PGA Tour 2K25: Ultimate Preview Revealed

If you were to conduct a Family Feud-style survey asking which professional sports simulation video game series people would most want 2K to develop that they're not already making, a revival of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Even professional golf might not rank as the second or third most desired (greetings to MLB and NHL fans). Yet, 2K is set to launch PGA Tour 2K25, marking their third foray into the golfing genre, and after a few hours of gameplay, there's much to appreciate.

Developer HB Studios has been refining their golf game for a considerable time, starting with The Golf Club a decade ago before transitioning to the PGA Tour 2K series under 2K's banner in 2020. Their experience and maturity are evident in PGA Tour 2K25. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game, and more real-life courses would be welcome (though 2K25 does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), and despite experiencing some unexpected framerate issues on PC when surveying new holes, diving into this year's game was genuinely enjoyable.

The game's upgraded EvoSwing mechanic offers various options, and using a controller, I found the right stick method most appealing. You pull down to wind up and press forward to strike and follow through. This can be adjusted for difficulty; on higher settings, a slight thumb movement might result in a slice or hook, while lower settings (Perfect Swing) cater to a more relaxed experience, lessening the impact of missed inputs. Additionally, you can use LB to shape your shots, adding more control over the ball's trajectory. HB Studios claims improved ball physics, and the ability to adjust your position laterally in the tee box to navigate obstacles like trees is a nice touch. Starting with this year's cover athlete, Tiger Woods, certainly helped, given his prowess in the sport.

MyCareer mode has been enhanced with narrative elements similar to those found in other sports games, adding a layer of entertainment. I was offered a role in a movie alongside Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald, though not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues. My choices in this narrative could influence which MyCareer stats received a boost. Gear purchased with earned VC also impacts your stats, and skills can be upgraded through playing and winning. The introduction of Quests, which can be refreshed weekly, adds another layer of engagement, like achieving 10 consecutive birdies.

While I didn't spend much time recreating my likeness in MyPlayer, a brief session with the player creator allowed me to come reasonably close. The addition of skill trees is a welcome enhancement. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer features, which include ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies, reminiscent of the social fun I had with friends in Links 2004 on the original Xbox. PGA Tour 2K25 seems poised to offer similar camaraderie, with asynchronous multiplayer options catering to players in different time zones.

Previewing PGA Tour 2K25 can be challenging because it performs well across the board without any major shortcomings. While this might temper excitement, it's a solid choice for golf enthusiasts or those seeking a relaxing gaming experience. You can try it for yourself at no cost, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available starting today.