EA Sports College Football 25 Review: Like Coming Home Again

As a long-time college football fan and video game enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of College Football 25. Having grown up attending games at my alma mater and following the sport closely, I was thrilled to finally get my hands on a game that truly captured the essence of the college football experience.

Reviewing EA Sports College Football 25 is a challenging task for me due to the long-awaited anticipation. For over a decade, I have eagerly anticipated this game’s release, but the experience of waiting for it is unlike that of most video games. Unlike the excitement surrounding the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, where fans can still engage with the previous entry or similar genres, my wait for College Football has left me in a unique position. There hasn’t been an official college football game since 2013, leaving me with unmatched expectations and a difficulty to be objective about its flaws. It’s as if I’m the proud parent of a child who’s been sent to the principal’s office – I know there might be issues, but my attachment makes it hard for me to fully acknowledge them.

College Football 25 Gameplay is an Improvement on Madden

To put it plainly, College Football 25 isn’t flawless, and it’s important to acknowledge that. It’s been developed based on the questionable base laid by Madden NFL 24 and the Frostbite engine. Consequently, there are numerous underlying problems that remain. I continue to witness players missing inexplicable blocks during matches, and I keep encountering peculiar animations that underscore the necessity for EA Sports to abandon Frostbite before they can bring about the comprehensive improvements their football games require.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to admit that College Football 25 has managed to surpass Madden in certain aspects, at least from my perspective. The Frostbite engine issues are still present, but the running and passing mechanics have significantly improved. In College Football 25, I actually feel like I have more control over the ball carrier when I run it up the field, and the passing feels much more precise and responsive than in Madden.

As someone who has spent countless hours playing Madden NFL against college football teams, I can’t help but feel a pang of reality when I come up against these young athletes. I mean, I know full well that in the grand scheme of things, I wouldn’t last a second on a real football field against these guys. But it’s not just about winning or losing for me; it’s about appreciation and understanding.

In my opinion, it’s not just about my personal preferences being more forgiving. The College Football series has historically offered a more exhilarating experience on the field compared to Madden, and this trend continues in College Football 25. The passing game is more expansive, allowing for greater freedom when running with the ball. Even if the on-field action were identical to Madden, College Football 25 would still be a superior game due to its exceptional presentation of college football.

The Pageantry of College Football is Game-Changing

Playing as the visiting team in College Football 25 carries an intense, spiritual significance. EA’s thorough investigation into each of the 134 teams’ unique customs adds to this sensation. When you take your position under center, you can sense the stadium coming alive around you. The ground trembles beneath your feet, and your plays become blurred on the screen prior to the snap. Attempting to make adjustments at that moment is out of the question. Although some elements have been present in earlier football games like Madden and NCAA, College Football 25 raises the bar with an unparalleled college gameday atmosphere. Kudos to EA for accurately conveying this experience better than any other game developer has managed before.

Luckily, College Football 25 doesn’t only excel in one area. The much-anticipated Dynasty Mode continues to be the game’s main attraction, even if EA hasn’t entirely nailed it yet. It may not be a home run just yet, but they’ve certainly advanced the ball into the red zone. Considering this is their first attempt in a decade, it’s understandable that there are still areas for improvement.

A Lack of Polish Outside of Dynasty Mode

As you progress to other game modes, things lose their charm. Road to Glory seems insignificant and is mostly made up of menus, making it quite dull except for the unusual banter from teammates. The on-field experience doesn’t vary significantly, with only a change in camera angle as the notable difference. However, the silver lining is that careers come to an end after four or five years, allowing you to quickly switch positions or schools within just a few hours if desired.

In simpler terms, Electronic Arts (EA) aims to make FIFA Ultimate Team significant, but it doesn’t offer much unique compared to Madden’s edition. Frankly, I find Madden’s Ultimate Team the least engaging among sports games, making me less inclined towards College Football Ultimate Team due to its extensive roster. Barry Sanders’ addition will undoubtedly excite me, but I may not be as invested if numerous Alabama and Michigan players receive high-rated cards. Regional appeal can make selling College Football Ultimate Team a challenge, though it’s still expected to generate substantial sales for EA, as it consistently does.

As a long-time fan of football and video games, I must admit that my feelings towards College Football 25 are a bit mixed. On one hand, I’m thrilled to have collegiate sports back in my virtual world. Dynasty mode is an absolute blast, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the customization and pageantry of college football. The excitement of building a team from scratch, recruiting top talent, and leading them to victory is second to none.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

2024-07-25 21:40

College Football 25 Gameplay is an Improvement on Madden

The Pageantry of College Football is Game-Changing

A Lack of Polish Outside of Dynasty Mode

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