PGA Tour 2K25: Ultimate Preview Revealed

If you were to conduct a Family Feud-style survey asking which pro sports simulation video game series people most want 2K to revive, a new installment of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Yet, despite the high demand for other sports like MLB and NHL, 2K is set to release PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a couple of hours with it, there's much to appreciate.

Developer HB Studios has been perfecting its golf game for years, starting with The Golf Club a decade ago and transitioning to the PGA Tour 2K series in 2020. Their experience is evident in PGA Tour 2K25, where I found few, if any, major flaws during my playthrough. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game out there, and although having more real-life courses would be a welcome addition (the game does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), the gameplay itself is engaging. I did notice some unexpected framerate issues on PC when surveying new holes, but diving into the game was enjoyable nonetheless.

One of the highlights is the upgraded EvoSwing mechanic, offering various control options. Using a controller, I found the right stick method most intuitive—pull down to wind up and push forward to strike and follow through. You can adjust the difficulty to suit your skill level; higher settings demand precision, where a slight misjudgment can result in a slice or hook, while lower settings (Perfect Swing) are more forgiving, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Additionally, tapping LB allows you to shape your shots for greater control. HB Studios claims to have improved the ball physics, and the ability to adjust your position laterally in the tee box adds a strategic element to your game. Playing as Tiger Woods, this year's cover athlete and a golf legend, certainly helped my experience.

The MyCareer mode has been enhanced with narrative elements similar to those found in other sports games, adding an entertaining layer. I was offered a role in a movie alongside Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald (not playing his Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues), where my choice between playing a hero or villain impacted my stats. Gear upgrades, purchasable with earned VC, also influence your performance, while your skills can be improved through playing and winning. The introduction of Quests, which can be refreshed weekly, adds ongoing challenges like achieving 10 consecutive birdies.

In MyPlayer mode, although I didn't spend much time on the character creator, a brief session was enough to create a reasonable likeness of myself. The addition of skill trees is a notable enhancement. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer features, which promise casual fun with ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (similar to groups or clubs). These features evoke fond memories of my time playing Links 2004 on the original Xbox, and PGA Tour 2K25 seems poised to recreate and enhance that experience. The game also offers asynchronous multiplayer options, perfect for friends in different time zones.

PGA Tour 2K25 is challenging to preview because it performs well across the board without any significant shortcomings. While this makes it hard to get overly excited, it's a solid choice for golf enthusiasts or those seeking a stress-free gaming experience. You can try it out for free, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available starting today.