For fans out there EA after the announcement of new updates on 27 September hoped for changes and fresh gameplay, however now that the updates are finally out the changes seem minimal. The upgraded features and modes like the revamped tactical system and 5v5 Rush mode sound promising but failed to provide that fresh experience in gameplay.
It was believed that EA Sports FC was going to be the start of a new chapter for the franchise and was going to bring a lot of changes to the gameplay while dealing with newly introduced competition, However the game feels like an still an upgrade of its last version. Although minor changes have been made to some aspects of the game, FC 25 still suffers from a lot of the core mechanics already established in the earlier versions.
One of the major changes made to the gameplay of EA Sports FC 25 is the increase in difficulty, especially for players who prefer to utilize quick wingers and other easy runs. The addition of a defensive aspect brings a new layer of complexity as both defenders and midfielders have a higher chance of halting an offense. This at first can be annoying as you have to struggle to execute moves as defenders are able to thwart attempts more easily, therefore requiring players to be more tactical and make drives that are well thought out and do not require as much rushing.
Despite the focus on a more offensive style, this shift has not helped the defenders in their recoveries. In a situation where an attacker is faster than the defender and makes a drive, the only option the defender has is to pray. For years this has been the case for this franchise with FC 25 doing nothing to remedy the situation.
For those who want a more authentic experience, a new introduction of FC 25 is the ‘Simulation’ mode. In this setting, the speed of the game is reduced, therefore increasing the time taken to make a move. The players are less able to run across the pitch and make quick precise passes and tackles. The tactical changes this import gives the game is realistic to a certain extent, but not to the extent that EA portrays. While this mode does allow for more strategic planning, almost all of the gameplay centers around a model that is arcade like in most aspects.
Management features have also seen some tactical game plan changes. While the ability of giving specific roles deepens the tactical system, it remains shallow fundamentally. EA simplified the menu, omitting certain personalisation and amendment options. Although assigning player’s roles presents rewards and drawbacks – including assigning a right back to pushes up the field more tactically – it creates offsets and allows teams to become predictable. But the tweaks do not fix the missing lines of AI desired behaviour from what was intended tactically.
As for graphics-related topics, players and their animations are somewhat improved in EA Sports FC 25 compared to past iterations, but these add little when it comes to play. The new cloth physics will make player’s kits sway in strange, almost comical manners. The game still contains some hiccups like certain UI bugs and odd performance issues, most apparent when changing menus.
No one will be surprised to learn that the Career mode – the series’ evergreen – has undergone almost no changes. Manager mode, perhaps, is the one that today has the smallest number of changes, giving mainly cosmetic. Broader tactical vision setting is still there but the transfers and scouting do feel retro. No application of VAR in 2024 seems like a lost chance.
Ultimate Team has always been in forefront of the game’s features, now you can also play the 5v5 Rush variant, which is exciting but pretty much what you expect to get from the game. It was based on Rocket League and is entertaining but could get you hooked on playing short yet fast-paced matches. But then again Ultimate Team is a micro transaction money guzzler allowing players to buy their way through the game.
Final verdict is, EA Sports FC 25 still is the same remake of the last year’s EA game giving you slight modifications on the setup. While there are a few interesting additions, such as the Rush mode and enhanced tactical control, they aren’t enough to make the game feel significantly different from its predecessors. Fans of the series will find familiarity, but those looking for real innovation may be disappointed. EA’s focus on yearly iterations rather than meaningful overhauls leaves the game feeling stagnant, despite its consistent success.
Pros:
- Addictive 5v5 Rush mode
- Deeper tactical control with Player Roles
- Emphasis on defending
- Realism-focused Simulation setting
- Improved animations
Cons:
- Minor changes to Career mode
- Persistent UI and gameplay issues
- Lack of noticeable visual upgrades
- Rigid tactics system
- Underwhelming AI behavior
Rating: 6/10
