Review by Jon Donnis
Disc Golf City arrives on Steam with a clever pitch. Instead of the usual quiet woodland courses, this physics-based disc golf game takes you into a vibrant city built for trick shots. Every hole is set in a stylised low-poly playground of rooftops, alleyways and plazas. Baskets hide behind lamp posts, side streets open up unexpected angles, and bonus targets such as bins and signs tempt you into daring throws. On paper it is the perfect way to turn a familiar sport into something fresh.
The first thing that stands out is the look. The city is colourful without being noisy, with clean lines and a soft palette that makes every building feel like part of a giant model set. It is easy to relax into the atmosphere, taking your time to aim and explore. The music and sound effects match the laid back approach, giving the game a friendly tone. Landing a disc on a roof and watching it roll neatly into the basket feels genuinely satisfying. Even hitting an offbeat target like a traffic sign brings a small thrill that makes you want to keep experimenting.
The arcade spirit also works well. There are no timers, no heavy penalties for bad throws, just the challenge of mastering the physics and finding creative routes. When everything clicks the game captures the joy of a perfect shot, and the added achievements for unusual hits give you reasons to try bold angles rather than play it safe. For players who enjoy light sports games with a puzzle element, these moments are exactly what you hope for.
Unfortunately the road to those moments is rougher than it should be. The controls are far more demanding than the cheerful style suggests. Power, angle and spin must be judged with precision, and even after extended practice it is hard to predict exactly how a disc will fly. Instead of a fair test of skill it can feel like a battle against unpredictable physics. Nailing a clean shot should feel rewarding but too often feels like luck.
Progression is also an issuer. At launch only the tutorial is open. To reach the proper levels you need to score under par on every course. That requirement might look reasonable but paired with the tricky controls it becomes a grind. It blocks casual players from exploring the city courses and turns what should be a relaxed game into an uphill climb. The developer has said an update will unlock the first level without this restriction, which is welcome, but the current structure still limits enjoyment.
Free play mode sounds like a fix but does not fully deliver. Instead of offering a true sandbox it often restarts you from the same spot unless you land an almost impossible long hole in one. What should be a chance to experiment quickly turns repetitive and discouraging. It is easy to give up on this mode after a few attempts, which is a shame because the idea of open practice fits the game perfectly.
Despite these frustrations there is real potential here. The city environments are fun to explore, the concept of urban disc golf is fresh, and the visual style is consistently appealing. With more generous unlocking, smoother controls and a proper free play option, Disc Golf City could develop a dedicated following among fans of relaxed arcade sports games.
As it stands the game is enjoyable in bursts but too often undermined by its own rules. It is full of charm yet held back by progression hurdles and control quirks. With a few smart updates it could become something special. Right now it remains a promising but uneven experience.
Out Now on Steam
UPDATE 26/09/25:
The latest Patch has dropped and the game has improved somewhat.
Here is whats been done. I have updated my score to reflect this update.
I give Disc Golf City a 7.5 out of 10.
✨ Improved audio – richer sound design and a wide range of new sound effects to bring the city to life.
🥏 Better “in basket” detection – more accurate scoring when you land the perfect shot.
🏆 New achievements – fresh challenges to unlock and show off.
📘 Improved Tutorial – clearer guidance to help new players get into the game.
🎮 Revised gamepad controls for throws – smoother, more responsive throwing experience.
⏸️ Improved Pause Menu – easier to navigate and packed with the options you need.
