EA SPORTS FC 25 Standard Edition (Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)

Game description:

EA Sports FC 25 is a football video game published by EA Sports. It is the second instalment in the EA Sports FC series and the 32nd overall instalment of EA Sports' football simulation games. The game was developed by EA Sports and was released worldwide on 27 September 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Users who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition of the game were able to play it on 20 September 2024.

This instalment introduces several features aimed at enhancing gameplay and player engagement, according to EA developers. The Ultimate Edition cover features football players Gianluigi Buffon, Aitana Bonmatí, Jude Bellingham, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham in a room filled with trophies they have won, symbolising their careers, while the Standard Edition cover features Jude Bellingham alone.

Gameplay:

A comprehensive overhaul of the tactical system, allowing players to influence team strategies more effectively. It includes modernised team tactics and smarter AI for teammates, enabling a more dynamic gameplay experience. Players can now emulate the tactics of famous managers, adapting formations fluidly during matches. The game introduces distinct roles for players, enhancing how they fit into team strategies. This feature is designed to ensure that players are utilised effectively according to their strengths, making team composition more critical than ever. New gameplay mechanics for goalkeepers have been added, providing more depth to the position and allowing for varied styles of play. Players can team up with friends in a new 5v5 mode, which adds a fresh competitive element to the game. This mode replaces VOLTA, which last appeared on EA Sports FC 24.

Game review:

For the leading football simulator, EA Sports FC 25 continues to lack the fluidity, polish, and excitement it should be expected to deliver. It introduces some interesting new features, particularly the fast-paced and compelling Rush mode, but much of the package beyond that feels overly familiar. While the game shines graphically on the pitch, it struggles with a clunky, touchscreen-inspired UI that bogs down modes like Career. Defensive play still feels loose and unresponsive like in previous years, and despite the addition of FC IQ and new player roles initially impressing, these changes don’t add the depth you’d expect. Even with some engaging new content, EA continues to play it too safe, and even the fun of modes like Rush can’t fully mask the underlying issues holding back the experience.