PGA Tour 2K25: Ultimate Preview Revealed

If you took a Family Feud-style survey asking which pro sports simulation video game series people would most want 2K to tackle that they're not currently producing, a revival of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Even pro golf might not rank as the second or third most requested (consider MLB and NHL). Yet, 2K is returning for a third round with PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a couple of hours with the game, there's plenty to appreciate.

Developer HB Studios has been refining its golf game for quite some time, starting with The Golf Club a decade ago before partnering with 2K and rebranding to PGA Tour 2K in 2020. The team's experience and maturity are evident in PGA Tour 2K25, as I found it hard to pinpoint any major flaws during my hands-on session. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game, and it would be great to have more real-life courses (though 2K25 does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), I did notice some choppy framerates on PC when surveying new holes. However, diving into this year's game was genuinely enjoyable.

The upgraded EvoSwing mechanic is a highlight, offering various options for swinging. Using a controller, I found the right stick option most intuitive, where you pull down to wind up and press forward to strike and follow through. You can adjust the difficulty to be forgiving or challenging; on higher settings, a slight thumb movement can result in a slice or hook. For a more relaxed experience, the lower difficulty settings (Perfect Swing) are less punishing on missed inputs, keeping the game moving smoothly. Additionally, you can shape your shots with the LB button for added control. HB Studios claims the ball physics have been enhanced, and the ability to adjust your position in the tee box to avoid obstacles like trees is a nice touch. Starting with Tiger Woods, this year's cover athlete, certainly didn't hurt.

MyCareer mode has been enhanced with narrative elements similar to those found in other sports games, adding an entertaining twist. I was offered a role in a movie with Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald, who appears in the game, though not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues. The choices you make can influence which MyCareer stats are boosted. Gear earned through VC also impacts your stats, while skills can be upgraded by playing and winning. The addition of Quests, which can be refreshed weekly, adds ongoing challenges like achieving 10 consecutive birdies.

In MyPlayer, while I didn't spend much time perfecting my avatar, even a brief session with the player creator allowed for a reasonable likeness. The introduction of skill trees is a welcome addition. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer features, which include ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (similar to groups or clubs). I fondly remember casual chats with friends while playing Links 2004 on the original Xbox, and PGA Tour 2K25 seems poised to replicate and enhance that experience. There are also asynchronous multiplayer options for those with friends in different time zones.

PGA Tour 2K25 is somewhat challenging to preview as it excels in most areas without any standout flaws. This makes it hard to get overly excited about, but it's a solid choice for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a low-stress gaming experience. You can try it out for yourself at no cost, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available now.