleyball , Jimmy Connors' Tennis (a port of NMS Software's tennis game featuring Jimmy Connors), and Battlezone 2000 . [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atari Lynx</span> Handheld game console

The Atari Lynx is a hybrid 8/16-bit fourth-generation hand-held game console released by Atari Corporation in September 1989 in North America and 1990 in Europe and Japan. It was the first handheld game console with a color liquid-crystal display. Powered by a 16 MHz 65C02 8-bit CPU and a custom 16-bit blitter, the Lynx was more advanced than Nintendo's monochrome Game Boy, released two months earlier. It also competed with Sega's Game Gear and NEC's TurboExpress, released the following year.

<i>Blue Lightning</i> (1989 video game) 1989 video game

Blue Lightning is a 1989 combat flight simulation video game developed by Epyx and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe for the Atari Lynx. It was also released in Japan on December 1 of the same year, where it was instead distributed by Mumin Corporation. It was one of the launch titles that were released along with the system in North America and was jointly written by Stephen Landrum, lead programmer Brian Bowhay, who also developed the Lynx hardware and Chip's Challenge creator Chuck Sommerville.

<i>Loopz</i> 1990 video game

Loopz is a puzzle video game designed and programmed by Ian Upton for the Atari ST in 1989. He previously worked as head game designer for Audiogenic, who acquired exclusive rights to the game, then in 1990 arranged for Mindscape to publish it for computers in North America and consoles worldwide.

<i>Switchblade II</i> 1991 video game

Switchblade II is a 1991 side-scrolling action-platform run and gun video game originally developed and published by Gremlin Graphics in Europe for the Amiga home computers. It is the sequel to the original Switchblade, which was solely created by Simon Phipps at Core Design and released earlier in 1989 across multiple platforms. Despite being primarily developed in the UK, its graphics had a distinctly Japanese style similar to anime or manga.

<i>Gauntlet: The Third Encounter</i> 1990 video game

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter is an arcade-style dungeon crawler role-playing game developed by Epyx and published by Atari that was released for the Atari Lynx handheld system in 1990. Despite using the same packaging artwork that was used for the NES version, The Third Encounter is not a port of the original Gauntlet or its sequel, but instead is a new game developed specifically for the Lynx.

<i>Gates of Zendocon</i> 1989 video game

Gates of Zendocon is a horizontally scrolling shooter developed by Epyx and published by Atari Corporation in 1989 in North America and Europe for the Atari Lynx. It was released in Japan on December 23 of the same year, where it was distributed by Mumin Corporation. One of the first games written for the platform, it was one of the launch titles that were released along with the system in North America.

<i>Dirty Larry: Renegade Cop</i> 1992 video game

Dirty Larry: Renegade Cop is a 1992 beat 'em up video game developed by Knight Technologies and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. Set in the city of Steelburg, players assume the role of the titular police officer to fight back against criminals on the streets and arrest the head of the organized crime of the city known only as Mr. Big. Its gameplay mainly consists of hand-to-hand or weapon combats with a main two-button configuration.

<i>The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge</i> 1991 video game

The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge is a chess video game released in 1991 by Telegames for the Atari Lynx. Players can either play against the game or against another player using the same console. The game engine was written by Fidelity Electronics, makers of various chess computers, and reached a master rating of 2325 Elo.

<i>Checkered Flag</i> (1991 video game) 1991 video game

Checkered Flag is a racing video game released for the Atari Lynx in 1991. A remake was released for the Atari Jaguar in 1994. Destination Software also planned to release a Game Boy Advance version of the title around 2005, but it was cancelled before it was released.

<i>Warbirds</i> (video game) 1991 video game

Warbirds is a 1991 first-person combat flight simulation video game developed and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. Taking place in the 1910s during World War I, players assume the role of a rookie aircraft pilot from the Army Air Force who joined the titular squadron taking control of a prebuilt biplane in order to win the war against the enemies. Its gameplay mainly consists of dogfights against either AI-controlled opponents or other human players using the Lynx's ComLynx system, with a main four-button configuration.

<i>Kung Food</i> 1992 video game

Kung Food is a video game developed for the Atari Lynx handheld by Christian Urqhart and Steven Mitchell and published by Atari Corporation in 1992. The player controls a protagonist who uses martial arts to overcome mutant vegetables that have invaded his freezer. Earlier in his career, Urquhart authored a number of ZX Spectrum games.

<i>Jimmy Connors Tennis</i> 1993 video game

Jimmy Connors Tennis is a tennis simulation video game developed by NMS Software for the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Game Boy, and published by Ubi Soft in 1993. The game was also developed for the Atari Lynx console by Handmade Software and published by Ubisoft. A Sega Genesis version was planned but never released.

<i>Lynx Casino</i> 1992 video game

Lynx Casino is a 1992 gambling simulator for the Atari Lynx developed by Brian A. Rice Inc. It includes blackjack, craps, roulette, slot machines, and video poker.

<i>NFL Football</i> (1992 video game) 1992 video game

NFL Football is an American football video game for the Atari Lynx. It was developed by Blue Sky Software, and published by Epyx in 1992.

<i>Robo-Squash</i> 1990 video game

Robo-Squad is an action-sports game for the Atari Lynx published by Atari Corporation in 1990.

<i>Gordo 106</i> 1993 video game

Gordo 106 is a 1993 platform video game developed by Tenth Planet Software and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. Set in the installations of N. Human Laboratories, players assume the role of an exploited laboratory monkey named Gordo, who unintentionally gained intelligence as a result of experimentation with radiation in order to free other animal test subjects and escape from the building, while defeating scientists and employees of the complex along the way. Its gameplay consists of platforming and exploration with a main three-button configuration.

<i>Malibu Bikini Volleyball</i> 1993 video game

Malibu Bikini Volleyball is a 1993 beach volleyball video game developed by Hand Made Software and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. In the game, players have the choice to compete across any of the game modes available with either AI-controlled opponents or against other human players using the Lynx's ComLynx system on matches set in Malibu, California. Its gameplay mainly uses a two-button configuration.

<i>Power Factor</i> (video game) 1993 video game

Power Factor is a 1993 side-scrolling action-platform video game developed by Hand Made Software and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. Based around a video game within a video game concept, players take control of a character who is in turn playing on a virtual reality simulator assuming the role of Redd Ace, which is recreating his battle against the Sinlendo Techmods by recovering necessary bomb components to defeat the alien race at the Ceegraian Power Station. Its gameplay consists of platforming, exploration and weapons-based combat with a main four-button configuration.

<i>Scrapyard Dog</i> 1990 video game

Scrapyard Dog is a scrolling platform game published by Atari Corporation for the Atari 7800 in 1990, followed by an Atari Lynx port in 1991.

<i>Batman Returns</i> (Atari Lynx video game) 1992 video game

Batman Returns is a 1992 side-scrolling action-beat 'em up video game developed and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe for the Atari Lynx. Based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, it is inspired by the Warner Bros.'s 1992 film of the same name. In the main storyline, Batman must confront both Catwoman and the Penguin.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Electronic Gaming Monthly & Electronic Arts Sports Network Present... The Games Of December 1991...Appearing In Local Stores Now! - Lynx - Awesome Golf". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 29. Sendai Publishing. December 1991. p. 29.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Gregory, Jim (1992). "Handmade Software". Lynx User. No. 4. The Hide-Out. pp. 10–11.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Awesome Golf instructions (Atari Lynx, US)
  4. ↑ "Atari Adventure - Lynx New Soft News!". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 10. Sendai Publications. May 1990. p. 94.
  5. ↑ "Rob Nicholson". LinkedIn . Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  6. ↑ Szczepaniak, John (September 2012). "Jim Gregory interview - AKIRA - SNES". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Hand Made Software (1991). Awesome Golf (Atari Lynx). Atari Corporation. Level/area: Staff roll.
  8. 1 2 "Sizzling New Titles Are On Their Way! - Awesome Golf - Fore!". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 28. Sendai Publishing. November 1991. p. 128.
  9. ↑ "Atari Adventure - More Hot Titles Coming In 1991!!! - Golf". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 21. Sendai Publishing. April 1991. p. 80.
  10. ↑ Knight, Kyle (1998). "Awesome Golf - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  11. ↑ Commentator, Colorful (January 1992). "Special Feature: Big Hitters, Hackers, and Sandbaggers - Awesome Golf". GamePro . No. 30. IDG. pp. 50–51.
  12. 1 2 A. Jung, Robert (30 June 1999). "If golf is your game, Awesome Golf should not be missed". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 28 April 2019. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  13. ↑ Amann, Hans-Joachim (February 1992). "Ehrfurchtsvoll Eingelocht". Aktueller Software Markt (in German). No. 60. Tronic Verlag. p. 121.
  14. ↑ Besser, Paolo (June 1993). "Atari Attack: Awesome Golf (Lynx)". Consolemania (in Italian). No. 20. Xenia Edizioni. pp. 30–31.
  15. ↑ Spirit (February 1992). "Lynx Review - Awesome Golf". Consoles + (in French). No. 6. M.E.R.7. p. 131.
  16. ↑ Torben (3 June 1995). "Reviews - Awesome Golf". The Electric Playground. Archived from the original on 2 December 2000. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  17. ↑ Lathiere, Tristan (December 1991). "Console Test: Lynx Games - Awesome Golf". Génération 4 (in French). No. 39. Computec Media France. p. 217.
  18. ↑ O'Connor, Frank; Boone, Tim (January 1992). "Review - Awesome Golf". Go! Hand-Held Video Games . No. 3. Future Publishing. pp. 22–23.
  19. ↑ García, Juan Carlos; Sanz, José Luis (February 1992). "Lynx - Awesome Golf - Manteniendo el tipo Deportivo". Hobby Consolas (in Spanish). No. 5. Axel Springer SE. p. 64.
  20. ↑ Nini, Nourdine (March 1992). "Test - Lynx - Awesome Golf". Joypad (in French). No. 6. Yellow Media. p. 76.
  21. ↑ Prézeau, Olivier (February 1992). "Tests - Lynx - Awesome Golf". Joystick (in French). No. 24. Anuman Interactive. p. 169.
  22. ↑ Müller, Christian (February 1992). "Konsolen - Lynx Reviews - Awesome Golf". Play Time (in German). No. 9. CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG. p. 78.
  23. ↑ Gaksch, Martin (February 1992). "Videospiele / Tests - Awesome Golf". Power Play (in German). No. 47. Future Verlag. p. 169.
  24. ↑ Gaksch, Martin (April 1991). "Test - Des Par Geht Klar - Awesome Golf". Video Games (in German). No. 4. Future-Verlag. p. 96.
  25. ↑ Bieniek, Chris (February 1992). "Gaming on the Go - Awesome Golf (Atari) For the Atari Lynx". VideoGames & Computer Entertainment . No. 37. Larry Flynt Publications.
  26. ↑ Sweeney, John (June–July 1992). "Lynx Games: Lynx Jinks - Awesome Golf" (PDF). New Atari User . No. 56. Page 6 Publishing. p. 6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.