Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition
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| Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Friendly Software |
| Publisher | Microsoft |
| Series | Microsoft Golf |
| Platform | Windows |
| Release | |
| Genre | Sports |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition is a 1998 golf video game developed by American studio Friendly Software and published by Microsoft for Windows. It is the fourth game in the Microsoft Golf series, following Microsoft Golf 3.0. The design is substantially different from its predecessors.
Some critics considered the game to be a significant improvement, especially the graphics. The game ranked 232nd for computer game sales during 1998. It was followed by Microsoft Golf 1999 Edition.
Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition features four golf courses: The Links, and Teeth of the Dog, both at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic; and Lake Michigan's Bay Harbor Golf Club, and The Preserve 9 at Bay Harbor. The latter is a 9-hole course, while the other three each contain 18 holes.[2][3][4] The game features five game modes: Bingo Bango Bongo, match, scramble, skins, and stroke.[2][3][4] Four golf swing methods are featured, including Natural Swing and Sim Swing; the former method uses the motion of a computer mouse to simulate the swing, while the latter option has the game take the swing for the player, who has no involvement in the process.[2] The game also features regular two-click and three-click swing methods that are common to golfing games.[5][6][3][4]
The player can also choose pin placement,[2] and has a variety of camera angles and replay options.[4] Wind and weather can also be customized.[5] The game includes commentary from David Feherty, who reacts to the player's golfing.[3] Ten golfer models are featured, including males and females of varying skin tones, and the player can use a variety of options to customize the character.[6][3] The game supports multiplayer for up to four players, with various options such as LAN and Microsoft's Internet Gaming Zone.[2]
Development
The previous games in the Microsoft Golf series are basic versions of the early Links golfing games by Access Software.[2][3] Microsoft's previous golf games are also Microsoft Windows versions of the Links games, which were being published for DOS at the time. Microsoft and Access Software ended their partnership in 1996, when the latter began developing Links for Windows, making their series a direct rival to Microsoft Golf.[7] For Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition, Microsoft chose Friendly Software to develop the game, which uses a revamped design that is substantially different from its predecessors.[4] Friendly Software previously developed Greg Norman Ultimate Challenge Golf,[4] and Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition uses the same game engine.[8] The game uses DirectDraw for graphics rendering. [9]
Release and marketing
The game was published by Microsoft in the United States in May 1998.[10][11][12] That month, Microsoft and company Eddie Bauer partnered to promote Microsoft Golf 1998 Special Edition, a basic version of the game featuring only the Preserve 9 course. It was created specifically for Eddie Bauer. The Eddie Bauer logo and website are featured in the game, which was given away to Eddie Bauer customers who purchased merchandise costing $75 or more.[13][14] A basic demo version of the full game, titled Microsoft Golf 1998 Lite and featuring only the Preserve 9 course, was included with Microsoft Plus! 98 upon its release in June 1998.[15][16][17][18]
In August 1998, Microsoft hosted a promotional media event at Washington's Museum of Flight, coinciding with the 1998 PGA Championship being held in the state, where Microsoft was headquartered. The event, titled "Battle in Seattle", was a three-hole matchup between professional golfers Craig Stadler and Michelle McGann, who competed against each other in the game. The event included a jumbo screen to watch the match, as well as 10 computers featuring demo versions of the game. The event garnered only about 80 people, below Microsoft's expectations. Media attendees included ESPN and Fox Sports, in addition to several PGA Tour players.[19][20]
