PGA Tour 2K25: The Final Preview

If you conducted a Family Feud-style survey asking fans which pro sports simulation video game series they'd most want 2K to tackle that they're not already making, a revival of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Even pro golf might not rank as the second or third choice (looking at you, MLB and NHL). However, 2K is back for another swing with PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a few hours with it, there's plenty to appreciate.

Developer HB Studios has been perfecting their golf game for years, starting with The Golf Club a decade ago before partnering with 2K and rebranding to PGA Tour 2K in 2020. Their experience and maturity are evident in 2K25, as I struggled to find any major flaws during my hands-on session. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game, and more real-life courses would be a welcome addition (2K25 does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), the gameplay remains enjoyable. I did notice some unexpectedly choppy framerates on PC when surveying new holes, but diving into this year's game was still a blast.

A highlight is the upgraded EvoSwing mechanic, which offers multiple control options. Using a controller, I favored the right stick method, where you pull down to wind up and push forward to strike and follow through. You can adjust this to be forgiving or challenging, with higher difficulty settings demanding precision to avoid slices or hooks. For a more relaxed experience, the lower difficulty settings (Perfect Swing) are less punishing on missed inputs, encouraging steady progress. Additionally, tapping LB allows you to shape your shots for greater control. HB Studios claims improved ball physics, and the ability to adjust your position laterally in the tee box adds a strategic element, especially useful when obstacles like trees come into play. Starting as this year's cover athlete, Tiger Woods, certainly helped my game, given his prowess in the sport.

MyCareer mode has been enhanced with narrative elements reminiscent of other sports games, providing an engaging experience. 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 – allowing me to choose between playing a hero or villain, with my decision impacting which MyCareer stats would be boosted. Gear earned by spending VC also influences stats, while skills can be upgraded through playing and winning. The introduction of Quests, which can be refreshed weekly or at any time, adds another layer of challenge, such as achieving 10 consecutive birdies.

In MyPlayer mode, although I didn't spend much time perfecting my avatar, a brief session with the player creator was enough to get a reasonable likeness. The addition of skill trees is a nice touch. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer features, which promise casual fun with ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (akin to groups or clubs). I fondly recall chatting with friends while playing Links 2004 on the original Xbox, and PGA Tour 2K25 seems poised to recapture that camaraderie, with asynchronous options catering to those in different time zones.

Previewing PGA Tour 2K25 is challenging because it performs well across the board without any glaring weaknesses. While this might make it hard to get overly excited, it's a solid choice for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing game. The good news is you can try it out for free, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available starting today.