A Spectacular Albatross: PGA TOUR 2K21 Review

A Spectacular Albatross: PGA TOUR 2K21 Review

Aug 28, 2020 0
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In a pandemic riddled world, it has been difficult for people to get out and enjoy themselves. Now with restrictions opening up, it seems more reasonable to take an excursion for a round of golf with your buddies, but why risk it when you can do the same from your own home’s comfort? Thanks to 2K Games, PGA TOUR 2K21 is just that, an excellent rendition of golf, with some bonuses of course. 

A Unique Perspective

As players start up the game for the first time, they are greeted with a player in the middle of a golf course. Through a rather innovative live commentary system, players are guided through tutorials for the mechanics organically. Upon completion, players are allowed to start their careers with their own MyPLAYER. While the character builder gets the job done, facial features are the only options as most clothing customization items are locked at the start of play. The control scheme is easy for players to wrap their heads around, and multiple difficulty options allow for a much smaller learning curve. Besides, the difficulty can be changed at any point during gameplay, allowing for either a bit more of a challenge or a relief from one. Additional training can be found through practice mode, where players can hone in on their swing for the PGA Tour.
Golfer after swing

 Golfer after swing

A Very Nice Drive

During the game, players will face a multitude of challenges as they play through the season. As mentioned earlier, PGA TOUR 2K21 features an advanced live commentary system that resembles a near-perfect mimic of watching live golf. The announcers will comment live as the player proceeds through the course and will direct the attention to a different pro golfer via a cutaway during lulls of action.  Should players decide to skip these cutscenes, or fast-forward them, the announcers will continue what they were saying and loop into the current situation instead of their voices being cut abruptly. It is rather satisfying when a game is going very well, and you are receiving rousing praise. Also, commentary will adjust based on how the player is doing, such as current stats and running win streaks.

Challenging Courses

Players can golf on many famous golf courses and against a whole roster of pro golfers. During each PGA Tour event, the player gains a rival, and based on performance throughout the course; players can either outplay their rival for additional rewards or end up out-performed. Each PGA Tour event also has challenges players can take to fulfill your sponsors’ requirements for different bonuses unique to sponsors such as Callaway and TaylorMade. When not fighting for the FedEx Cup, players have many online and local options for gameplay. Furthermore, for an additional challenge, players are welcome to download community-made courses and can even try their hand at building a personal one.
Audience watching a Putt

The audience watching a Putt

A Few Bogeys

While 2K Games has made an extremely polished game, a few shots fall too short. While the game progresses, players may notice a few stray camera angles on replays leading to instances where you should be able to see a replay but instead see a close-up of your golfer’s back.   Mainly, players may find it challenging to remain immersed as some of the other pro golfers don’t have the same level of detail as your golfer. The same issue persists with some of the audience if the ball falls too close to the quiet observers.  

A Near-Perfect Experience

Despite a few bumps in the road, the rest of the game far outshines these minor visual impairments. Both fans of the series and newcomers will find themselves lost in the game with the plethora of game modes and exceptionally smooth gameplay mechanics. The live commentary system adds an extra layer of immersion while players try to shoot for the FedEx Cup.    PGA TOUR 2K21 was reviewed on Xbox One. Thank you, 2K Games, for providing us with an advance copy. For our latest review check out, Mortal Shell Review— Becoming Immortal

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About author

Nick Mammoliti

I enjoy long walks on the beach, followed by copious hours spent inside avoiding the sunlight. All kidding aside, as a creative person I am constantly on the lookout for an experience when I play games. I have been gaming since I could form memories and I have a preference for games with a good narrative. That being the case, Writers Mind in Halo: Reach holds a special place in my heart.

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