Introduction

In 1977, Atari, Inc. released an arcade game that sought to capture the gentle fun of putting greens. Spawning from a simpler era of gaming, this title brought the leisurely sport of miniature golf into the exciting world of arcade entertainment.

Gameplay

The game simulates a mini-golf course where players use a trackball to control the direction and speed of their shots. The objective is to complete each hole in the fewest possible strokes, navigating obstacles much like a real miniature golf course. Challenges vary from simple barriers to more complex traps and bends that test players’ precision and timing.

Technical Aspects

Designed for arcade units of the time, the game is presented in black and white with an overhead perspective. It utilized early joystick technology, which was still novel at the time. The simplicity of the graphics is offset by the challenging nature of the game’s design, contrasting the elegantly simple visuals with engaging and tricky courses.

Legacy

Though not as renowned as some of Atari’s other groundbreaking releases, this game represents an interesting facet of the company’s early endeavors to diversify its gaming portfolio with a range of sports and simulation titles. It contributed to the early days of sports simulation games, paving the way for the complex and richly detailed titles enjoyed by gamers today.