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 would most want 2K to tackle that they're not currently making, a revival of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Even pro golf might not rank as the second or third choice (think MLB and NHL). Nevertheless, 2K is back for a third swing with PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a couple of hours with it, there's a lot to appreciate.

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. Their experience and maturity are evident in PGA Tour 2K25. While it may not be the best-looking sports game and could benefit from more real-life courses (though it does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), and while the framerate was unexpectedly choppy on PC when surveying new holes, diving into this year's offering was genuinely enjoyable.

The upgraded EvoSwing mechanic is a highlight. With various options available, I found the right stick method most comfortable when using a controller. You pull down to wind up and press forward to strike and follow through. This can be set to be forgiving or challenging, with higher difficulty settings punishing slight thumb movements that can result in slices or hooks. For a more relaxed experience, the lower difficulty settings (Perfect Swing) are less strict on missed inputs, keeping the game flowing. You can also shape your shots by tapping LB, adding more control over the ball's trajectory. HB Studios has improved the ball physics, and the ability to adjust your position laterally in the tee box to navigate obstacles like trees adds a strategic element. Playing as this year's cover athlete, Tiger Woods, certainly helped, given his prowess in the sport.

MyCareer mode has seen significant enhancements, incorporating narrative elements seen in other sports games to engaging effect. I was offered a role in a movie alongside Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald, who is in the game, though not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues. You can choose to play a hero or villain, impacting which MyCareer stats get boosted. Gear, earned by spending VC, also affects your stats, and your skills can be upgraded through playing and winning. The developers have introduced Quests, which are broad goals that can be refreshed weekly or at any time, like achieving 10 consecutive birdies.

In MyPlayer, while I didn't spend my entire demo trying to create a perfect avatar, even a brief exploration of the player creator got me close enough. The addition of skill trees is a welcome upgrade. Unfortunately, I couldn't try the multiplayer options, which promise casual fun with ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (think groups or clubs). I fondly remember chatting with friends while 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 for those in different time zones.

PGA Tour 2K25 is challenging to preview because it performs well across the board without any major flaws. This makes it hard to get overly excited, 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 starting today.