Surprising, convoluted, entertaining, predictable: these attributes describe what awaits you in EA SPORTS FC 25. This also applies to the innovations. A completely new game mode, a new AI system on the pitch and revised tactical settings await you. But does this lead to a convincing fun victory or a warmed-over defeat? Our test of the PS5 version explains this.
Conclusion on EA SPORTS FC 25 (PS5)
EA SPORTS FC 25 shows me different faces at every level. In many moments the game makes its mark thanks to its gameplay innovations significantly more fun than its predecessor. But when the goalkeeping or tackling behavior follows illogical rules, I get just as upset as I do every year. One doesn’t work without the other.
That’s what it is for Rush as a new game mode enriches the fun of the game at every level. I’m fighting against this with convoluted and slow menus, moderate innovations in all other game modes and, in my opinion, worse tactical settings than in the predecessor. Even the heavily advertised, smarter AI has its strengths and weaknesses.
For my taste, the developers have to definitely strengthen the defenseso that a balance can be restored to the possibilities in the attacking game.
I would particularly like to emphasize the look and technology of the game. FC 25 runs smoothly on the console and looks good to the touch.
- Rush is exciting as a new game mode
- Comprehensive license package with numerous leagues, clubs and stadiums
- Goosebumps stadium atmosphere with original fan chants
- More entertaining than its predecessor
- AI-controlled players act far too independently
- The new tactics menu is convoluted and not an improvement on its predecessor
- Menus react sluggishly
8,4/10
EA SPORTS FC 25 (Standard Edition PS5)
EA Sports FC 25 will be released on September 27, 2024 for the PS5.
Price may be higher now. Price as of September 27, 2024 1:37 a.m
Jens Magnus Krause
Open your eyes and look: The following video shows you everything you should know about the new Rush game mode in EA SPORTS FC 25:
EA SPORTS FC 25 | Official Deep Dive on Rush
This is new in EA SPORTS FC 25
The predecessor EA SPORTS FC 24 was nothing less than the beginning of a new era. At least from the name. Because after 30 successful years, EA has not extended the license deal with FIFA. In terms of content, the only thing missing from the football simulation is the World Cup tournamentsbut not the licensed teams. The successor is also basically one new FIFAonly under the awkward name EA SPORTS FC 25. Or short: FC 25.
This year’s release aims to go one better in all areas. To achieve this, there is one new five-on-five game modecompletely revised tactical settings and a new AI system to make your teammates and opponents around you act more intelligently.
In addition, there is numerous detail improvements in game modes, wind effects on the pitch and new German commentators. And although the developers at EA SPORTS offer numerous improvements, not everything meshes together as it could.
This game mode surprises and replaces Volta from its predecessor
The best thing about new game mode Rush is that it is accessible and entertaining. This is due to the deviations from a normal game. On one Two teams of 5 duel on a small playing field. The goalkeepers are controlled by the AI. Behind every field player there is an online player. Everyone interprets their role however they want. There are no fixed positions.
Those too Changed rules ensure an entertaining football experience. Each game lasts seven minutes and there are no half times. Offside only applies in the attacking third. For hard fouls there is a blue card, which means a 60-second time penalty.
The new game mode Rush is based on indoor soccer leagues run by ex-professionals such as Toni Kroos or Gerard Piqué. (© GIGA / Jens-Magnus Krause)
Rush is most fun when you communicate with friends via headset. Because the mode is playful pleasantly challenging: Your success depends on how well you coordinate and how quick your mind is. Good this way!
The new AI influences gameplay in both directions
Provides the biggest change on the field the new AI system. This uses data from real football games, which means your teammates and opponents should act more tactically intelligently.
The problem: If you have played the first games in FC 25 and haven’t played the predecessor for a long time, You’ll hardly notice the changes at first. And if they do, they leave you with a mixed impression.
On the one hand The AI manages to intercept your passes, stop your dribbling and avoid your tackles more often. On the other hand Your AI teammates don’t understand how to protect your position when you start an attack with a central defender. Also weak: Your teammates don’t act independently enough in attack and rarely look for steep routes to the top.
Visually convincing: EA SPORTS FC 25 is graphically beautiful. Especially in the new photo mode for Creator. (© GIGA / Jens-Magnus Krause)
A new feature for tactics lovers
Off the pitch you will find the biggest innovation in the tactics settings. You no longer give each individual player their individual orders, things work differently now. First you choose your formation, then the style of your build-up game (including short passes or counter-attacks) and your defensive approach (deep or high defensive chain).
Additionally you can assign each player a role and give him individual instructions. You can turn a center forward into the false nine. Since the tactics menu is nested, you need time and desire to deal with it.
But even if the players visibly implement your instructions on the pitch, there are two serious disadvantages compared to the old system: Firstly, the good old counter-attack tactics are, as they are every year, the most promising. Secondly, you can hardly imitate high-pressing teams like Arsenal because your Can’t defend aggressively enough. Here you miss the individual setting options per player from the last few years.
No known game mode receives revolutionary improvements
Rush is a new game variant for every game mode (Ultimate Team, Career and Clubs) a change and fun enrichment. The other innovations per mode are cleverly chosen by EA, but not a revolution.
Im Career mode As a manager, you can now also take over a women’s football team. A good but predictable innovation. In the future, after an update, you should be able to experience the biggest moments of the current football season in your player career. We haven’t been able to test this yet.
In all modes, including Ultimate Teamyou can experiment with the new tactical settings and player roles. Understandable, but nothing earth-shattering. In Clubs You can hang out with your human teammates in the locker room and see how they adjust their players.
The jersey animations are strange when in motion. It looks like the jerseys are made of water and you have to worry about spilling the textiles. (© GIGA / Jens-Magnus Krause)
Die revised navigation suffers from a general problem with the game: the menus are and remain confusing and the operation feels slow.
A colorful mix of changes, not all of which work
FC 25 offers many other innovations. At the touch of a button you commit a tactical foul, receive a yellow card, but have stopped the opponent’s attack. This can be frustrating in online games.
Many goalkeepers have been given new playing styles (deflecting the ball to the side instead of letting it bounce forward). But that doesn’t mean that in some games no blatant dropouts that lead to annoying goals conceded. What’s also new is that… Wind can affect the trajectory of the ball. This feels authentic, but is disabled in online matches for the sake of fairness.
Die new German commentators (Florian Schmidt-Sommerfeld and Jan Platte) do their job well in the first attempt. There is often a lack of pressure and enthusiasm in the voices.
The Season Pass is there for the second year. Free bonuses for everyone. However, we would like to point out that a Premium Season Pass was displayed in the closed beta. Cost: 15 euros real money. So it may be that EA has discarded this idea or will only reintegrate it later with an update.
EA SPORTS FC 25 (Standard Edition PS5)
EA Sports FC 25 will be released on September 27, 2024 for the PS5.
Price may be higher now. Price as of September 27, 2024 1:37 a.m
