EA Sports College Football 25 review: Stunning graphics, smooth gameplay, and deep Dynasty mode.
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College Football 25 Review: Seamless Gameplay and Intricate Dynasty Mode Make It Worth the Wait
Nostalgia often tricks us into believing the past was better, especially when it comes to video games. When EA Sports announced the return of its beloved college football franchise, many of us were ready to relive those fond memories. I’m here with good news: EA Sports College Football 25 is a triumphant return, blending the classic feel of the old days with modern enhancements.
After spending the last three days playing the game for around 20 hours, I found it nearly impossible to put down. The game’s development involved a year-long delay to ensure perfection, and it was well worth the wait.
The Background Story
I hadn’t been into gaming much since the NCAA Football series ended. However, the announcement of College Football 25 rekindled my interest. I even bought an Xbox Series S specifically for this game, joining many others who did the same. The game is exclusively available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
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I approached the game with some skepticism due to EA Sports’ recent reputation for microtransactions and gameplay issues in other titles. However, College Football 25 manages to get it right.
Nostalgia and Modernity Combined
The game’s graphics are stunning, offering a ridiculously realistic feel for every school. More importantly, it feels like the game we used to love. The old game wasn’t necessarily broken; it disappeared because the NCAA wouldn’t allow players to be paid for the use of their names, images, and likenesses. The sport has changed dramatically since then, with NIL, unlimited transfers, and more. This game incorporates all of those changes without sacrificing the essence of what made it great.
A Game for Everyone
My biggest takeaway from playing College Football 25 is that it’s a game for everyone. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just a casual player, there’s something for you. The game offers extensive customization for those who want to dive deep, while also being accessible enough for those who prefer a more straightforward experience.
At a time when college football feels like it’s losing its special touch due to conference realignments and fanbase divisions, this game serves as a celebration of the sport.
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Gameplay: A Smooth Experience
When I first tested the game for a few hours, I cycled through 15-20 teams without playing more than a quarter of any game. However, after three days of nearly nonstop play, I am blown away by the gameplay. It is incredibly smooth and quick, feeling like a significant upgrade from the old NCAA Football games and even different from Madden 24.
Running the ball is more enjoyable than ever, so much so that I found myself avoiding passing situations just to try another RPO or read-option play. The running mechanics, including jukes and spins, are seamless and rewarding when executed correctly.
Passing and Kicking: A Learning Curve
Passing the ball requires an adjustment due to the new “revamped” passing game, which includes a meter over the receiver’s head that affects throw quality. However, you can switch to classic passing mode or use the “placement” and “placement & accuracy” modes to suit your preference.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the game is the frequency with which receivers drop the ball amid contact. While it adds realism, it can be aggravating at times. Kicking is the toughest part, featuring a two-part meter for accuracy and power. Holding the button too long can ruin your accuracy, even on kickoffs, making it a challenging aspect of the game.
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Defense and Tackling
Tackling is more difficult and requires precision to prevent the ball carrier from shedding your tackle. This adds a layer of realism, as the tackling animations are very well-designed. Playing defense has always been challenging, and it’s even harder in this game. The CPU is much more skilled and insightful, making it tough to stop the opponent on most drives. The CPU can recognize repeated play calls and go up-tempo when your players are tired, adding to the challenge.
Playbooks: Depth and Variety
The playbooks in College Football 25 are incredibly deep, offering more options than any football video game before. Alongside typical passing and running plays, there are numerous read-option plays, RPOs, triple-option plays, and even a Wildcat formation in certain playbooks. Hardcore gamers will have a field day with the custom playbooks available.
Playing as better Power 4 teams feels significantly different from playing with lower Group of 5 teams, especially in terms of player speed. The gameplay accurately reflects the dynamics of college football, which is one of the best compliments one can give.
Dynasty Mode: A Deep and Intricate Experience
Dynasty mode is where I spent my first six hours upon receiving the review copy of the game. It’s my personal favorite format and where I’ll spend most of my time in the future. This part of the game hadn’t been available during my initial testing, so I was eager to dive in.
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Customization and Recruiting
Dynasty mode is deep and intricate without being overwhelming. If you enjoy recruiting, there’s a lot to work with. If not, you can select the “Simple” option to let the CPU handle it. The mode features three archetypes for coaches: Motivator, Tactician, and Recruiter. While these archetypes come with various skill points, they didn’t significantly impact my experience.
You can edit your coach’s name and background while in Dynasty mode, allowing for customization. My strategy involved taking a program with a two-star prestige or lower and working my way up. I chose USF, which has 1.5 stars of prestige, a good recruiting backyard, and significant short-term upside.
Gameplay and Recruiting Strategy
As a kid, my friends and I would simulate games rather than play them. However, it became clear that simulating games in College Football 25 limits your upside. Despite recruiting one of the best Group of 5 classes every year, my team’s rating stayed similar, and my record hovered around 6-6. The game allows you to play the full game, just offense, just defense, or “play the moments” for crucial plays.
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Recruiting and Transfer Portal
Recruiting is challenging, especially for Group of 5 programs. The days of landing five-star prospects are gone, and even four-star players often end up choosing Power 4 schools. If you don’t make the cut for a prospect, you’re locked out of recruiting them. The transfer portal adds another layer of complexity, allowing for additional recruiting after bowl games. Players’ chances of staying range from “none” to “high,” and you have a limited number of “persuasion” pushes to keep them.
Custom Conferences and Coaching Changes
Conferences can range from four to 20 teams, and you can change them every offseason. While you can fire your assistant coaches before bowl games and hire replacements, the game also allows for potential offers from other schools based on your coach’s alma mater and home state, which are designated as recruiting pipelines.
Miscellaneous Features
The game includes various camera angles, a two-minute warning, and a feature where kneeling to end the game speeds up the clock. However, one minor criticism is the lack of fight songs over the menus, which can become annoying after a while.
Road to Glory: Scaled Down but Enjoyable
Road to Glory (RTG) mode has been scaled down but remains an enjoyable experience. The high school stage has been removed, allowing you to start by picking your skill level from two-star to five-star. This makes the mode more accessible and lets you get to the fun stuff faster.
Gameplay and Choices
You start as a prospect, go through practice drills, use skill points, and play/sim games. Each week, you have five agenda items: academics, team building, recovery, training, and socializing. Your responses to texts from various characters impact your skill points and create choose-your-own-adventure consequences.
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Midway through the season, I decided to have some fun and accepted a party invitation from a teammate. My coach found a picture of my partying, docking my Coach Trust points. A local reporter asked about our losing streak, and I blamed the team, costing me leadership points. These choices add a layer of realism and fun to the game.
Transfer and NIL
You can transfer every season, similar to real life. The mode also incorporates NIL deals, increasing your following but limiting points for other areas. RTG players can be exported to Madden’s Superstar mode, adding further value to this game mode.
Other Game Modes
Road to the CFP and Online Play
Road to the CFP is an online season-type mode where you play against gamers at your skill level. Although the servers were not live during my review, the idea seems promising. I also couldn’t test normal online head-to-head play.
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Ultimate Team
I’ve never been much of an Ultimate Team person, but there appear to be many options with real players. This mode includes microtransactions, but you don’t have to spend money to buy points; you can earn them by playing.
Team Builder
We still know little about the new Team Builder. EA Sports has been tight-lipped, and there was nothing to test here. An update on the Team Builder website is expected with the game’s worldwide launch.
Conclusion
I worried that EA Sports College Football 25 couldn’t live up to our nostalgic expectations, but it truly does meet the hype. The game is nearly everything we dreamed it could be. No game is perfect, and some aspects of gameplay are challenging. However, for this game, EA Sports has got it right. Now, I just need to find more time outside of work to play it.
FAQs
Q: What platforms is College Football 25 available on?
A: The game is exclusively available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Q: Can I play as any college team?
A: Yes, the game includes a wide variety of college teams, from Power 4 to Group of 5 programs.
Q: How is the gameplay different from previous versions?
A: The gameplay is smoother and quicker, with improved mechanics for running, passing, and tackling. There’s also a new passing meter for added realism.
Q: Is Dynasty mode challenging?
A: Yes, Dynasty mode is deep and intricate, especially when it comes to recruiting and managing your team.
Q: Can I transfer my RTG player to Madden?
A: Yes, RTG players can be exported to Madden’s Superstar mode.
Q: Are there microtransactions in the game?
A: Yes, Ultimate Team mode includes microtransactions, but you can earn points by playing instead of spending money.
Q: What is Team Builder?
A: Team Builder allows for custom team creation, though details and updates are expected with the game’s worldwide launch.
Q: Is online play available?
A: Yes, there are online play options, including Road to the CFP and head-to-head play.
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Q: Can I customize my coach in Dynasty mode?
A: Yes, you can edit your coach’s name and background and choose from three archetypes: Motivator, Tactician, and Recruiter.
Q: How does the transfer portal work?
A: The transfer portal allows for additional recruiting after bowl games, with players having varying chances of staying based on persuasion pushes.
Overall, EA Sports College Football 25 is a game worth investing in, providing hours of immersive gameplay and a deep, engaging experience for fans of college football and video games alike.