EA Sports FC 25 review

Get ready for another exciting year in the world of soccer gaming with EA Sports FC 25. Developed and published by Electronic Arts, this game marks a new chapter for the franchise, which was previously known as FIFA. After nearly 30 years, the series has undergone a significant transformation, especially after the recent rebranding.

EA Sports FC 25 promises to deliver a fresh experience while keeping the core elements that fans love. With over 19000 players and more than 700 teams, the game offers a massive roster for you to explore. This year, the integration of women’s soccer is a groundbreaking addition, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport. You can expect familiar modes like Ultimate Team and Career mode, but with some new twists and improvements. The gameplay has been refined, making it feel more realistic and enjoyable.

If you’re ready to hit the pitch and create unforgettable moments, let’s take a closer look at what EA Sports FC 25 has to offer.

EA Sports FC 25 details

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Developers: EA Vancouver, EA Romania, EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Sports
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

The mechanics behind EA Sports FC 25’s gameplay

EA Sports FC 25’s core gameplay experience feels smooth and responsive. From the get go, I noticed improvements in controls, making it easier to execute passes, shots, and tackles. The game has refined its mechanics, allowing for a more fluid experience on the pitch. Each player feels distinct, with their movements reflecting their real-life counterparts.

One of this year’s standout features is the introduction of Rush mode. This mode allows you to participate in 5v5 matches that are shorter and more intense. It offers a different pace compared to traditional matches, making it a fun option for quick gameplay sessions. However, while the Rush mode is fun, it can lose its appeal and feel stale after a while. The realism in player movements in EA Sports FC 25 has been vastly improved. Thanks to EA’s new AI model, players behave more like their real-life selves.

Additionally, the tactical options available have been expanded. The new player roles system allows you to assign specific tasks to your players, which can change the flow of the game. For example, you can choose between a poacher or a target man, impacting how your team plays. AI behaviour has improved as well, making opponents smarter and more challenging. They adapt to your tactics, forcing you to think strategically. Overall, EA Sports FC 25 offers a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

From career progression to ultimate team challenges

EA Sports FC 25 offers a variety of game modes to keep you entertained. Each mode has its own unique features and gameplay styles. Let’s take a look at them.

Career mode has seen some interesting changes this year. You can now use in-game Icons, like David Beckham, in Player Career mode. This adds a fun twist to your journey as you build your career. However, the core mechanics remain pretty much the same as last year. You still earn personality points and complete objectives to progress. In Manager Career mode, you can now manage women’s soccer teams. While this is a positive step, the limited number of women’s leagues makes it feel less complete.

Next up, Ultimate team. This gameplay mode returns with familiar elements. You can still build your dream team by completing challenges and earning points. However, it’s hard to ignore Ultimate Team’s reliance on microtransactions. You can buy packs of cards with real money, which can create an uneven playing field. If you don’t spend money, it’s hard to keep up with players who do.

Finally, Clubs mode allows you to create a professional player and play online, either by yourself or with friends. This mode hasn’t changed much in terms of gameplay. However, the customization options have expanded. You can buy new hairstyles and tattoos for your character. Unfortunately, many of the best items are locked behind paywalls, which doesn’t seem fair in my opinion.

While EA Sports FC 25 offers some new features, it’s hard to overlook the game’s reliance on microtransactions across more and more modes.

A fresh look and feel

This year, EA Sports FC 25 brings impressive graphical improvements that look fantastic. For starters, player animations are smoother and more realistic. Players noticeably move more fluidly, making the game feel more lifelike. The lighting has also seen significant upgrades. With the addition of Ray Tracing, the pitch looks stunning, especially during evening matches. The overall presentation feels polished, making each match a visual treat.

The new user interface (UI) is another notable change in this year’s game. While it looks cleaner and more modern, long-time fans may find it challenging to locate familiar features. However, once you get used to it, the UI does provide a fresh look that fits the game’s style. In terms of audio, FC 25 does not disappoint. The commentary is lively and adds depth to the matches. Sound effects, like the thud of a ball being kicked or the crowd’s reactions, feel immersive. The licensed soundtrack is also impressive, featuring a variety of tracks that keep the energy up during gameplay.

Accessibility features are included to help even more people enjoy the game. You can customize your control scheme, which is crucial for many players. Colour-blind options are also available, making the game more inclusive.

Final thoughts on EA Sports FC 25

All in all, EA Sports FC 25 delivers a visually stunning experience with improved graphics and realistic player animations. The gameplay feels more authentic, allowing you to enjoy a true-to-life soccer experience. The new user interface looks sleek but may confuse long-time fans at first.

In terms of game modes, Career mode introduces some exciting features, like using in-game Icons. However, it still feels all too familiar to previous games in the series. Ultimate Team remains my favourite, but its heavy reliance on microtransactions is concerning. If you’re not willing to spend extra money, Ultimate Team mode can be frustrating. Finally, the Clubs mode offers customization options, but it also faces the same pay-to-win elements as Ultimate Team mode.

The addition of women’s soccer is a positive step, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity. However, if you haven’t played any of the previous soccer games in this series, you might struggle with the learning curve due to the updated menu and training system. Another positive is the new Rush mode. It provides a fast-paced alternative, adding variety to the gameplay. Though it can lose its novelty pretty quickly.

Overall, EA Sports FC 25 is a solid entry in the franchise. It shines in gameplay and visuals but lacks significant changes in gameplay modes. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll most likely enjoy this year’s game. However, if you’re new to the franchise, be prepared for a bit of a learning curve.

Overall assessment of EA Sports FC 25

Gameplay: 3.5/5
Graphics: 4.5/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.9/5 (78%)

Purchase EA Sports FC 25 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, or PS4

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