A few days ago I had the opportunity to participate in the virtual preview event of PGA Tours, the new title of Electronic Arts dedicated to golf and out on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on March 24, 2023. The work is proposed as themost realistic experience ever for all those who love sports, and after hearing the words of the developers and seeing the gameplay, I can only believe that this goal has been achieved. But let’s take a step back and analyze the various components of the PGA Tour.
The video game represents a true dream for all golf enthusiasts, as it will take players to the most famous courses in the world, reproduced with impressive realism. Ben will be present at the launch 30 runs (further will probably be added with DLC and future updates), and the details have been rendered so well that more than a video game it seems to see a real video; Electronic Arts has used technologies such as helicopters and drones to be able to recreate the environments impeccably, and in fact every element, from the buildings to the flowers, is exactly identical to the actual one.
Like a real pro player
This realism is not only present in the courses, but also in the gameplay itself: in PGA Tour will be present the brand new Pure Strike shooting system, which promises to guarantee a realistic feeling on every shot, accurately reproducing the movements of the ball. Obviously, having not tried the game first hand, I cannot confirm if the technology really works in an impressive way as promised by EA, but we are certainly faced with an immersive gaming experience, which will make you feel like you are on the golf course.
PGA Tour offers itself as apto both for those who really know how to play golf and for beginners, and indeed it appears as the right alternative for those who want to learn how sport works. Given that you will need some skill to hit the hole and you will have to consider different variables to hit the ball in the right way, initially it will probably take you a while to get the hang of it, but over time you will become real pro-players, defeating athletes internationally renowned.
Indeed, they are included in the game some of the world’s most famous golfers, such as Scottie Scheffler, Nelly Korda, Tony Finau and many more. Players will be able to decide whether to play against them or how them, and also in this case the realism with which the athletes have been reproduced is impressive; in fact, over 130 cameras were used to capture their movements during matches, as well as facial expressions, to then recreate them in the PGA Tour with maximum realism.
All this will be enjoyable in various ways: obviously there is the inevitable career, where it will be possible to create and customize your own golfer, developing skills and becoming an expert on each course. Also, on the PGA Tour they will be featured international competitions such as the FedExCup and amateur tournaments such as the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the US Amateur. In short, there are many athletes to compete with and holes to earn, on the contrary, so anyone can go from being a beginner to a champion with — a lot — dedication and departure.
Is PGA Tour Too Realistic?
With more than 20 types of shots everyone will have the opportunity to create a completely unique and personal style of play, and this is where I have some doubts about the mechanics of the PGA Tour. Considering all the possible variables before moving the club could be too complex, making the games very long and therefore not suitable for a “quick game”.
Only small snippets of gameplay were shown during the preview, so as of today it is not yet known how long a match will actually be, but the game could be not at all suitable for a “fast game”. Of course, an 18-hole round lasts an average of 4 or 5 hours but, although the video game offers itself as a realistic experience, it is unthinkable that users can stay in front of the console or PC for so long — and for a single game , so let alone an entire tournament —.
In short, PGA Tour is undoubtedly the most realistic golf game ever created, and for fans of the discipline it will be a real godsend. The attention to detail put by Electronic Arts is impressive, and everything from the blades of grass in the fields to the folds of the athletes’ clothes have been reproduced with incredible fidelity. The only doubts that I have about the title concern its effective accessibility to inexperienced players, and the length that the games will be able to reach. Obviously, we just have to wait for the release of the title on March 24th to clarify any doubts.
