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Yes, you're probably wondering: “FIFA again? Every year is the same.” But if you've come to read this, it's because there's something in it that interests you. Well, let me tell you what I asked myself the same thing when I started the beta, which was held in a closed format for the press. However, something told me that this season was going to be different, so after trying it in depth, I decided to analyze this new installment of the king of football video games, and the second since its “rebranding” as EA Sports FC after Electronic Arts' break with FIFA.
As every year, expectations were high, and this title had the responsibility to show that it could sustain its legacy on its own. And boy did it do so, because as soon as I entered the virtual field of the final version of EA Sports FC 25, I found an experience that, while still familiar to fans of this long-running saga, brings enough novelties to start an evolution-revolution which, if you like football, I encourage you not to miss.
Enhanced presentation and authenticity
One of the first things I noticed upon starting a match was the refinement in the game's presentation. EA Sports FC 25 has Improved the aesthetics of the matchesfrom pre-game cinematics to replays and player interaction. These elements, while not directly impacting gameplay, do help contribute to a sense of immersion that has never been better achieved.
The details of the shirts waving with movement, the improved animations of the footballers and the interactions with the ball have made it clear to me that EA has been working hard on perfecting the visual aspectsPlus, the stadiums, with their chants, signature elements and unique effects, such as the bubbles floating around at matches in London's Olympic Stadium, make everything feel even more authentic.
The big novelty of the franchise: Rush 5v5
One of the modes that caught my attention the most was Rush, the new 5v5 format. Although we had already seen something similar in games like FIFA Street, this mode gives it a twist to be more intense and funPlaying on a small field with a team of just five players adds an arcade feel to the football simulator, and in my experience the speed and intensity of the matches make it one of the best additions to the franchise in a long time.
Adapted rules, such as the elimination of offside and blue cards instead of red cards, provide a more relaxed and accessible dynamic. It is the Perfect mode to enjoy with friends or to have a quick session football without the complexity of full matches. The ability to play with your favorite teammates in Ultimate Team or Clubs within Rush adds a good handful of extra gameplay hours.
Strategy and tactical depth with FC IQ and PlayStyles
The FC IQ system represents one of the most important updates this year. This artificial intelligence model allows for a much deeper level of tactical controlwhich draws on real-world data to reflect specific player roles and behaviors on the pitch. In my matches, I could see each player respond more realistically to the position I put them in, which is especially noticeable when you play with teams with stars in key roles.
One of the situations that surprised me the most was, for example, that by placing a reference striker in a “false 9” position, it affected his performance. The system rewards players who truly understand the strengths and weaknesses of their playersand this new way of leveraging roles and tactical familiarity, offers an engaging challenge for those who enjoy delving deeper into gameplay strategy.
On the other hand, we have PlayStyles (playing styles), another crucial feature of EA Sports FC 25 that has received a nice facelift. This system, which allows us to Customize and define your game style of footballers, is expanded with new styles specifically designed for goalkeepers. These styles offer additional tactical options and deepen team customization, allowing for the creation of unique and adaptive strategies.
More immersive and customizable career modes than ever before
The modes of player and manager career have always been the backbone of the series for offline play, and in FC 25 they have received improvements that make the experience even more immersive. Now you can relive key moments in football history with Live Kick-Off Points, which allow you to rewrite history with icons from the past. Power play like a legend and change the course of his career adds a very enjoyable nostalgic touch. In addition, the possibility of experiencing these stories in the Women's Race is an addition that comes at a perfect time, when women's football is gaining the prominence it has long deserved.
Another interesting feature is the integration of the Rush mode within Manager Careerwhere you can manage promising young players in 5v5 tournaments. This adds variety to traditional team management, in case we want to give a more dynamic touch to the development of young footballers.
The importance and rise of women's football
One of the aspects that left a big impression on me was the attention EA has put on women's football. In addition to the national teams, the five major women's leagues (WSL, NWSL, D1 Féminine, Our F League and the Frauen-Bundesliga) and fully integrated into the game, allowing us to enjoy an authentic experience both in the player and manager careers, and also in Ultimate Team mode.
During my games with female teams, I could see that the level of detail and realism applied to the men's leagues is also present in the women's leagues. This equality not only represents a much-needed step forward, but it also enriches the overall game experience, making EA Sports FC 25 the best-selling game of all time. inclusive and complete that is expected of him to satisfy all types of users, among which I, as a woman, include myself and am grateful.
Ultimate Team and the new progression dynamics
It has no rival. Ultimate Team is still the most popular mode of the franchiseand in EA Sports FC 25 there have been new features introduced to keep players interested. In addition to being able to play Rush matches within this mode with male and female footballers, what caught my attention was the introduction of the FC IQ system to manage teams more efficientlyThe ability to change managers and adjust tactics based on player roles adds that unique touch of strategy that was missing.
Another notable element is the customization of player items through the Cosmetic evolutionsallowing us to create visually unique templates. While this aspect is more aesthetic than functional, it is further proof that Electronic Arts has taken the presentation and depth of its most popular mode very seriously.
Conclusion: A great step forward for the franchise
After several hours of gameplay across all modes, I can say that EA Sports FC 25 is a solid installment that manages to balance the familiarity of previous installments with interesting new features. You're going to have a lot of fun with it. New Rush Modewhich brings freshness and dynamism, while the system FC IQ and improvements to career and Ultimate Team modes They perfect the strategic part. In addition, the well-deserved increase in the presence of women's football and the improvements in the presentation of the game make this release (always in my opinion) a great one. the most complete and authentic to date.
While some gameplay elements may feel too similar to previous editions, new tactical enhancement technologies and attention to detail make EA Sports FC 25 feel like a real step forward in this beloved series. If you are a football fan, There is no installment of this franchise that gives you morewhether you're looking for a more casual experience to play games with your friends or prefer a more individual, deep tactical approach.
Flip a coin, choose a field or a ball and give it your all on the green. The glory of this sport awaits you.
*Analysis in progress for final grade. Section texts may still change.