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The Irem Skins Game

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The Irem Skins Game (known outside of North America as Major Title 2: Tournament Leader) is a golf simulation game developed and released by Irem for arcades (running their M92 hardware) in 1992. The sequel to Major Title, Irem Skins Game adds a new game mode (skins game, where up to four play...

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Developer
Irem

Released on
1992

Size
1–4 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Sports

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

The Irem Skins Game (known outside of North America as Major Title 2: Tournament Leader) is a golf simulation game developed and released by Irem for arcades (running their M92 hardware) in 1992.

The sequel to Major Title, Irem Skins Game adds a new game mode (skins game, where up to four players compete to earn “money” per-hole), multiple golfers to choose from (each with their own unique stats), two fictional golf courses to choose from, and the option to keep persistent records for each player (similar to NBA Jam). Some of these features were later used in the game’s spiritual successor: Neo Turf Masters.

The Irem Skins Game

Overview & History

Released in 1992 by Irem, The Irem Skins Game is an eccentric and vibrant arcade golf simulation that trades the hushed, polite atmosphere of traditional country clubs for a high-stakes, personality-driven sporting spectacle. Eschewing the hyper-realism of titles like PGA Tour, Irem injected the genre with a distinct late-80s/early-90s arcade flavor, featuring a colorful international cast of cartoonish golfers, bombastic announcer soundbites, and hazardous, fantasy-infused courses complete with cascading waterfalls, active volcanoes, and aggressive wildlife. Operating on Irem's reliable arcade hardware, the game introduced the popular "Skins" betting format to coin-op enthusiasts, where each hole is worth a specific monetary value, and ties result in dramatic "carry-overs" that escalate the pressure. While it never achieved the ubiquitous coin-drop status of Irem's own R-Type or Moon Patrol, it carved out a dedicated cult following among arcade patrons looking for a competitive, multiplayer-friendly sports alternative.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The core gameplay revolves around a classic 3-click power meter mechanic that dictates swing power and accuracy, but with a uniquely punishing arcade twist where environmental factors—such as wind velocity, rough terrain slopes, and lie angles—play a massive role in shot trajectory. Players choose from a roster of distinct golfers, each boasting specialized statistical spreads in driving distance, putting precision, and fade/draw bias. The "Skins" rule set forces strategic risk-taking; because holes do not accumulate points unless won outright, players must frequently attempt high-risk shots over yawning chasms and water hazards to snatch skins away from opponents. The course design is delightfully absurd, featuring treacherous doglegs, towering mountain peaks, and coastal breezes that demand absolute mastery of club selection. Completing a round requires not just mechanical execution, but sharp tactical adaptation to the escalating cash pots on the line.