EA SPORTS FC 25 Review: A Tactical Triumph

EA SPORTS FC 25 Review

After moving from FIFA to EA SPORTS FC 24 last season, the pioneering football simulation continued to innovate while maintaining its successful core formula. This season, FC 25 aims to give you even greater control over the tactical aspects of the game, offering a more authentic representation of the beautiful game. But will these new systems and modes in EA’s latest instalment be a sure-fire shot or an own goal?

HyperMotion, which was introduced in FIFA 22, took data from real matches and implemented various aspects into the game to create a sense of realism on the pitch. While this aspect continues to grow, it was the introduction of PlayStyles last year that helped make each player feel unique. FC25 completely revamps the tactical aspect of the game and it is this trilogy of systems that combine to produce an unprecedented level of immersion, where player individuality, tactical depth and realistic animations create a truly dynamic football experience.

FC IQ gives you complete control over tactics so you can decide how your team sets up and reacts on the pitch. Player roles are central to this and are a welcome addition to the franchise. You can now assign specific roles to individuals to drastically alter how they play in that position. For example, you can use a traditional target man up top or try to fool the opponent with a false 9. Players who are more productive in certain positions will receive a Role+ when assigned to them. Because of this, you now need to consider which player is best for your formation rather than just buying the highest rated one.

Take control

The most popular mode in the EA SPORTS FC series is Football Ultimate Team and it’s great to see that FC IQ has been incorporated into it. Historically, manager cards simply improved your team’s chemistry depending on the nationality of the manager or the club in the league. Managers now come with their real-life data, meaning that if you assign the Guardiola card, it modifies tactics so you can outmaneuver the opponent. New cosmetic-based evolutions add even more cards to the mix so you can further customize your team. Although the monetization aspects remain, EA manages to pack tons of content into the mode to keep it engaging all year round.

This year, Volta has been replaced by Rush. The mode permeates every aspect of the game, making it a core feature. Whereas Volta was trick-focused and an evolution of FIFA Street, Rush maintains the base game’s mechanics but alters the parameters to create exciting, action-packed matches. You team up with 3 other players in a 5v5 match on a smaller pitch. Rules have been altered to suit the size of the pitch, such as offsides being initiated from the final third rather than the halfway line. In addition to this, two yellows now equate to a blue card which puts you in a penalty position for a certain amount of time. Other changes include a race to the ball instead of a kick-off and 1v1 segments replacing traditional penalties. The changes add a refreshing twist to the formula and because of this, Rush is on its way to becoming a franchise staple.

Oh, what a hurry!

Rush permeates the entire experience. In Ultimate Team, you can select your favourite player and team up with others to earn season points, while in Clubs you can improve your own player in these smaller matches. This even filters into Career mode, where you can train and develop the youth squad through Rush competitions. This, along with the new approach to season rewards, accentuates EA’s ethos of unifying all of its game modes. Season rewards are based on participation, so you no longer feel tied to one particular mode. This is a positive step forward for the game that will allow you to branch out and experience the full package on offer.

For years, fans have been craving a revamp of Career Mode. While FC 25 isn’t the huge change many were hoping for, it does include new elements that enhance your managerial experience. The best feature is Live Kick-Off Spots, which allow you to pick up where your favourite team is at a given point in the season. This takes into account all of the real-life context, meaning you’ll have to deal with suspensions and injuries to achieve your goals. Snapshots will follow the biggest stories in the world of football, so if a manager is sacked, you can jump in and take control of the club. These are great additions that make Career Mode more dynamic. However, even with the inclusion of the women’s league, a realistic simulation mode, and other improvements, Career Mode is still in need of a revamp.

Be the man

Player Career mode includes some notable differences that definitely enhance the mode. In addition to living out your fantasy as a sports icon, you can also select Origin Stories for your personal avatar. Whether you want to be a child prodigy from a footballing family or a player on his way to a big comeback after a near-career-ending injury, there are options to make your journey unique.

EA SPORTS FC 25 introduces a tactical layer that alters the way you play on the pitch. Combined with new playstyles and improved HyperMotion, the game is an authentic representation of the sport. While there are only minor tweaks to the systems, each thoughtful change enhances your time under the spotlight. Rush injects new life into the multiplayer portion with its fast-paced 5-player matches. While Career Mode still requires more attention, the new features are a step in the right direction. While FC 25 doesn’t completely reinvent the formula, it successfully refines the gameplay experience, delivering a more immersive, strategic, and enjoyable soccer simulation that fans of the series will appreciate.

***The publisher provided a PS5 code***