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 already making, a revival of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Even pro golf might not rank as the second or third choice (consider MLB and NHL). Yet, 2K is back for another swing with PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a couple of hours with it, there's plenty 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, as I found it hard to pinpoint any major flaws during my hands-on session. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game, and it would be great to have more real-life courses (though 2K25 does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), I did notice some choppy framerates on PC when surveying new holes. However, diving into this year's game 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. You can adjust the difficulty to be forgiving or challenging; higher settings demand precision, where a slight thumb movement can result in a slice or hook. For a more relaxed experience, the lower difficulty settings (Perfect Swing) are less punishing on missed inputs, keeping the game flowing smoothly. Additionally, you can use LB to shape your shots, adding more control over the ball's trajectory. HB Studios claims to have improved the ball physics, and the ability to adjust your position laterally in the tee box to navigate obstacles like trees is a welcome feature. Starting my session as Tiger Woods, this year's cover athlete, certainly helped, given his renowned skill in the sport.
MyCareer mode has seen significant enhancements, incorporating narrative elements similar to those found in other sports games, which adds an entertaining layer. I was offered a role in a movie with Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald, who appears in the game but not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues. My choice to play a hero or villain influenced which MyCareer stats were boosted. Gear earned through VC also impacts your stats, and skills can be upgraded by playing and winning. The developers have introduced Quests, which are broad objectives that can be refreshed weekly or as needed, such as achieving 10 consecutive birdies.
In MyPlayer mode, while I didn't spend my entire demo recreating a perfect version of myself, even a brief session with the player creator allowed me to get reasonably close. 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 (similar to 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 inclusion of asynchronous multiplayer options is a thoughtful touch for those with friends in different time zones.
PGA Tour 2K25 is somewhat challenging to preview because it performs well across the board without any significant shortcomings. This makes it hard to get overly excited about, but it's a solid choice for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a low-stress gaming experience. Fortunately, you can try it out for free, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available starting today.
