Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: PGA Tour 98
Item: PGA Tour 98
Author: Retro Replay

PGA Tour 98 retains the deep customization options that made EA’s golf games stand out, now brought to the Sony PlayStation. Right from the start, you can tweak course conditions—from green speed and rough density to wind strength—so every round feels fresh and challenging. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned virtual pro, options like mulligans and adjustable caddy assistance let you tailor the experience to your skill level.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The heart of the gameplay lies in the shot meter system, offering two distinct interfaces. Traditionalists can opt for the vertical bar, while those craving heightened realism will appreciate the arcing meter that mimics the true flight path of a golf ball. Timing your swing for both power and accuracy becomes an addictive rhythm, where a split-second difference in button release can mean the difference between a birdie and a bogey.

Multiplayer is a highlight, with up to four players duking it out in Skins games, Four-ball match play, and the Skills Challenge across five real-world courses. The camaraderie and competitiveness ramp up significantly when friends gather on the couch, each hoping to outdrive and outputt the others. Add in commentary by Ernie Johnson Jr., and you’ve got the authentic tournament atmosphere right in your living room.

Graphics

PGA Tour 98 showcases some of the most impressive visuals seen on the original PlayStation. The five real locales are rendered with enough detail to distinguish each course’s iconic features—whether it’s the undulating greens of Pebble Beach or the sand traps of St. Andrews. Textures may look dated by today’s standards, but at the time they offered an immersive backdrop that made every hole feel unique.

Character models of professional golfers display smooth animations during swings, walks, and celebrations. While faces aren’t photo-realistic, you’ll recognize signature postures and stances. Lighting effects on the greens and dynamic shadows during different times of day add depth, letting you appreciate the contours of each fairway and bunker.

The camera angles deserve special mention. Rear-view, overhead, and follow-through perspectives are all available, each giving you critical insight into ball flight and landing. Transitioning between these viewpoints is seamless, ensuring you never lose the rhythm of your round while you assess yardage and plan your next shot.

Story

As a sports simulation, PGA Tour 98 doesn’t offer a traditional narrative, but it crafts its own story through career progression. You start as an aspiring tour hopeful and work your way up by winning rounds, unlocking tougher courses, and earning better equipment. The game’s structure gives you that satisfying sense of advancement without interrupting the flow of play.

Ernie Johnson Jr.’s commentary acts as your narrative guide, delivering context for big shots and near misses. His praise on a well-struck drive or playful ribbing after a shanked shot injects personality, making each round feel like part of a larger broadcast. Over time, these quips build familiarity, so you almost feel like you’re forging a golfing identity under a network spotlight.

Between tournaments, you can adjust sponsorship options and equipment settings, which adds another layer to the “story” of your virtual career. Deciding whether to invest in a higher-performance driver or a more forgiving putter becomes part of the tale you tell yourself as a rising star on the PGA Tour circuit.

Overall Experience

PGA Tour 98 succeeds at being both accessible for newcomers and deep enough for golf aficionados. The customizable difficulty settings and shot-meter styles let you learn at your own pace, while the robust career structure keeps you motivated to shave strokes off your score. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, the blend of strategy and execution feels consistently rewarding.

The multiplayer modes, underscored by Ernie Johnson Jr.’s engaging commentary, create a competitive yet convivial atmosphere. You’ll find yourselves celebrating clutch putts and groaning over errant drives, all of which heightens the social fun. Even without online play, the local head-to-head and cooperative modes ensure replayability remains high.

In the pantheon of classic golf simulators, PGA Tour 98 holds a special place. It strikes a fine balance between realism and enjoyment, delivering an overall package that stands the test of time. If you own a PlayStation and have any interest in golf—casual or competitive—this title is still worth dusting off for a satisfying round on some of the world’s most famous courses.