EA College Football 25: The Good and the Bad

EA College Football 25 presents a compelling return for college football fans, surpassing expectations despite not being flawless. As someone deeply invested in the sport, my review considered both initial impressions from a May preview and extensive gameplay over the weekend after receiving the review code. The game excels in several areas, starting with its stunning visuals. From player models and uniforms to the crowd and 3-D grass, CF 25 is visually impressive, standing out as one of the best-looking sports games ever released. This visual appeal adds significant value to the overall experience.

In terms of gameplay, CF 25 delivers the most enjoyable single game of American football I’ve experienced. The combination of speed, diverse playbooks, and realistic animations for hitting, catching, juking, and spinning creates an excellent football simulation. The Wear-and-Tear system adds depth, although it could be more daring. While the game shares similarities with Madden, it stands apart with its expansive playbook and unique styles, ensuring that fans are unlikely to be disappointed.

The game’s commitment to school-specific details is also notable. EA has integrated intricate elements unique to each team, enhancing the immersion. Features such as Clemson’s hill run and white-out crowds are well-executed, with videos showcasing the depth of these details. TeamBuilder has seen significant improvements, offering enhanced team creation options, although there are some limitations, such as the inability to edit player names directly on the website.

Ultimate Team in CF 25 may not break new ground but delivers a solid experience for fans of the mode. It provides a college football twist on the popular feature, with a broad range of players. Despite being polarizing, Ultimate Team’s inclusion contributes valuable revenue, indirectly benefiting other game modes. Road to Glory (RTG) has potential, offering a multifaceted approach to managing player progress. Although it can be repetitive for lower-rated recruits, trying different scenarios reveals its depth and variety. Improvements could include more engaging activities outside of gameplay.

Dynasty Mode stands out as the highlight of CF 25, offering a rich and immersive experience. With features like custom schedules, TeamBuilder integration, online dynasties, and comprehensive recruitment options, it promises extensive gameplay and long-term engagement. However, the game does face some challenges. The introduction of real college players comes with restrictions, such as limited customization options in TeamBuilder and the inability to export draft classes to Madden 25 due to licensing issues. Additionally, RTG could benefit from more engaging features for lower-rated recruits, and the audio commentary often feels generic and repetitive.

Overall, EA College Football 25 delivers a deeper experience than anticipated, carving its own identity while facing some notable limitations. As EA navigates these challenges, future iterations have the potential to reach even greater heights.

Score: 8.5 out of 10
Platform Reviewed: PS5
Review code provided by EA