At one point in time, EA Sports’ golf games were the dominating champion of the industry. You couldn’t go wrong with new entries in the Tiger Woods series, leaving little room for competition. But, like all things, change is inevitable. While EA has taken more of a general approach with its games, 2K Sports has become laser-focused on its PGA Tour series. Thus enter PGA Tour 2K25, its most loaded – and impressive – entry to date.
Produced by HB Studios – who started out with a much less complicated model called The Golf Club – PGA Tour 2K25 shows a huge leap in progress. It looks fantastic when it comes to the recreated courses and most of the TV-style experience. It also benefits from a wide array of golfers, including the ability to add your own (though you’re clearly no Tiger Woods).
But where it really impresses is with its gameplay. You can choose between two swing styles that work better than ever. There’s also a new EvoSwing feature that’s dynamic when it comes to getting the most on how you perform. Arcade players likely won’t give a damn, but sim players will find a lot to dig into. There’s also content galore, including the ability to build your own dream (or nightmare) course.
Some aspects of the game could be better – like the over-reliance of Virtual Currency in MyPlayer. (2K’s gotta 2K, I suppose.) But PGA Tour 2K25 still feels like a huge stride forward for the series, and golf games as a whole. Plus it has Shooter McGavin, for crying out loud. I hear he eats pieces of…well, you know what for breakfast. (Let me ask him.)
PGA Tour 2K25 Lets You Shoot Like a Pro
There are two control methods to choose from in PGA Tour 2K25. The first is the traditional Swing Stick, a familiar favorite for fans of EA’s games. You simply guide the club in real time back and forth, from woods to irons to putter. This feels the most natural to me. However, the 3-Click Swing is also a big hit for old-school players that want to feel a rhythm all its own. It works well, too.
Then we have EvoSwing. It adds certain fundamentals to each swing type so you get the most out of it. That means adding extra power where needed (to reach the green if needed) or laying up in some situations. It’s a bit scientific, but after a few plays, you’ll feel what it’s all about. It’s actually really cool.
The game gives you a lot to do, with 25 courses in all, along with various championships. This includes the legendary U.S. Open, among others, with free DLC likely to add even more. Each course offers something new, giving you a chance to become a better player.
PGA Tour lets you work with a created player and develop a great attitude – or a nasty one, if you prefer. You can also add to your skill tree and really make them shine. However, if you take the MyPlayer route, be prepared to grind for VC or pay a pretty penny to get the good stuff. 2K can’t help but stick a microtransaction in there. Sigh. Fortunately, it’s minimal and not entirely necessary to get the best stuff from the game. And you can earn some really cool golf equipment as well. (I wish Rodney Dangerfield’s old Czervik collection was in here.)
The course creator is excellent as always, and there are modes aplenty. Online Societies let you socialize with others in golf groups, and Ranked Matchmaking will bring out the best in your golfing skills. There’s also tournament options, though they’re limited when it comes to storytelling. And, of course, you can drop in for some quick casual play, in case you have to go back to work.
I assure you, PGA Tour 2K25 gives you a ton to do in the golfing realm. You won’t get bored. I just hope, at some point, we get some mini golf shenanigans. One can dream.
Taking a Swing At the Presentation
I don’t think the PGA Tour 2K series has looked any better than this. HB Studios really went all out with PGA Tour 2K25, and it shows.
The game looks fantastic from end to end. The course redesign is absolutely dynamic, even on the toughest of layouts. The golfer animations are razor sharp, even if some of the faces do look a little bit generic. And the camera replays are spot on, though I do wish there was a “follow” camera like the old PGA Tour games used to have. Oh, and did I mention Shooter McGavin is here? Let’s see Happy Gilmore top that!
There is a big downside though – loading times. It can take a bit longer for the game to start up because of everything included here. So just have a little bit of patience as you make your way to the green – like the real game.
Audio is also very good. The clubs sound as they should on the green and other conditions. And it’s fun to hear the crowd noise as they react to your good – and bad – performance. However, the commentary seems a bit lackluster. Maybe I just miss the days when Feherty would give you a pat on the back.
Overall, PGA Tour 2K25 looks like a winner. Maybe some future updates can make it speed up a little, but you’ll still get the most out of this game of golf.
So How’s the Nintendo Switch 2 Version Fare?
As you’re likely aware, PGA Tour 2K25 recently arrived on the Nintendo Switch 2. That means golf fans finally have something they can take with them on-the-go. So, how’s it hold up?
We went through it over a few days’ time and came away, for the most part, impressed. All the quality features we’ve come to expect from previous versions of the game are intact. However, this comes at a cost, as the load times seem to be a little bit longer. Also, the commentary is still a bit on the drab side.
The big limitation, however, is online. It’s here that you’ll need to be connected in order to get the most features out of the game. Otherwise, you’re limited to practicing on a few courses and some other features. This could turn off those that don’t really have a preference to doing things with an “always connected” approach.
Still, if you are set up for that, PGA Tour 2K25 is a solid choice for Switch 2 golf nuts. It’s loaded with features aplenty and holds up particularly well, provided you have just a little bit of patience. I just wish it had the “full game on cart” option.
Step Up To the Tee
While PGA Tour 2K25 can’t escape 2K’s microtransaction model or other little problems, it still takes huge strides forward for golf. It’s the best feeling entry in the series to date, and it looks remarkable. It’s also packed with extras aplenty, and you can finally give Shooter McGavin the victory he truly deserves. (Or make him lose to Tiger, if you feel so compelled.) It also has creation and online options aplenty, if you feel like being a “golf nerd” with others.
It’ll be interesting to see what the next chapter of the series brings in a couple of years, especially with minor changes. But, for now, PGA Tour 2K25 should immediately find a place in your growing golf bag.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to 2K Games for the review code! The game is available now for Xbox and PlayStation!
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