You’re greeted by the iconic Zinedine Zidane upon launching EA Sports FC 25 for the first time. The former French international and multiple Champions League-winning manager highlights the importance of tactics in a captivating introductory video that resembles more of a Football Manager experience than EA’s latest sports simulation. This focus on strategy is driven by the introduction of FC IQ, steering Player Roles to the forefront in a significant tactical overhaul of the series. With notable features like the new Rush mode, EA FC 25 presents two standout additions to entice players. However, enhancements to on-field performance and game modes appear to be incremental, leaving the game feeling like a moderate evolution rather than a groundbreaking revolution for this established franchise.
FC IQ serves as the core of EA FC 25’s advancements. The outdated tactics system has been replaced by a flexible set of Player Roles that create greater team variety. This seamless transition allows players to define the depth of their defensive line and select a build-up style—whether through short passing, counterattacks, or a balanced approach. After settling on a strategy and formation, players can assign specific roles to team members, adding depth to gameplay and weighing the risks and rewards of these choices.
Each position comes with multiple Player Roles that dictate movement and positioning, affecting gameplay dynamics. For example, the new half winger role allows central midfielders to drift wide, akin to how Kevin De Bruyne plays for Manchester City, facilitating overloads on one side of the pitch and enhancing crossing opportunities. This innovation opens up new avenues for creating chances and adds complexity to tactical planning.
Most roles carry a Focus that adjusts player behavior, allowing for a more balanced playstyle or a forward-leaning attack, impacting team dynamics and overall gameplay. Moreover, the introduction of the falseback role allows fullbacks to shift centrally as additional midfielders during possession, creating tactical fluidity.
Team-building in Career mode or Ultimate Team becomes intriguing as players must decide whether to construct a tactic around available players or prioritize their preferred roles, introducing strategic depth beyond traditional attributes like pace and shooting.
The formation chosen influences team shape during defense and attack. A toggle feature displaying player positions on and off the ball contributes to a varied gameplay experience. Teams can appear similar in formation yet differ significantly in style based on individual Player Roles, enhancing tactical diversity.
Despite the expansion of tactical options, the overall gameplay experience remains stagnant compared to last year’s offering. While new animations and a slight shift in play pace are evident, they fail to create a distinctly improved experience. Long-standing issues such as unreliable tackling and inconsistent goalkeeper performance persist, detracting from the enjoyment. Additionally, input delay during online matches hampers competitiveness, while frustrating navigation through menus affects game modes that require heavy interaction.
On a more positive note, the new Rush mode introduces fast-paced, five-a-side matches, offering chaotic fun away from standard gameplay. This mode, available in various structures, allows players to engage in quick bouts that promise excitement and rapid scoring opportunities.
Career mode also receives notable updates, providing customization options for player expectations and introducing various weather conditions that impact gameplay. Additionally, the introduction of women’s leagues is a significant step forward, despite limitations in character options for player careers.
Ultimate Team, though a lucrative component, has seen several negative changes, including reduced rewards for Rivals matches and heightened requirements for qualifying for Champions. These adjustments may marginalize casual players, favoring those willing to invest more financially for superior rewards.
In conclusion, EA FC 25 showcases several promising features, from the revamped tactics to the lively Rush mode and enhancements in Career mode. However, it falls short of delivering a revolutionary experience, with on-field action remaining stable, albeit flawed, and changes to Ultimate Team casting a shadow over the overall enjoyment. While players can find fun within the game—particularly if they appreciated last year’s edition—EA FC 25 feels more like a careful step rather than a bold leap forward in the franchise’s evolution.
