Our PGA Tour 2K23 review is now live:
With PGA Tour 2K23, the series appears to be at something of a crossroads. It is clinging to its simulation past and yet all too willing to adopt arcade elements that threaten its legitimacy. To its credit, the game is a vivid and challenging recreation of the sport that’s at its best when you’re out on a course shooting a round. The familiar swing stick controls require a higher level of precision than before, while the new 3-click option has been integrated with seamless panache. Archetypes that are now available for your MyPlayer give you some choice about what kind of golfer you would like to be, and in casual modes you can finally use real golfers like Tiger Woods or other prominent athletes like Michael Jordan. Topgolf provides a breezy alternative to hitting up a course if you’re short on time and want to practice your aim alone or with others by hitting some targets at the range.
On the more worrisome side of things, the way that you’re able to use skill points and club fittings to boost your abilities and give you a better chance of success calls into question the competitive balance that has typically been a calling card of the series. Online play hasn’t been given much attention, with the casual playlists continuing to need an overall focus and Online Societies returning largely untouched. The antiquated replays are frustrating in the lack of control they offer the viewer and in how terrible they can present a great shot that just happened. More customization would be appreciated when sculpting your MyPlayer, like the chance to design your own unique swing.
With PGA Tour 2K23, the series appears to be at something of a crossroads. It is clinging to its simulation past and yet all too willing to adopt arcade elements that threaten its legitimacy. To its credit, the game is a vivid and challenging recreation of the sport that’s at its best when you’re out on a course shooting a round. The familiar swing stick controls require a higher level of precision than before, while the new 3-click option has been integrated with seamless panache. Archetypes that are now available for your MyPlayer give you some choice about what kind of golfer you would like to be, and in casual modes you can finally use real golfers like Tiger Woods or other prominent athletes like Michael Jordan. Topgolf provides a breezy alternative to hitting up a course if you’re short on time and want to practice your aim alone or with others by hitting some targets at the range.
On the more worrisome side of things, the way that you’re able to use skill points and club fittings to boost your abilities and give you a better chance of success calls into question the competitive balance that has typically been a calling card of the series. Online play hasn’t been given much attention, with the casual playlists continuing to need an overall focus and Online Societies returning largely untouched. The antiquated replays are frustrating in the lack of control they offer the viewer and in how terrible they can present a great shot that just happened. More customization would be appreciated when sculpting your MyPlayer, like the chance to design your own unique swing.
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