PGA Tour 2K23

Hone your swing and climb the leader board of the PGA with PGA Tour 2K23

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PGA TOUR 2K23 is a golf simulation video game that offers a realistic golfing experience with professional PGA TOUR athletes. It features a career mode, online multiplayer, and a course designer, where players can create and share their own custom golf courses. The game also includes real-world golf courses and a variety of gameplay options, providing a challenging and engaging experience for both casual and experienced golfers.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

74%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,780 reviews

gameplay99 positive mentions

monetization88 negative mentions

Great graphics and immersive gameplay that captures the essence of golf.
Fun and relaxing game, perfect for casual play with friends or solo.
The addition of the 3-click swing system offers a satisfying challenge and control.

Frequent crashes and connection issues make online play frustrating and unreliable.
Inconsistent swing mechanics lead to unpredictable shot outcomes, detracting from the experience.
Heavy emphasis on microtransactions and ads can be intrusive and diminish enjoyment.

gameplay
318 mentions
31 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of PGA Tour 2K23 has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the graphics and the introduction of new swing mechanics that add depth and realism. However, numerous criticisms highlight issues with swing timing, inconsistency in shot outcomes, and frustrating mechanics that can detract from the overall experience. While some players find the gameplay enjoyable and accessible, others feel it falls short compared to previous iterations, particularly in terms of stability and user-friendliness.
- “The swing mechanics are smooth and responsive, replicating the delicate balance between power and control that makes golf such an engaging sport.”
- “From the stunning graphics to the immersive gameplay, this game has completely transformed the way I view golf video games.”
- “The newly introduced swing mechanics add a depth of realism to the game that's thrilling and challenging.”
- “That's not even getting into the absolute garbage elevation mechanics.”
- “The swing mechanics are truly awful and feel like they change in the middle of every round.”
- “Gameplay seems more random than in 'the golf club', the displayed green markers feel inconsistent, so does the effect from wind.”
graphics
314 mentions
39 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the beautiful environments and realistic physics, while others criticize the character models and overall visual fidelity as lacking compared to current standards. Some users noted improvements over previous versions, particularly in textures and lighting, but many feel that the graphics still fall short of expectations for a 2023 release. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good, there is a consensus that they could be significantly better.
- “Graphics are beautiful, the physics are properly incorporated so I feel like every environmental difference has an effect that I must logically account for (wind, slope, trees).”
- “From beautiful visuals to the sounds of the clubs smacking the ball, this game brings it all!”
- “The graphics are top-notch and the gameplay is so realistic, I almost forgot I wasn't actually on the green.”
- “The graphics and artistic merits of the game are lacking when it comes to the characters' faces and movement.”
- “The graphics are quite horrible compared to most current-gen games out now, and the NPCs are horrid to stare at.”
- “Graphics are just okay compared to today's standards.”
monetization
125 mentions
4 % positive mentions
26 % neutral mentions
70 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been heavily criticized for its intrusive advertisements and aggressive microtransaction model, which many players feel detracts from the overall experience. Users report being bombarded with ads for in-game purchases and season passes, leading to a perception of the game as a cash grab rather than a quality product. While some acknowledge that microtransactions can be avoided, the overwhelming presence of ads and the need to grind for in-game currency to access features have left a negative impression on the community.
- “Microtransactions and other issues aside, it's a good golf game.”
- “Also nice that microtransactions are completely unnecessary as in-game currency is very easy to come by.”
- “To everyone complaining about the microtransactions, you simply do not need to buy VC in this game and just earn the VC through playing.”
- “Very intrusive advertisement for microtransactions.”
- “The game was bloated with advertisements and unnecessary game mechanics.”
- “I paid $20 for 2k23 (on sale) to play what feels like a free-to-play, advertisement-ridden, microtransaction-filled pile of mediocrity.”
stability
76 mentions
8 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
89 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and frequent crashes, particularly during multiplayer sessions. While some players note that it runs well on specific platforms like the Steam Deck, the overall experience is marred by issues such as freezing, lag during critical gameplay moments, and persistent graphical problems. Despite its enjoyable gameplay, many users express frustration over the game's instability, suggesting it remains a work in progress.
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck.”
- “No glitches, smooth textures.”
- “Looks and runs great so far.”
- “The game crashes constantly, it freezes, EA tries to milk money from dead gypsy horses... constantly trying to harvest money.”
- “Game freezes randomly all the time. Build is a 9 5900x and 3060ti. Only game I play that freezes too. Causes me to take an L on my record. Great game but spent $100 for a game that freezes at the worst times. Yes, I have reinstalled multiple times and same issue.”
- “This game is unbelievably buggy.”
optimization
51 mentions
8 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
37 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with players reporting persistent stuttering and frame rate issues even on high-end systems, making gameplay frustrating and often unplayable. While some users have found workarounds to improve performance, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized for both online and offline play, detracting from the experience. Despite some improvements over previous titles, many feel that performance should have been prioritized over graphics to enhance gameplay.
- “The game runs well and the three-click is okay; it at least runs smoothly.”
- “I have been playing since release 100% on Steam Deck and have had zero issues with performance and gameplay. I'm having a blast sitting on the couch playing a few rounds at a time.”
- “2k23 did a great job of offering more character-based performance improvement options, which I felt was something that was missing from 2k21 as performance was largely based on equipment benefits over character-specific attributes.”
- “Lag/stuttering in ranked game is a joke.”
- “The stuttering in this game on a 4090 is hard to accept.”
- “Stuttering built into the engine; I have tried every 'fix' I could find to optimize this out and it is not happening.”
music
20 mentions
45 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the improved soundtrack and relaxing ambiance that enhances the overall experience. While some enjoy the menu music and find it hype, others express a desire for more variety and customization in the musical options. Overall, the game's sound design, including ambient sounds, contributes to an immersive atmosphere, though there are still criticisms regarding occasional stuttering and repetitive tracks.
- “The top golf feature is cool too since I can sit at my computer and hit targets while jamming to music and slamming beers without the ridiculous bay fees and uncontrollable kids everywhere.”
- “Fun game (very addictive), good graphics, good physics, good commentary, relaxing music.”
- “The improvements from PGA 2K21 are great such as better soundtrack, crossplay for much shorter queue times, ranked mode, and way more customization with clubs.”
- “Wish we could have some more musical ambiance to choose from, or maybe more commentary/chatter.”
- “I played this while downloading another title on Steam and the game commentary and music stuttered on most of the 18 holes and took a significantly long time to load the course before I could play.”
- “I hate the music, the announcers, and the navigation of the menus.”
grinding
19 mentions
5 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
Players have mixed feelings about the grinding aspect of the game, with many expressing frustration over the slow progression and the necessity to grind for unlockables, which can feel tedious and time-consuming. Some users note that the grind is exacerbated by the option to pay for shortcuts, leading to a perception that casual players may struggle to enjoy the game without investing money. However, a few players appreciate the gameplay loop and find enjoyment in the grinding process itself, despite acknowledging its challenges.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “They essentially made this game impossible for anyone that wants to play this casually with friends and isn't interested in grinding the game to get a bunch of bullshit.”
- “A fair number of the unlockables are progress gated which is fine I suppose, but XP is insanely slow and grindy in an attempt to make you drop the cash for a season pass for a 30% boost + 20 free levels of the season pass unlocks.”
- “That said though, with just a few hours in, I can 100% promise this game is going to be a slow, grindy mess without the use of a credit card.”
story
17 mentions
18 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
24 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that it feels more like a series of gameplay mechanics than a cohesive narrative. While some appreciate the lack of intrusive cutscenes, others express a desire for a more engaging storyline, particularly in career mode, suggesting that the current rivalry and sponsorship systems feel underdeveloped. Overall, players seem to prefer a more structured story experience akin to other sports games.
- “✅ I like playing Temple Run for the story.”
- “🔲 Epic story.”
- “I love golfing; I wish there was a Tiger Woods story mode so I could go to Vegas, though.”
- “This game has no story.”
- “Maybe I'm spoiled by NBA 2K, but not only is there no story here, but the rivalry and sponsor systems seem an utter afterthought.”
- “Typical EA game, boring with no story modes.”
humor
16 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with players finding enjoyment in the absurdity of character creation and the exaggerated commentary, though some aspects, like the repetitive rival cutscenes, can become tiresome. The inclusion of voice chat adds a layer of hilarity, while the presence of characters like John Cena contributes to the game's comedic charm. However, some players feel that the humor has been toned down compared to earlier iterations, possibly due to a shift in tone to avoid offending anyone.
- “Very funny game!”
- “Oh and you can play as John Cena, which is kind of hilarious in my opinion.”
- “Voice chat is actually a thing now, which can be hilarious at times.”
replayability
8 mentions
38 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many users noting its fun mechanics and significant improvements over previous versions. However, some critiques mention a lack of depth that could limit long-term engagement. Despite this, the emphasis on character development and enhanced graphics contributes positively to the game's replay value.
- “✅ infinitely replayable”
- “Good game, fun and intuitive mechanics, wish the graphics were slightly updated, but overall a great and pretty replayable game.”
- “The main issue is a lack of depth or replayability.”
- “2K23 takes a big leap forward from TGC 2019, vastly improved graphics and an emphasis on character development, making the game more replayable.”
- “Lots of replay value here.”
atmosphere
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its engaging and chill environment, fostering camaraderie during friendly matches and intense tournaments. While some users note improvements in atmospheric elements like lighting, others feel that the overall atmosphere could be enhanced further, particularly with the inclusion of professional players.
- “Has great atmospheric presence, very chill, and lets me knock out a round in under 30 minutes.”
- “Friendly matches and intense tournaments create an atmosphere of camaraderie and healthy competition, keeping me engaged for hours on end.”
- “There is a slightly better atmospheric feel to the game, basically due to lighting changes.”
- “What I miss is the atmosphere.”
- “Adding real pros into the mix definitely helps with the overall atmosphere of things.”
emotional
4 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, feeling immersed in their golfing dreams through dynamic events and competition against PGA pros. However, some users report that certain camera angles can detract from the experience, causing dizziness and undermining the emotional engagement.
- “The dynamic events and the chance to compete against PGA Tour pros made me feel like I was living my golfing dream.”
- “It's just like real golf; it makes you want to cry but won't let you quit.”
character development
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
Character development in 2K23 shows significant improvement over previous versions, particularly in graphics and replayability, although some users feel that the personal golfer design options are limited and do not allow for accurate self-representation.
- “2K23 takes a big leap forward from TGC 2019, with vastly improved graphics and an emphasis on character development, making the game more replayable.”
- “The character development system allows for deep customization, making each player's journey feel unique and personal.”
- “I love how the character progression feels rewarding, with each achievement unlocking new abilities and traits that enhance gameplay.”
- “But the character design for your personal golfer is nowhere near as good as in other versions, and it's impossible to create one that looks anything like you.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to feel invested in the characters.”
- “There are limited customization options for characters, which makes it difficult to create a unique identity in the game.”