Links (series)

Links is the name of a series of golf simulation computer games, first developed by Access Software, and then later by Microsoft Game Studios after Microsoft acquired Access Software. The line of golf games was a flagship brand for Access, and was continued from 1990 to 2003. Several versions of the game and expansion packs (containing new courses[1] and golfers[2] mainly) were created for the Mac and PC over the years. A version for the Xbox named Links 2004 was released in November 2003. In 1991, Links won Computer Gaming World's 1991 Action Game of the Year award.[3]

In 2004, Microsoft sold the Salt Lake City studio to Take-Two Interactive, where it was renamed Indie Built. Indie Built was shut down in 2006.

Many members of the development team now work for TruGolf, a golf simulator company based out of Centerville, Utah.[4]

Access Software

Microsoft Game Studios

Note: Microsoft Golf 1.0-3.0 are just Access' Links 386 redesigned to run natively under Microsoft Windows. Golf 1998 Edition and 1999 Editions were produced by Friendly Software.[12] After Access Software was acquired by Microsoft in 1999, Microsoft produced Golf 2001, which was based on Links, and then discontinued the Golf series to continue with the Links series.

Reception

Computer Gaming World in 1992 stated "the final word in golf—for now, at least—is Links 386 Pro, praising the game's "stunning" Super VGA graphics and "dream come true" gameplay. The magazine predicted that "it is quite likely that the only thing to ever beat this game will be yet another version of Links.[13] In 1993 the game received a Codie award from the Software Publishing Association for Best Sports Game,[14] and Computer Gaming World named it the Overall Game of the Year, stating that doing so was "pretty obvious" given how long Links had been at the top of the magazine's Top 100 Games list.[15] The magazine in 1996 ranked the 1990 version fifth on the magazine's list of the most innovative computer games, stating that the game "may have inspired more 'business machine upgrades' than any other game".[16]

Links LS 1998 was a runner-up for Computer Gaming World's 1997 "Sports Game of the Year" award, which ultimately went to Baseball Mogul and CART Precision Racing (tie). The editors wrote that Links LS 1998 "made the world's best golf simulation even better."[17]

Links LS 1999 was a finalist for Computer Gaming World's 1998 "Best Sports" award, which ultimately went to FIFA: Road to World Cup 98, FIFA 99 and World Cup 98 (collectively).[18]

References

  1. ↑ Devil's island course expansion on GameSpot
  2. ↑ Davis Love III golfer expansion from TheComputerShow.com
  3. ↑ Staff (November 1991). "Computer Gaming World's 1991 Games of the Year Awards". Computer Gaming World. Golden Empire Publications, Inc (88): 38–40, 58.
  4. ↑ TruGolf
  5. ↑ Links: The Challenge of Golf at MobyGames
  6. ↑ Links Extreme comment at Games.net
  7. ↑ Microsoft LPGA Press Release Archived 2009-03-26 at the Wayback Machine.
  8. ↑ Links 2003 comment at GameNationTV.com
  9. ↑ Links 2004 review at ArmChairEmpire.com
  10. ↑ Links 2003 Championship Edition Press Release Archived 2009-03-26 at the Wayback Machine.
  11. ↑ Links Golf Courses Library at LangKong.com Archived July 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
  12. ↑ http://www.friendlysoftware.com/Products.htm Archived 2009-03-25 at the Wayback Machine.
  13. ↑ McDonald, T. Liam (November 1992). "Links 386 Pro from Access". Computer Gaming World. p. 72. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  14. ↑ "Awards - Thy Name Is Controversy". Computer Gaming World. May 1993. p. 146. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  15. ↑ "Computer Gaming World's Game of the Year Awards". Computer Gaming World. October 1993. pp. 70–74. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  16. ↑ "The 15 Most Innovative Computer Games". Computer Gaming World. November 1996. p. 102. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  17. ↑ Staff (March 1998). "CGW Presents The Best & Worst of 1997". Computer Gaming World (164): 74–77, 80, 84, 88, 89.
  18. ↑ Staff (April 1999). "Computer Gaming World's 1999 Premier Awards; CGW Presents the Best Games of 1998". Computer Gaming World (177): 90, 93, 96–105.
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