EA FC 25: Is the Fun Back? Our Full Review
EA SPORTS FC 25 is here, bringing a fresh take on football simulation. The game kicks off with a stunning intro featuring Zinedine Zidane, setting the tone for a more tactical experience. If you're a football fan, especially a French one, this intro is sure to give you chills. But beyond the cinematic flair, EA FC 25 aims to deliver a deeper, more strategic gameplay experience.
Welcome, Zizou!
The introduction with Zidane is not just eye candy. It serves as a tutorial for the new FC IQ technology. This feature allows you to assign specific roles to your players, adding a layer of strategy to the game. For example, you can turn your striker into a false nine or have your central defender push up the field.
However, we noticed that these instructions aren't always followed to the letter, adding a touch of realism. It feels like being a real coach, complete with locker room pep talks.
HyperMotion V Technology
HyperMotion V continues to enhance immersion by capturing movements from real matches. This makes animations smoother and more natural. It's a significant upgrade that keeps the game feeling fresh and engaging.
Licenses and Realism
EA FC 25 excels in its licensed content. The Ligue 1 experience is incredibly immersive, featuring five fully modeled stadiums and convincing commentary from Benjamin Da Silva, Omar Da Fonseca, and Laure Boulleau. However, Italian football fans might be disappointed as Inter and AC Milan are no longer licensed.
The European competitions are faithfully recreated, helping players understand the new Champions League format for 2025.
Gameplay and Modes
While FC IQ adds depth, the core gameplay can feel lacking. The game still relies heavily on unrealistic dribbles and fast-paced action, leaving little room for strategic play. However, the new "Simu" preset can slow down the game, emphasizing construction and the impact of weather conditions.
The menu navigation is another downside. It's cumbersome and unintuitive, making it a chore to find what you need.
Game Modes
The variety of game modes in EA FC 25 is underwhelming. Outside of Ultimate Team and Career Mode, there isn't much to explore. However, the online Club Pro mode remains a highlight, offering a fun way to team up with friends.
The Player Career mode is a letdown, lacking the depth and customization found in other sports games like NBA 2K.
Coach Career Mode
On the flip side, the Coach Career mode is highly detailed. You can manage both your first team and youth squads, adding a strategic layer. This mode offers a simulation experience akin to Football Manager but with EA Sports' polish and graphics.
Verdict
EA FC 25 makes strides in tactical realism and offers an immersive Ligue 1 experience. The Coach Career mode is a standout, providing a deep, engaging experience. However, the game is hampered by a clunky interface, limited game modes, and a Player Career mode that fails to impress. The "Simu" preset brings some relief, but the game still struggles with its core gameplay mechanics.
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