Electronic Arts, a dominant force in the sports video game genre, has faced criticism in recent years for its lackluster releases. While games like FIFA and Madden remain bestsellers, their subpar user reviews highlight concerns about incremental changes, missing mechanics, and persistent bugs. This tumultuous reputation cast a shadow over the highly anticipated return of EA Sports College Football after a decade-long absence. However, EA Sports College Football 25 delivers a refreshing and revitalized experience that surpasses expectations.
Building upon the solid foundation of Madden’s gameplay, College Football 25 introduces notable improvements. The game utilizes the Frostbite Engine, delivering stunning visuals that make it one of the best-looking sports games on the market. EA has also poured significant effort into the game’s presentation, showcasing meticulously detailed stadiums, cheerleaders, mascots, referees, and more. This attention to detail surpasses even recent Madden releases, giving College Football 25 a distinct edge.
While minor frame rate inconsistencies and online connectivity issues may occasionally arise, College Football 25 is remarkably stable compared to its Madden counterparts. This stability is a breath of fresh air for EA Sports titles, and it serves as a foundation for the game’s solid gameplay and engaging modes.
The core gameplay experience feels familiar to Madden, but College Football 25 introduces unique tweaks to passing and kicking controls, adding a layer of depth and strategy. The game’s faster pace and emphasis on explosive plays seem perfectly suited for the college football environment.
Beyond the core gameplay, College Football 25 shines with its diverse modes. While the traditional Play Now and Ultimate Team modes are present, the game truly excels with its Road to Glory and Dynasty offerings. Road to Glory, inspired by Road to the Show from MLB The Show, allows players to customize a player, climb the ranks on their chosen college team, and manage their energy and skill development.
Dynasty mode, a favorite among franchise mode enthusiasts, offers comprehensive control over a team, allowing players to act as head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator. College Football 25’s wear-and-tear system adds depth to player management, making player health and injuries a more engaging aspect of the game. The ability to customize conferences, a feature absent in Madden, is another welcome addition.
Scouting high school players in Dynasty feels more immersive than its Madden counterpart, requiring players to invest significant effort to convince prospective players that their program is the best fit.
The creative spark and innovative features found in College Football 25 offer a glimmer of hope for the future of EA Sports football games. The game’s success could pave the way for similar improvements in Madden NFL and other EA Sports titles.
EA Sports College Football 25 launches for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on July 19. Early access is available with the $100 deluxe edition.
