The annual release cycle of EA Sports FC games often leaves players wondering, “What’s new?” While incremental improvements are noticeable over several years, yearly updates can feel superficial. EA Sports FC 25, the latest iteration, attempts to break this cycle, introducing subtle yet meaningful changes that, while not revolutionary, offer a more refined and, in some areas, significantly improved football experience, notably through a refined simulation mode and tactical overhaul. However, persistent issues hold the game back from true greatness.
A New Coat of Paint, but the Same Old Wood?
EA Sports FC 25 builds upon its predecessor, FC 24, continuing the legacy following the franchise’s rebranding from FIFA. At first glance, the visual differences are minimal; a casual observer might mistake it for FC 24. However, beneath the surface, several significant gameplay adjustments have been made. The game is demonstrably harder, particularly in attack. The hyper-kinetic, arcade-style gameplay that characterized previous iterations has been tempered, leading to a more deliberate and tactical experience, especially when the Simulation Settings are activated.
A More Considered Approach to Attack and Defence
Gone are the days of effortlessly weaving through defenses with a single pacy winger. Now, constructing considered plays and employing more strategic passing is key. The game emphasizes strategic defending. Defenders have a stronger presence, more effectively disrupting quick attacks. Initially, this change feels jarring; players frequently lose possession unless passes are carefully executed. However, this fosters a more realistic representation of football where the focus shifts from quick individual skill to teamwork and tactical maneuvering. While tactical fouls add a new strategic layer, the defensive AI still struggles against pacey attackers, a long-standing weakness of the franchise.
Revamped Tactics and Deeper Player Roles
The enhanced gameplay is supported by an overhaul of the game’s tactical systems. The tactics menu is streamlined, allowing players to quickly choose pre-sets, formations, build-up styles, and defensive approaches. However, some tactical adjustments from previous games have been removed, reducing overall flexibility. The inability to manually adjust player positions and create custom formations is a significant limitation for those who prefer greater tactical control.
Individual Player Roles: A Key Innovation
This streamlining, however, is offset by a deeper focus on individual player roles. Each position now has distinct roles significantly influencing player behavior on the pitch. For example, a right-back can be assigned as a “Falseback,” mirroring the strategies used in real-world football. Assigning roles impacts player positioning, movement, and overall tactical function; choosing attacking-focused roles leaves openings when the team loses possession. Players also have visible levels of Role Familiarity, adding depth to player selection and strategy.
AI Woes and UI Frustrations Remain
Despite EA’s claims of a new AI model utilizing real-world data and the enhanced Hypermotion technology for improved animations and visuals, the AI remains a stumbling block for FC 25. Positional awareness and player reactions often fall short of reality, leaving frustrating gaps in the midfield and failing to realistically respond to evolving situations during a match. While animation improvements might be visible on deeper inspection, there’s no overwhelming change to the game’s overall visual fidelity. Moreover, recurring UI issues, such as unresponsive menu inputs and stuttering transitions, persistently plague the experience — a clear disappointment given the price tag
Career Mode: More Style Than Substance
The Career Mode, a long-time favorite for many, receives mostly cosmetic updates in FC 25. The addition of a task list and a social media feed to the main screen offering club news and transfer gossip is interesting but ultimately does not address the mode’s essential flaws. The transfer system, scouting mechanics, and general workflow remain virtually unchanged from previous iterations. The absence of VAR in the Manager mode, a staple in modern football, remains baffling and disappointing.
Youth Development and Women’s Teams
There are some welcome additions to Career Mode, though. A renewed focus on youth development, including engaging in five-a-side tournaments to accelerate youth players’ development, is a plus. The introduction of licensed women’s leagues to manager career offers a needed boost to the diversity of the game and offers a different challenge. While these additions are positive, they fall far short of the comprehensive overhaul that has long been needed by Manager Mode fans.
Ultimate Team: Rush Mode and Microtransactions Remain Dominant
Once more, Ultimate Team (FUT) takes center stage. The addition of the 5v5 Rush mode is a significant improvement, providing a fun, fast-paced alternative to traditional 11v11 matches, resembling the arcade-style gameplay of Rocket League. This brings the much-needed action that should have been given more importance prior to the launch. The mode’s quick matches and emphasis on attacking football prove far more enjoyable and addicting, particularly through its integration within Ultimate Team.
Evolutions and Microtransactions
The existing FUT features, such as squad-building challenges and online competitions, remain, along with the persistent presence of microtransactions. The Evolutions feature, allowing for cosmetic and stat upgrades to player cards, is expanded but continues to encourage spending in-game currency –– often paid for through real-world purchases.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, But Not a Giant Leap
EA Sports FC 25 offers a mixed bag. The introduction of the Rush mode proves a refreshing addition that injects much needed energy into the franchise. The deeper tactical control offered by player roles can also keep gamers busy. The refined gameplay, particularly with the Simulation setting activated, provides a more grounded, realistic experience, emphasizing tactics and strategic thinking. However, its lack of innovation in other modes, coupled with persistent AI shortcomings and UI frustrations, ultimately hold the game back. The lack of significant changes to the Career Mode is particularly disheartening, failing to address long-standing fan criticism. The game represents a step forward, but the franchise’s long-term improvements may only be felt with future installments. The game is definitely a decent improvement but it’s ultimately more of an evolution than a revolution, leaving many gamers to once again question if the full price tag is justified.
Pros:
- Engaging and addictive Rush mode
- Deeper tactical control with Player Roles
- Greater emphasis on defending
- Focus on realism with Simulation setting
- Improved animations
Cons:
- Minor changes to career mode
- UI and gameplay jank
- Lack of noticeable visual upgrades
- Rigid new tactics system
- Frustrating AI player behaviour
Rating (out of 10): 6
EA Sports FC 25 was released on September 27 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch.
