Rory MciLroy PGA Tour Review
Developer EA Sports
Publisher EA
Platform PS4, Xbox One
Release Date Out Now.
Rory Mcilroy has taken over from Tiger Woods as the signature star for EA’s PGA Tour, but that isn’t the only difference. This is a new game built from the ground up on the Frostbite engine (yes that one from Battlefield). PGA tour now offers full open course, beautiful surroundings, and a host of new options.
EA seem to be moving to use Frostbite on just about every game these days, it is an engine that is visually appealing especially when it comes to creating lush green forest settings so it seems the perfect fit for a golf title. Frostbite also has the ability to create the whole 18 hole course in one go, removing the need for annoying load times between each individual hole. This makes you feel like you are out on an actual course, it makes the game flow much more naturally, and best of all it cuts about 20 minutes off the time for a full 18 hole round.
As with all EA game they go for a “TV broadcast” feeling rather than a “playing the game” style. Commentary is provided from Frank Nobilo and Rich Lerner which gives the authenticity needed, and the usual TV styled graphic and information tickers scrolling across the screen do a good job of creating that TV look. This is great if that is what you want, personally I prefer to play a sport than watch it on TV so all the bells and whistles are a little lost on me.
It doesn’t matter if you are new to the series or a returning veteran there are a number of different gameplay styles to suit all player styles and experience level. Old school players can use the Classic Mode. This is a throwback to the days of timed button presses. You press the A button to start the bar powering up then you have to press it again at the right time, and finally hit the marker on the way down to control the direction of the ball spin. This is not necessarily an easier mode as you still need impeccable timing, it just suits those who don’t like the newer stick approach.
Arcade Mode is the mode most will be familiar with, you pull back on the stick, the more you pull back the more power you generate and you follow through to hit the ball. You have certain assists like Zoom, an Aiming Arc, and in-air ball spin to help you out. This is the mode where the game helps you the most, more suited or the casual player who just wants to kill time and isn’t too invested.
The most challenging mode is Tour Mode, this mode removes all the assists and adds an element of power and control to the follow through on your shot. This mode takes the longest to get familiar with but it is the mode of choice for those who take their golf seriously.
When you want to play the game you have a number of options to chose from. Apart from your normal single player quick play you have a PGA Career mode available . This allows you to build and craft your own golfer over a fifteen year career unlocking thousands of different attribute combinations as you go.
Multiplayer H2H and Online Leaderboards allow you to challenge others around the world, the biggest improvement here is that you all play on the course at once rather than being stuck waiting in a semi single player mode. As you go around the course you see the other player playing in real time. You can watch every one of their shots, see how they approach the green, how the wind affects the ball, but the best thing is the lack of having to wait for your turn.
Building a game from the ground up comes at a price and it might seem that PGA tour is a little light on the features that you have become used to over the years. In order to add a little fun to the game “The Night Club” was introduced. This adds 170 challenges for you to take part in. With lots of mini games like hitting targets, landing in buckets, and blowing up objects. This is a fun mode it allows you to unlock some extra boosts too.
Overall: Far from a miss Rory MciLroy PGA Tour is just a little light, however it looks top notch and for most players there is more than enough here to keep you entertained. If they add a few more courses throughout the year and maybe some live events this could keep you going for a while yet.
SCORE 3.5/5
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