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EA Sports FC 25 Review

Writer's picture: Matthew RondinaMatthew Rondina

I hit the pitch with EA Sports FC 25 to check out its latest features, modes and gameplay enhancements, let’s kick it in my full review.

A banner for videogame review for EA Sports FC 25 with a player celebrating a goal.

FC 25 marks another chapter in the storied history of EA’s football simulation franchise, formerly known as FIFA. With a legacy spanning decades, this series has delivered some immersive and memorable football experiences. This year, EA Sports FC 25 introduces new features and modes, aiming to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

"This year, EA Sports FC 25 introduces new features and modes, aiming to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging."

As a long-time fan, I was eager to see how these changes would impact the overall experience. Let’s kick off and find out how the latest iteration of EA football has shaped up for a new season of the beautiful game.

A soccer player breaking through a group of players.

EA Sports FC 25 review details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch

Developers: EA Vancouver, EA Romania

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Genre: Sports Simulation

Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

An FC 25 gameplay screenshot with a player breaking through defense.

FC 25 gameplay improvements

The gameplay in EA Sports FC 25 is a mixed bag of innovation and familiarity. The new FC IQ system is a standout, offering more realistic team movements and tactical depth. Powered by real-world data, this system influences player behaviour and tactics, making each match feel unique. However, not all changes hit the mark. The defensive AI can be frustratingly inconsistent, often failing to track basic runs, which can lead to easy counter-attacks. It’s also hard to execute the most basic of defensive tactics and offer little counterpunch to a strong offensive push.

"It’s also hard to execute the most basic of defensive tactics and offer little counterpunch to a strong offensive push."

On the bright side, the HypermotionV technology continues to impress, delivering fluid animations and realistic player interactions. The movement and on-field action look great, and new angles on the action help to up the emotion. Despite some hiccups, the core gameplay remains solid, offering a football experience I enjoyed.

An FC 25 gameplay screen shot with two players battling for the soccer ball.

New RUSH mode

The most significant new addition in FC 25 is “RUSH mode," it’s an absolute blast. It pits you against a 4 v 4 outfield player and a keeper, creating a fast-paced, high-intensity experience. Matches are played on an the Nike Air Zoom Arena, which adds to the frenetic pace. The stadium itself is dazzling, with a ton of effects, smaller pitches and lighting to highlight the action.

"The most significant new addition in FC 25 is 'RUSH mode,' it’s an absolute blast." 

The rules are simple: race to the center of the pitch for kick-off, outscore your opponents in seven-minute matches and earn RUSH points. The offside rule only applies in the final third, and serious fouls result in blue cards, sending players to a one-minute sin bin. I found Rush mode to be more fun than the traditional 11v11 modes, offering a refreshing change of pace and a new layer of strategy.

An FC 25 gameplay screenshot with a player shooting the ball with the crowd in the background.

FC 25 graphics and performance

Graphically, FC 25 is a visual treat on the PlayStation 5. The game features enhanced lighting and detailed textures, making the stadiums and players look more lifelike. The introduction of ray tracing and a new graphics mode allows for upscaled 4K resolution with augmented lighting, providing a visually stunning experience. However, performance can vary depending on the platform. On the PlayStation 5, the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, but the Nintendo Switch version struggles with occasional frame rate drops. The Switch runs at 30 fps and has lower graphical fidelity. Despite these issues, the overall visual presentation is impressive across all platforms.

FC 25 screen shot from the Nintendo Switch a green soccer field with players from a long distance.
FC 25 on the Nintendo Switch

 

FC 25 performance on the Nintendo Switch

Performance on the Nintendo Switch makes some trade-offs to support the portable hardware. While the game is playable, it doesn’t match its counterparts’ smoothness and visual fidelity on more powerful consoles. The frame rate can dip during intense moments, and the graphics are noticeably less detailed. However, the Switch's portability makes it a convenient option for gaming on the go. One exciting aspect is this year’s version on the Switch is it finally offers complete feature parity with other versions, which is fantastic to see. If you overlook some performance issues, FC 25 on the Switch still offers a decent football experience.

FC 25 screen shot with a ball in the foreground and two players in pursuit.

FC 25 audio and sound design

The soundtrack and audio design in FC 25 are another highlight in the overall package. The soundtrack features a diverse mix of international artists and superstars like Billie Eilish, Prince of Reggaeton J Balvin, Fred again.., and Charli xcxadding. The artists help to add to the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the game. The in-game commentary from Derek Rae, Geoff Shreeves, Stewart Robson, Mario Alberto Kempes is dynamic and responsive, providing insightful analysis and reactions to the action on the pitch. However, during my playtime, I experienced audio glitches, like crackling and stuttering, which was distracting. Despite these issues, the overall sound design enhances the immersive experience of playing FC 25.

An FC 25 gameplay screen shot with three players celebrating a goal.

Final thoughts on FC 25

FC 25 is a solid entry in the franchise, offering a mix of new features combined with a lot of familiar gameplay. The new RUSH mode is a standout addition for me, it kept me coming back with its fresh and exciting way to play.

"The new RUSH mode is a standout addition for me, it kept me coming back with its fresh and exciting way to play."

While some areas need improvement, such as defensive AI and optimization on the Nintendo Switch but the game still delivers a satisfying football experience. With its impressive graphics, engaging gameplay, and diverse soundtrack, FC 25 is worth checking out for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

 

FC 25 Pros

+Innovative Rush mode

+Enhanced graphics with ray tracing

+Feature parity across all platforms

+Diverse and energetic soundtrack

 

FC 25 Cons

-Inconsistent defensive AI

-Performance issues on Nintendo Switch

-Occasional audio glitches

-Minor changes to innovate on gameplay

 

Overall Assessment of FC 25

Gameplay: 8/10

Graphics: 9/10

Sound: 8/10

Replayability: 7/10

 

Overall Rating: 32/40 (80%)

Electronic Arts provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.

 

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

 

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