EA Sports FC 25
Review
Dribbles one through the defence
by William Thompson
reviewed on PC
Putting the boots back on
I'll admit it now, apart from the occasional dabble on a friend's console, I haven't really played a football (soccer) title since the days when EA's annual release still retained the FIFA moniker. In most cases, I don't usually opt into the annual sports updates anyway, as the changes - apart from the rosters - are generally quite minimal. So, having not played seriously for a couple of years, I decided to lace up the boots and take a look at the latest football game from EA, EA Sports FC 25.
If you've played any of the EA branded football games from the last few years, there will immediately be some familiarity with the game. After all, the game of football hasn't had any meaningful changes (apart from VAR) for years, and as such, game developers can simply tinker with the most recent iteration. EA Sports FC 25 retains most of the features of the previous instalment, whilst adding a couple of interesting new game modes.
In a Rush
One of the significant additions in EA Sports FC 25 is Rush mode. This new gameplay style features fast-paced, small-sided soccer matches. Rush lets you partner with three friends in 5v5 games (the goalie is AI controlled) where creativity and teamwork thrive. It's a fun, casual alternative to FC 25's more competitive gameplay modes like Rivals, giving players a fun way to squad up with friends across nearly every mode. In a way, the Rush mode almost feels like the soccer version of Rugby Sevens. There are also a few new rules, including a hockey-like take on penalties complete with a dribble-up and a new Blue Card that puts your players in the penalty box for big fouls.
Matches are played on a smaller pitch with fewer players on each team, and the goal is to score more goals than the other team before time runs out. Rush mode is a great way to get a quick fix of soccer action, and it is sure to be a popular choice for online and offline play.
Another new feature in EA Sports FC 25 is the ability to create custom tactics and strategies. This gives players more control over how their team plays on the pitch. Players can create different tactics for different situations, and they can switch between tactics on the fly during a match. This level of customization allows players to experiment and find the playstyle that best suits them.
Season Pass
EA Sports FC 25 also introduces a new Season Pass system. The Season Pass provides players with access to a variety of new content, including new kits, items, and challenges. The Season Pass can be completed across all three modes in the game, so players can earn rewards regardless of how they choose to play. Previously, progress in Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Clubs was separate, which often left players feeling they had to sacrifice progress in one mode to succeed in another. Now, all modes contribute to your overall Season Pass progression.
Popping on a new kit
As mentioned earlier, because the game of soccer doesn’t change each year, the developers can (amongst other things) focus on tweaking and improving the visuals. EA Sports FC 25 does a wonderful job with this, ensuring that the presentation is polished and as realistic as any virtual football experience to date. Players and coaches appear similar to their on-field personas, the stadiums are full of chanting crowds, and the weather effects are stunning.
Aiming to score
EA Sports FC 25 offers a traditional control scheme that will be familiar to long-time fans of the series. The left stick controls player movement, while the right stick is used for dribbling and passing. Buttons on the controller are used for shooting, passing, tackling, and other actions. While the control scheme is relatively straightforward, some players may find it challenging to master, especially newcomers to the series. Luckily, the game offers a variety of difficulty settings and assistance options to help players of all skill levels. Skill boost allows players to perform advanced moves with a single button press, whilst the game also offers players options for assisted passing and assisted shooting. These assisted features allow players to perform accurate passes and shots without having to aim precisely.
Overall, EA Sports FC 25 is a relatively accessible game, with a variety of options to help players of all skill levels enjoy the game. However, mastering the game's control scheme may take some practice, especially for newcomers to the series.
The whistle blows
EA Sports FC 25 is a solid soccer game that builds upon the foundation of its predecessors. There is nothing groundbreaking in the latest iteration of the annual football release, but the new Rush mode is a welcome addition, even if it essentially replaces the Volta mode from FC 24. As well as that, the ability to create custom tactics and strategies gives players more control over their game. The Season Pass system provides players with a steady stream of new content to unlock, and the overall improvements to the game's visuals and gameplay make EA Sports FC 25 a worthwhile purchase for soccer fans, particularly those who haven't hit the pitch for several seasons.
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7.0
fun score
Pros
Rush Mode is a fun addition
Cons
Gameplay almost identical to preview iterations
