EA Sports FC 25: Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Reviewed by: David Cameron

EA Sports FC 25 marks a new era for EA Vancouver's long-running football franchise, and while the absence of the FIFA branding may feel like a big change on paper, this latest entry proves that EA's grip on football gaming is as strong as ever. Building on the foundations laid over the last decade, EA Sports FC 25 refines the experience with improved gameplay mechanics, enhanced visuals, and an ever-evolving sense of realism. This is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive sports simulations available, and while it still has some areas to fine-tune, it delivers a stellar football experience on Xbox Series X.

Gameplay: Tight, Responsive, and More Realistic Than Ever

The heart of EA Sports FC 25 is its gameplay, and EA Vancouver has done a great job refining the already-solid mechanics from previous iterations. The on-pitch action feels tighter and more responsive, with a noticeable improvement in ball physics, player movement, and tackling mechanics. Passing, dribbling, and shooting all feel natural and rewarding, offering a deeper level of control than before. Whether you're making a slick one-touch pass or curling in a shot from outside the box, the game rewards precision and timing.

Player animations are more fluid, and the inclusion of new skill moves and tactical options adds depth to the gameplay. The AI has also seen a notable upgrade, with both teammates and opponents reacting more intelligently to the situation on the pitch. Attacking AI now feels more aggressive, with better positioning and movement off the ball, while defenders are smarter, making it harder to exploit the backline with simple through balls.

Set pieces have been revamped as well, with more control over free kicks and penalties, giving players a greater sense of creativity and ownership in key moments.

Ultimate Team: More Customization, Less Grind

The ever-popular Ultimate Team mode returns, but with some significant changes that address player feedback. EA has toned down the grind, making it easier to build a competitive squad without feeling pressured to spend real money. There are more customization options than ever before, allowing you to personalize your squad's kits, stadiums, and even goal celebrations.

The new chemistry system feels more flexible, allowing players to build teams with greater diversity without sacrificing team performance. Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) have been tweaked to offer more variety and rewards, making it an engaging puzzle-solving experience as much as a team-building one.

Career Mode: Deeper Management with a Touch of Storytelling

Career Mode remains a fan favorite, and EA Sports FC 25 brings in new layers of management and storytelling. Whether you're playing as a manager or a player, the game adds more depth to negotiations, transfers, and even training. The revamped player career allows for a more immersive journey, with improved decision-making off the pitch and dynamic moments that affect your career trajectory.

Managing a club feels more like a simulation, with added realism in contract negotiations and the day-to-day running of the team. The integration of press conferences and interactions with players adds a level of immersion that makes you feel like a real manager navigating the pressures of football management.

Visuals and Presentation: A Spectacle on the Xbox Series X

EA Sports FC 25 takes full advantage of the Xbox Series X hardware, delivering a visually stunning experience. The stadiums are breathtaking, with an incredible level of detail in both the environments and crowd animations. Player likenesses are more realistic than ever, capturing the smallest details in faces, hair, and body types.

Lighting and weather effects have been enhanced, adding to the sense of immersion. Whether you're playing in the bright sunshine of a mid-day match or battling the rain under the floodlights, the game looks fantastic. The attention to detail extends to the presentation, with dynamic camera angles, pre-match build-up, and authentic commentary creating an atmosphere that's almost indistinguishable from watching a live match on TV.

Sound Design: Atmosphere in Every Kick

The sound design is another highlight, as EA Sports FC 25 captures the roar of the crowd, the thud of the ball, and the impact of a well-timed tackle with precision. Stadium chants are more varied and accurate, helping to bring each match to life. Commentary, as always, is solid, though it still has moments where it can feel repetitive, especially after dozens of matches.

The soundtrack, filled with the usual mix of international artists, sets the tone for the menus and adds to the game's vibrant presentation. EA continues its tradition of selecting tracks that complement the global nature of the sport.

Improvements Still Needed: A Few Fouls on the Pitch

While EA Sports FC 25 is a massive success, it's not without its faults. Some of the long-standing issues still persist, such as occasional frustrating referee decisions and certain animations that can feel out of place. The game modes, while polished, still follow familiar patterns, and while the tweaks to Ultimate Team and Career Mode are appreciated, they don't feel revolutionary. More innovation in future updates would keep things feeling fresh for long-term players.

Additionally, the commentary, while mostly excellent, does start to feel repetitive over time, especially if you're grinding through multiple seasons or playing extensively in Ultimate Team.

Final Thoughts: A Champion on the Pitch

EA Sports FC 25 delivers on nearly every front. It successfully transitions away from the FIFA branding while maintaining the high-quality football simulation fans have come to expect. The improvements in gameplay, visuals, and AI, combined with the deeper customization options in Ultimate Team and Career Mode, make this one of the most complete football experiences in recent memory.

It's not perfect, and there's still room for improvement in future updates and iterations, but EA Sports FC 25 is a must-play for any football fan. With its combination of fluid gameplay, stunning presentation, and attention to detail, it remains the champion of football gaming.

Reviewed by: David Cameron