PGA Tour 2K25 Review – Par For The Course

by

In this review of PGA Tour 2K25, we examined HB Studios’ latest installment within the PGA Tour 2K series. The innovative “Evoswing” feature, inclusion of major championships, and enhanced gameplay aim to make PGA Tour 2K25 the top title in the series. However, the question remains: does this new content warrant its $70 retail price? Let’s discover the answer as we delve into PGA Tour 2K25.

PGA Tour 2K25 Review – What is PGA Tour 2K?

2025’s PGA Tour 2K is the newest addition to the PGA Tour 2K game series, produced by HB Studios and distributed by 2K. It’s a realistic golf experience that includes genuine players, courses, and competitions. Unlike most sports games that come out annually, the PGA Tour 2K series has been rolling out every other year since 2K took over the franchise.

In simple terms, PGA Tour 2K25 delivers the classic gaming moments you’re used to, but with fresh updates and enhancements that elevate the series to unprecedented heights!

Since 2002, game development company HB Studios has been creating sports video games, and in 2014 they released The Golf Club, which was succeeded by its sequel in 2017. In 2021, they were taken over by 2K Sports, who are currently working with them on the series, now rebranded as “PGA Tour 2K”. Additionally, 2K secured a contract with Tiger Woods, who is now serving as an executive producer for the series.

The game is available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Gameplay – PGA Tour 2K25 Review

In PGA Tour 2K25, the standout innovation is the revamped EvoSwing system. While swinging was satisfactory in earlier versions, it’s now flawless in PGA Tour 2K25. The EvoSwing significantly enhances the gameplay of PGA Tour 2K, taking it to a whole new level.

Adapting to the novel swing techniques requires some patience, but it’s not overly complicated. However, consistently hitting the ball flawlessly throughout an entire game is quite challenging, if not impossible. The balance lies in providing just the right level of challenge, encouraging careful consideration before each swing and propelling the ball forward.

I appreciate the detailed feedback provided by PGA Tour 2K25 on each golf swing. After every swing, it evaluates your contact, rhythm, transition, and swing path. It even indicates precisely when you over-swing or if your swing path deviates slightly.

In summary, PGA Tour 2K25’s gameplay feels enjoyable, yet it shares a common pattern found in all sports games where repetition can lead to boredom as you perform similar actions throughout each game. However, the game provides several play modes to keep things interesting.

In simpler terms, we’ll be focusing on other game modes within PGA Tour 2K25 first, rather than diving right into the MyCAREER mode straight away.

In this game, Play Now feature returns, allowing you to play using your custom character, known as the MyPLAYER, or choose from 11 distinct professional golfers initially. Regrettably, the roster available at launch is smaller compared to that of PGA Tour 2K23, which seems somewhat disheartening. I acknowledge that they couldn’t include Michael Jordan in the game, but there are numerous skilled golfers who could have been included. However, it’s possible that more characters may be added later. Personally, I believe incorporating unlockable characters would have been an effective way to engage players and enhance their gaming experience, reminiscent of games from the early 2000s.

In case you’re pressed for time and can’t manage a complete game, the option of TopGolf is available. This feature lets you take a few quick swings without consuming much time. If you’re looking to brush up on your swing skills before jumping into online matches, TopGolf serves as an excellent tool to refine your aim and power. In essence, it’s a convenient feature, and I hope they introduce more mini-modes like this for players to explore in the future.

Back with Course Designer again, and though it’s fantastic, I encountered multiple technical glitches during my playtime. Whenever I tried to add elements such as water, trees, structures, or anything else, there was a brief pause where my game would freeze before the object was placed. Despite enjoying the creative side of it, the wait for each item placement is too much for me.

Given these technical concerns are resolved, there’s no reason not to give Course Designer a go. It offers an incredible level of detail and control, allowing you to craft courses just as you imagine them. Fancy designing a golf map dotted with bunkers, trees, and water bodies? Or perhaps a challenging landscape filled with hills? With Course Designer’s extensive toolset at your disposal, the course you’ve always dreamed of can become a reality.

Beyond that, PGA Tour 2K25 provides multiple options for playing online with companions. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to engage in extensive online gameplay, but I did manage to test out a couple of features.

Among the features I enjoy most in PGA Tour 2K25’s online options are the social communities. Engaging in these groups, whether by joining an existing one or creating my own, provides a delightful chance to team up with friends and have a blast playing together online.

One great aspect of being part of societies is that you can participate in contests alongside your peers. You could put stakes on it with Venture Capital (VC), or simply enjoy the game for recreation. For instance, a game such as PGA Tour 2K25 might become monotonous when played alone; however, becoming a member of an active society can add excitement to your gaming experience. Regardless if there’s a fresh event upcoming or your friends are chatting among themselves, you’ll always have something engaging to anticipate whenever you launch the game.

Absolutely, for those seeking a more competitive experience, the game includes Ranked Matches and 2K Ranked Tournaments. I haven’t had the chance to delve deeply into these modes yet, but they are indeed accessible for you to explore.

In summary, PGA Tour 2K25 provides an enjoyable and balanced gaming experience, with its controls being user-friendly, particularly due to the innovative EvoSwing mechanics. However, it should be noted that the gameplay can become quite repetitive, maybe even quicker than some other sports games available today. Essentially, this game is entertaining and engaging, but there’s a chance you might find the gameplay loop becoming familiar over time.

  • If you’re a big fan of Golf, you won’t be tired out so quickly
  • Casual players may get bored just a few hours into the experience

But at the very least, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the gameplay. I never felt the game was unfair, and any mistakes I made were my own. It’s a fun experience that can be challenging yet rewarding. It just feels like there’s a lot more that could be here.

MyCAREER – PGA Tour 2K25 Review

In PGA Tour 2K25, MyCAREER and MyPLAYER serve as the star attractions. Here, you get to design your unique Golfer, tailoring their looks, personality traits, and more before they step onto the course. You’ll then take them through a variety of tournaments to compete against others. The customization options are quite impressive, indeed!

Luckily, PGA Tour 2K25 allows players various entry points. If you’d rather jump straight into PGA, feel free! However, if you prefer a challenge, you can start at the Q-School and join the Korn Ferry Tour instead. This option actually provided me with additional XP and VC for my character.

When it comes to Virtual Currency (VC) in this game, I must say it’s quite satisfying. Unlike other 2K games, such as NBA 2K, where you might need to empty your bank account to enhance your MyPLAYER, or else grind for ages to earn VC honestly. However, in PGA Tour 2K25, the developers have managed to strike a nice balance when it comes to distributing VC, making the experience much more enjoyable.

To add, the redesign of the MyCAREER schedule is remarkable, mainly due to the introduction of Major Tournaments. With more venues, the experience remains exciting and varied, as each course presents unique challenges. Despite a relatively small player roster at launch, there’s an abundance of courses to explore.

Beyond that, the character creation tool was a pleasure to work with. Notably, the game offers an abundance of options for customizing appearances and roles for your characters. Moreover, the player development is rewarding, enabling you to experiment with multiple builds and determine your preferred one swiftly. I found playing as a Sculptor to be satisfying, but I’m also inspired to explore the other character archetypes this game has to offer.

Additionally, the attribute system is both enjoyable and demanding to employ. Each point assigned to one stat influences another directly. It necessitates careful consideration about which aspects your golfer requires growth in. Moreover, your chosen archetype won’t restrict your potential; you can still develop into a formidable sculptor, enabling you to strike the ball with both power and precision at long ranges.

1. Attend meetings with agents and sponsors
2. Participate in promotional events and photo shoots
3. Hang out with friends and family
4. Train and work on your golf skills
5. Explore and interact with virtual cities outside of golf courses

  • Practice & Training
  • Participate in Tournament
  • Accept Interview
  • Sign with or change Sponsor
  • Upgrade Equipment or Character
  • Begin Rivalry

It appears there’s quite a variety of activities available, but apart from Practice, Training, and actual matches, the other tasks lack excitement. They aren’t necessarily poor choices, and I appreciate the fast-paced nature that lets me return to the field swiftly. However, the activities themselves don’t seem to spark much enthusiasm.

In just over two months into my professional journey, I had amassed more than a million followers, yet it didn’t feel substantial. It wasn’t as though they were cheering me on at competitions or training sessions. Despite enjoying the competition, the structure seems fleeting. Once you defeat a rival, that’s usually the end of it.

As a player immersed in this virtual world, I can’t help but yearn for more goals to strive towards. Granted, my suggestions might not be groundbreaking, but the thrill of uncovering hidden features and challenges would certainly add an extra layer of excitement to my gaming experience.

  • Having your own customizable home/office
  • A tab for news around the league
  • Opportunities to 1v1 other golfers around the league for fame

Here’s another way to phrase that: While my suggestions may differ from what you expected, I hope the core message is clear. Regarding your feedback on MyCAREER, while its presentation could have been improved, it doesn’t seem to be the main problem with the game.

The main issue with MyCAREER and PGA Tour 2K25 overall lies in their requirement for an active internet connection. Without one, you can’t access MyCAREER, which is arguably the game’s primary appeal. During a tournament, if your connection drops, it will abruptly return you to the main menu, switching the game into offline mode.

Among all parts of the game, this one has been the most aggravating. The problem lies in that the game claims it “saves your progress,” but unfortunately, any practice or training sessions aren’t saved. Therefore, if you happen to be on the final putt during a practice session and then get logged out, you’ll have to start over from scratch.

In contrast to NBA 2K, where there are several offline game modes like MyNBA, PGA Tour 2K25’s MyCAREER is one of the 2K games that necessitates an online connection to play. Notably, PGA Tour 2K25 primarily offers a single, in-depth mode (its flagship mode), and enhancing your MyPLAYER character is crucial if you wish to utilize them effectively across other modes as well.

Even though it has some repetitiveness, PGA Tour 2K25 delivers an engaging MyCAREER mode, yet could benefit from additional enhancements. It requires further refinements in presentation and offers scope for more challenges for players to conquer.

Graphics – PGA Tour 2K25 Review

As a devoted golf enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that graphically, PGA Tour 2K25 isn’t a groundbreaking improvement over its predecessors, like PGA Tour 2K23 (or even 2K21). Many of the animations feel familiar, having been used for quite some time. Yet, this doesn’t diminish the game’s visual appeal. Quite the contrary, PGA Tour 2K25 remains a visually attractive gaming experience.

The visuals in PGA Tour 2K25 truly shine due to their expertly crafted golf courses. They manage to capture an authentic feel, and with 27 courses available at launch, there’s a wealth of scenic beauty to explore. However, after a while, some courses may appear similar if you’re not particularly familiar with golf courses.

Overall, PGA Tour 2K25 looks good. But how does it sound?

Audio / Music / Sound Design – PGA Tour 2K25 Review

In simpler terms, PGA Tour 2K25 is a tranquil game that offers a realistic feel thanks to its seamless gameplay and calming soundtrack. Regardless of the course you choose, you’ll hear the rustle of wind, birds singing, commentators discussing the situation, and all these elements harmonize beautifully. The moments of quietness, punctuated by the soft sound of the ball being tapped, contribute to a serene gaming experience.

The tunes on the menu harmoniously match the game’s vibe. The choice of songs in the soundtrack for PGA Tour 2K25 aligns flawlessly with the game’s theme. In summary, PGA Tour 2K25 excels in delivering top-notch audio design.

Verdict: Is PGA Tour 2K25 Worth Your Time & Money?

In summary, PGA Tour 2K25 offers enjoyable gameplay and appealing graphics. Its controls provide a satisfying gaming experience, while the interface and menus remain user-friendly. Fortunately, earning in-game currency (VC) is reasonably attainable without putting a big dent in your pocket.

It’s fortunate that online gaming offers Societies as an engaging way to foster friendships and prolong the enjoyment. Playing with friends enhances the gaming experience, and PGA Tour 2K25’s Societies have the potential to create lasting memories for players. However, if you lean towards competition, the game also provides ranked online modes where you can showcase your skills.

Although PGA Tour 2K25 offers an engaging experience, I found myself growing weary after approximately five hours of play. While MyCAREER is entertaining, it lacks depth and there’s not much additional content for single players apart from TopGolf and Course Designer. Interestingly, the Course Designer is remarkable but marred by technical issues that impede the creative process. Lastly, the online requirement in MyCAREER can sometimes lead to annoying situations.

Although some aspects might not appeal to all players, especially casual fans, PGA Tour 2K25 doesn’t deserve a negative label. If you’re passionate about golf, you’ll appreciate the authenticity and the engaging gameplay on offer here. However, if you’re less interested in golf, you may find it takes too much time to fully appreciate the value of the game. All in all, I believe it’s a step up from PGA Tour 2K23, but it doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of golf gaming experiences.

Luckily, you can currently experience PGA Tour 2K25 for yourself through the First Look Demo. This offers a chance to test drive the innovative EvoSwing features and check out the enhanced visuals. If you’re unsure about purchasing the game, we highly recommend giving the demo a spin.

Score: 7/10

Read More

2025-02-20 17:14