EA Sports FC 25 review

EA Sports FC 25 review

As a seasoned FIFA player who has been following this series since its inception, I find myself standing at the precipice of EA Sports FC 25, peering into the abyss of another yearly installment. While I appreciate the newfound intelligence and adaptability of the AI-controlled players, it’s a bit like watching a well-rehearsed play where everyone knows their lines – impressive, but lacking in spontaneity.


In the lead-up to the launch of EA Sports FC 25, there’s an extensive exploration of the latest additions and upgrades. The focus on tactics has been intensified with the introduction of FC IQ and Player Roles. In contrast, Rush is set to take over from Volta, being incorporated into all game modes to offer a fresh and exhilarating play style. While buzzwords are prevalent in EA’s language, witnessing these new technologies in action on the field provides a unique selling point compared to last year’s edition. However, it appears that this year’s game shares many similarities with its predecessor.

Over the next five years, these innovative player AI structures will develop, although computer-managed players may seem to think differently, it’s not always clear that your strategies are operating as smoothly and effectively as possible. Players have become increasingly intelligent, and a strategic change such as switching a winger from running along the lines to cutting into the box is quite noticeable. By modifying each player’s role within your team, you can maintain full control over your tactics, fine-tuning every aspect of how your team performs on and off the ball. The basic controls remain unchanged, so changes brought about by FC IQ only impact the players you aren’t controlling directly.

EA Sports FC 25 review

One thing I did appreciate was AI players respecting the offside rule. In the past, strikers would just run behind the defence, but now they’re more aware, slowing down to stay within the defensive line before bursting beyond following your pass. During matches, you’ll get prompts for potential tactical changes, such as changing formation to slow the pace and maintain the score by pumping in a stronger back line or make some strategic substitutions. It took me a good 90 minutes before I actually played a game in career mode because I was adjusting my tactics, specifically the player’s roles. It’s great for those that obsess over the little things, but for those that just want to play, it can be easily ignored.

It’s striking how accurately certain players emulate their real-world counterparts, and there are additional ball-handling animations to enhance this realism. The animations for half volleys and last-ditch attempts near the goal line really bring authenticity to the game. Goalkeepers show improved intelligence, but they still commit occasional blunders when it comes to their positioning. AI opponents can be overly intelligent, particularly on higher settings, executing flawless passes and runs that are seldom so seamless in real-life football. I might be nitpicking, but these issues have persisted throughout my annual FIFA gaming experience since the original game’s release.

EA Sports FC 25 review

The pre-match animations are excellent, and returning walk-outs add to the spectacle of every match. Players look incredibly close to how they do in the flesh, and even lower leagues have made use of the new Cranium technology to appear closer than ever before. As a Derby County fan, I’m never going to get the same kind of detail as I would following Manchester City or Arsenal, but seeing Jacob Widell Zetterström close-up, I could see how this new tech is doing a lot to bring realism to every league. Not all players look realistic, but it is a big improvement to how it used to be.

In EA Sports FC 25, a new gameplay mode called Rush stands out. It’s a fast-paced, 5 versus 5 match on a compact field. Unlike Volta, it’s less frantic but still packed with action. The rules keep things interesting and unpredictable. Players may receive a blue card, causing them to be temporarily ejected from the game, similar to the penalty box in ice hockey. Kick-offs are initiated by throwing the ball into the center of the field, enhancing the speed and excitement of this mode. Playing with other players online can be thrilling, particularly when everyone works together. Rush is the main novelty for Ultimate Team, while other aspects like career mode remain relatively unchanged. Additionally, Rush allows players to evaluate their youth team in a competitive setting.

EA Sports FC 25 review

As a gamer, throughout the season, I get the chance to let my academy show its stuff in youth tournaments. While these games may not have the thrill of going head-to-head with powerhouses like Real Madrid or PSG, they do add a touch of diversity to the career mode. The visual updates, such as the sleek UI and the inclusion of a social media feed featuring big names like The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano, are appreciated. However, the weekly grind remains unchanged. I yearn for more exhilaration during transfer windows, and simplifying the scouting networks would be a great step. Instead of waiting to scout a player only to discover their ratings or skills later, why not make this information readily available? This way, transfer windows could become more engaging and exciting.

In EA Sports FC 2025, they’ve introduced new features for increased realism, though some of these enhancements may not be immediately noticeable. The visuals leading up to matches are captivating, and the player animations are top-notch. The Rush mode functions seamlessly across all game modes, offering a blend of realism and arcade style due to its smaller fields and smaller teams, but it might not be enough to break away from the predictable playstyle we’ve grown accustomed to. FC IQ is an intriguing addition to the core gameplay mechanics, yet it remains to be seen if it will significantly alter outcomes. Ultimately, success hinges on how each individual player performs, and most controls remain similar to last year’s version. It’s unclear what changes are needed to make it feel distinct from past years, but it is beginning to feel a bit repetitive.

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2024-09-30 11:16