EA Sports’ College Football 25 marks the long-awaited return of college football to the gaming world. After an 11-year hiatus, the anticipation surrounding this release has been immense. While nostalgia certainly plays a role, objectively assessing College Football 25 requires looking beyond the sheer excitement of its existence.
college-football-25-travis-hunter.jpgColorado’s Travis Hunter makes a catch in EA Sports College Football 25. Image courtesy of EA Sports.
Gameplay Improvements Over Madden, But Frostbite Engine Limitations Remain
College Football 25 builds upon the foundation laid by Madden NFL 24, inheriting both its strengths and weaknesses. The Frostbite engine, while visually impressive, continues to present challenges. Occasional glitches, such as missed blocks and awkward animations, persist. However, College Football 25 introduces notable gameplay enhancements. Running feels more fluid, and the passing mechanics offer greater control, including the effective use of fade routes. These improvements, while appreciated, highlight the potential for even more significant advancements once EA transitions away from the aging Frostbite engine. Interestingly, the context of college football itself might influence the perception of these gameplay quirks. The inherent variability in player skill levels in college sports lends a degree of realism to occasional imperfections on the field.
Authentic College Football Atmosphere Elevates the Experience
college-football-25-ou.jpgThe OU intro sequence captures the spirit of college football. Image courtesy of EA Sports.
The game truly shines in its presentation of the sport’s pageantry. From the pre-snap tension of an away game to the stadium atmosphere, College Football 25 captures the unique energy of game day. The meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the traditions of 134 different teams, elevates the immersive experience. While some of these features have appeared in previous Madden installments, their implementation here feels more impactful and authentic.
Dynasty Mode Delivers, Other Modes Fall Short
college-football-25-clemson.jpgClemson’s quarterback prepares for the snap. Image courtesy of EA Sports.
Dynasty Mode remains the heart of the College Football franchise, and College Football 25 delivers a strong, if not perfect, iteration. Recruiting presents a challenging but rewarding experience, coaching trees offer strategic depth, and the coaching carousel adds another layer of dynamism. Team Builder provides extensive customization options, allowing players to create and manage their own programs. While some minor UI improvements and recruiting refinements would be welcomed, the foundation is solid. Unfortunately, other modes, such as Road to Glory and Ultimate Team, feel less polished and offer little differentiation from their Madden counterparts. Road to Glory’s menu-heavy structure detracts from the on-field action, and Ultimate Team lacks the compelling appeal of other sports gaming titles.
A Promising Return With Untapped Potential
College Football 25 is a complex game to evaluate. It successfully recaptures the magic of college football, delivering an immersive and engaging experience, particularly within Dynasty Mode. However, the lingering technical limitations and the underdeveloped state of other game modes hold it back from true greatness. Ultimately, College Football 25 represents a strong foundation for the future. With further refinement and innovation, the series has the potential to reach its full potential and become a true champion in the world of sports gaming.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
EA Sports College Football 25 is available now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PS5 review code was provided by Electronic Arts.
