Electronic Arts, known for their sports video games, has faced criticism in recent years for their lackluster releases of games like FC (formerly FIFA) and Madden, which receive poor user reviews on sites like Metacritic. However, with the anticipation of EA’s return to college football in EA Sports College Football 25, fans were both excited and apprehensive about what to expect.
Fortunately, EA Sports College Football 25 exceeds expectations and stands out as one of the best EA Sports games in recent memory. It enhances the core football gameplay found in Madden, offering improved presentation, depth in modes, and customization options that have been missing in other EA Sports titles. While there are still some minor issues to address, this game is a significant step in the right direction for EA Sports.
Taking the Field Again
In contrast to Top Spin 2K25, which saw minimal improvements despite a decade-long hiatus, College Football 25 represents a major leap forward for the college football franchise. Running on the Frostbite Engine, it boasts impressive visuals exclusive to current-gen consoles, with detailed stadiums, cheerleaders, mascots, and referees enhancing the overall presentation.
These improvements in presentation put College Football 25 above recent Madden titles, offering a smoother experience. While there are occasional frame rate issues on Xbox Series X and connectivity problems online, the overall gameplay experience in College Football 25 is significantly more stable than recent Madden entries.
With solid gameplay and engaging modes, College Football 25 shines in its recreation of college football. The unique passing and kicking controls add depth to the gameplay, creating a fast-paced experience focused on explosive plays that fit the college football atmosphere.
The game features modes like Play Now and Ultimate Team, but excels in Road to Glory and Dynasty modes. Road to Glory allows players to follow an athlete’s journey, while Dynasty mode provides a comprehensive coaching experience, including managing player health and injuries throughout the season.
Engaging in Dynasty mode, particularly scouting high school players, adds depth to the experience, offering a more immersive gameplay experience compared to Madden. The game’s creative innovations set a standard for EA’s future sports titles, emphasizing the need for continued improvement across their lineup.
EA Sports College Football 25 launches for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on July 19, with early access available through the deluxe edition.
