Although I primarily talk about older video games and consoles here, I do still play a healthy amount of modern video games... and I do have a soft spot for golf video games, in particular. When I found out that a demo build of the upcoming PGA 2K25 was live, I downloaded it to give it a try. Here's a bit about my experience with it.
The demo build only includes the back nine holes of TPC Scottsdale, home to the WM Phoenix Open. It includes the loud and raucous par-3 16th, where golfers become rock stars if they can find the right club and swing to drop an ace. The back nine is the more interesting half of the course, so it's a perfect addition-- especially since the WM Phoenix Open is going on as I type this.
The build also allows for multiple MyPlayer builds, where players can be created and customized based on an archetype for initial stat-setting. MyPlayer builds and progress can be carried over to the final version of the game, so it's worth taking time to play this First Look not only to see if the game interests you... but to also build up your MyPlayer a bit to hit the links running upon release. I'm the type to "grip it and rip it", so I focus on power as a Powerhouse. Other archetypes are Greenskeeper, Sculptor, Technician, and Magician. Each archetype has its own focus, like putting, approach, sand play, and general recovery.
It's worth noting that the default difficulty setting is set to the easiest possible, including Perfect Swing, which takes a lot of the variables out of the golf swing. This is good for beginners or for arcade-like players who want a Golden Tee-like experience of super-low scores. Other difficulty levels add variability based on either accuracy with the analog swing or timing with the "old school" three-click swing. Players who want more challenge may want to step up the difficulty a bit until they find the best one for them.
The new EvoSwing system adds variable effects of Swing Path and Contact, which make sense given the sport. Even in Perfect Swing mode, you can see degrees of different between perfection, though it doesn't affect the ball's path. Unlockable club fittings can lessen any ill effects caused by deviation. I like this better than PGA 2K23.
Most of what I played here feels and looks similar to PGA 2K23, for better and for worse. TPC Scottsdale looks great, and the aforementioned 16th definitely has that feeling of the crowd surrounding you as you step into the tee box. There are graphics options for Quality (resolution) and Performance (frame rate) here; I prefer Performance as frame rate is essential for me in nailing down swing timing. Sound effects are mixed, with some good crowd sounds but odd clubface sounds (like the putter... what is THAT?). Commentary for the demo build isn't bad, but it's probably not final, either-- so we'll see what that consists of in the final version. More stat overlays would be nice, but it's understandable to not see these in a pared-down build. Presentation was a rough aspect of PGA 2K23, so here's hoping HB Studios addressed this.
Quests and challenges, along with regular play, earn experience points which will earn levels for MyPlayers. These are vital for gaining skills, like different shot types. In addition, points can be earned to increase stats in power, recovery, and putting. Grinding is the only way to level up for now, but it's possible that levels may be purchasable via real money microtransactions after the full game is released. Leveling up, especially by completing quests, seems fair in the demo build.
Speaking of microtransactions, it's already apparent in this demo build that they're back in full force from PGA 2K23. The Clubhouse Pass returns, along with special unlockable Clubhouse Pass skills. The Clubhouse Pass is almost guaranteed to have tiers and will offer special gear and equipment that can't be unlocked in normal gameplay or purchased elsewhere. Expect to see a lot of Clubhouse Pass mentioned, with 5 seasons' worth of content already announced.
I will say that, for myself, the PGA 2K25 First Look has me leaning more toward a purchase than I was before trying it. I admit that the minefield of microtransactions is a huge strike against it, but I can't deny that I had fun during my time with it and will likely put in at least a couple of more nine-hole runs before release.
I'm still looking for that next Links 2004 or Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004-05 experience. I'm not sure PGA 2K25 will be it, but it won't be too much longer before I find out.
Comments