PGA Tour 2K25: Ultimate Preview Revealed

If you took a Family Feud-style survey of which pro sports simulation video game series people would most want 2K to take a crack at that they're not already making, a resurrection of NFL 2K would easily be the number-one answer. Yet, pro golf might not even be the second or third choice (hello, MLB and NHL). Despite this, 2K is set to release PGA Tour 2K25, and after playing for a couple of hours, there's a lot to like about it.

Developer HB Studios has been refining its golf game for years, 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, where I found few significant issues during my hands-on time. While it may not be the best-looking sports game, and having more real-life courses would be welcome (2K25 does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), the gameplay itself is enjoyable. The framerate did experience some choppiness on PC when surveying each new hole, but this didn't detract from the fun.

The upgraded EvoSwing mechanic is a highlight. With various options available, I found the right stick method most enjoyable when using a controller. You pull down to wind up and push forward to strike and follow through. You can adjust the difficulty to make the game more forgiving or challenging, with higher settings punishing errant thumb movements that can lead to slices or hooks. For a more relaxed experience, lower difficulty settings (Perfect Swing) minimize the impact of missed inputs, keeping the game moving. Additionally, you can shape your shots by tapping LB, adding control over the ball's trajectory. HB Studios claims improved ball physics, and the ability to move laterally in the tee box to adjust your shot is a nice touch. Starting with Tiger Woods, this year's cover athlete, certainly helped.

MyCareer mode has seen enhancements, integrating narrative elements seen in other sports games. I was offered a role in a movie with Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald, who is in the game but not as his famous Happy Gilmore character due to licensing. My choices in the movie could affect which MyCareer stats got boosted. Gear earned by cashing in VC impacts your stats, and skills can be upgraded by playing and winning. The developers have also introduced Quests, broad goals that can be refreshed weekly or at any time, such as getting 10 birdies in a row.

As for MyPlayer, I didn't spend much time recreating myself, but even a few minutes with the player creator was enough to get a reasonable likeness. The addition of skill trees is a welcome feature. Unfortunately, I couldn't try the multiplayer options, which include ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (groups or clubs). These promise casual fun reminiscent of my fond memories playing Links 2004 on the original Xbox. The asynchronous multiplayer options are great for friends in different time zones.

PGA Tour 2K25 is challenging to preview as it performs well across the board without any major flaws. While this makes it hard to get overly excited, it's a solid choice for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a low-stress game. Fortunately, you can try it out for yourself at no cost, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available starting today.