EA's annual football sim is back, and while there are some interesting tweaks, EA Sports FC 25 largely feels like more of the same with incremental upgrades. Here's a closer look at what's new and what's still frustrating.
Overview:
EA Sports FC 25 launched on September 27.
The game introduces the 5v5 Rush mode and a new tactics system.
While some tweaks improve gameplay, FC 25 struggles with stale mechanics, limited Career Mode innovation, and frustrating AI.
Gameplay and Features:
The core gameplay of FC 25 still sticks to the fast, arcade-like feel that the franchise is known for, though there's a noticeable shift towards more defensive strategies. Defenders now play a bigger role in breaking up attacks, and the game introduces more tactical depth, allowing for roles like "Falseback" or "Attacking Wingback" for players. However, despite these changes, defenders are still inept when trying to recover against speedy forwards, a longstanding issue in the series.
The Simulation mode is a welcome addition, allowing for more realistic, slower-paced football. It focuses more on decision-making and control, which is refreshing compared to the fast-paced style that has dominated previous FIFA games. For those who prefer the classic arcade-style experience, you can always toggle between the modes for a more personalized feel.
In terms of tactics, the new system adds depth but sacrifices flexibility. The player roles system is interesting, and setting up your squad with the right tactical approach can enhance team cohesion. However, there's less control over specific setups and formations than before, which may frustrate longtime fans of the series.
AI and Technical Issues: Despite EA's claims of an improved AI and Hypermotion technology, FC 25 still suffers from poor AI behavior. Players often neglect key positions, leave gaps in the defense, and fail to react appropriately in crucial moments. This undermines the tactical improvements, as the AI fails to follow even basic instructions.
Additionally, technical issues persist. UI clunkiness, unresponsive menu inputs, and stuttering transitions from screen to screen remain prevalent. The visual upgrades also feel minimal, with the most noticeable change being overly exaggerated cloth physics. Player kits now bounce around with an odd, distracting intensity.
Career Mode: Career mode remains mostly unchanged, with the addition of a task list and a social media feed providing updates on player transfers and club news. The tactical system is now integrated into Career mode, but it’s still far from groundbreaking. There are some changes, like the option to manage a women's team and a more focused youth development system, but these features don't revolutionize the mode.
The lack of any substantial change to Career mode—especially when it comes to transfers, negotiations, and general managerial depth—continues to be one of the most significant shortcomings. Additionally, the absence of VAR in matches is glaring, especially in 2024.
Ultimate Team and New Features: As expected, Ultimate Team remains the primary focus for EA. The addition of the 5v5 Rush mode brings some fresh fun, mimicking the fast-paced energy of Rocket League. It's a great addition, especially in multiplayer, where matches are chaotic and enjoyable. However, Ultimate Team still pushes microtransactions heavily, and the mode remains a bit too reliant on monetization.
Beyond Rush, other modes like Seasons, Clubs, and Co-op remain largely unchanged, adding to the feeling that FC 25 is just another year of updates rather than a reinvention of the series.
Verdict: EA Sports FC 25 isn’t a bad game, but it feels like more of the same. While there are some improvements, especially in gameplay mechanics and tactical depth, the lack of meaningful changes to Career Mode and persistent AI issues leave much to be desired. The focus on Ultimate Team and the disappointing visual and technical performance hold it back from being a truly fresh experience.
Pros:
Fun and addictive 5v5 Rush mode
Greater tactical control with Player Roles
Emphasis on defending and realism with Simulation mode
Improved player animations
Cons:
Minor updates to Career Mode
UI and gameplay jank persist
Lack of significant visual upgrades
AI issues and rigid tactical system
Ultimate Team's monetization-heavy focus
Rating: 6/10
EA Sports FC 25 released on September 27 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch. The game is priced at Rs. 3,999 for the Standard Edition on PC and Rs. 4,499 on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
