EA Sports Review: College Football 25

Initial release date: July 19, 2024

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S

License: proprietary license

Developer: EA Orlando

Publisher: EA Sports

Series: EA Sports College Football

Engine: Frostbite

Following a 2014 dispute over the use of athletes’ likenesses, the NCAA Football series of games was put on permanent hold. For years, football enthusiasts had only the Madden franchise to keep them entertained throughout the long offseason.

But NCAA Football is returning, with a new name: EA Sports College Football 25. Is it still able to cut a piece of pigskin for itself?

College football at the forefront

I am a great admirer of American football, but I must admit that I know little about college football other than the fact that it is highly popular. So, my first step was to find a college team with which I could tackle the game’s different challenges. I chose the TCU Horned Frogs not for religious reasons, but because having a horned frog as a mascot is quite interesting.

Team was chosen, and it was time to delve into College Football 25 as a whole. After some time with it, I’m left with very identical issues to Madden NFL 25: the on-field action is fantastic, but it falls short in practically every other aspect.

There are the most basic options available to you, one of which is Ultimate Team. Dynasty mode is your primary career option; Road to Glory is your primary create-a-player mode; and Road to the College Football Playoff mode is an attempt to create a more meaningful online multiplayer mode.

But let’s get back to Ultimate Team first. Yes, it has been 11 years since the last College Football game, but it feels like the last time Ultimate Team was touched. This applies to any football game. It has everything you would anticipate, including a unique currency that will not transfer to the next College Football version, or Madden 25, and the opportunity to spend a fortune.

However, if you are new to American Football, welcome. You’re probably wondering where training mode is. This feature is also available in Ultimate Team. The cynic in me would argue that it was included in this manner on purpose. In any case, it isn’t particularly good, and you’ll wind up spending more time frustrated with the objectives than learning anything about the game.

Lots of teams

However, it does provide a short glance into the action on the field and has a distinct feel than a Madden game. The many pauses between plays remain, but the game appears to be moving faster overall, which surprises me. However, rather than merely mimicking the action in a Madden game, College Football 25 has its own bells and whistles to brag about.

Despite the fact that there are significantly more clubs here than Madden’s 32-team roster, each has its own distinct character. The game presentation will highlight teams’ pre-game rituals, unique entrances, cheerleaders, and, of course, mascots. It gives each squad its own unique feeling, and if you support any of them, the effort put into this will undoubtedly be appreciated.

There is a new feature called Wear and Tear, which is a dynamic damage system whose effects may be seen as the game continues. For example, a quarterback who throws a large number of passes in a single game can have arm tiredness. You can see this on a live diagram during a game, but it will also have an impact on the next game if they haven’t rested correctly. If the quarterback takes one too many sacks in the backfield, it will have a significant impact, increasing their likelihood of injury in the next game.

Getting hurt in Road to Glory mode is a no-no. Here, you may design a future College superstar and take them from a specific beginning point until Madden 25. Sure, playing as one athlete in a specific position is nothing new for a sports game, but there are a few unique features that remind you that this is a child trying to create a career for himself. Specifically, managing a variety of tasks on their Weekly Agenda. The trade-off is that you’ll have to spend a lot of time in menus.

I do enjoy how your college education is not just ignored in favor of on-field action. During the Road to Glory, you will need to devote time to keeping your education on track, as well as everything else. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to sit the examinations as well; it would be taking this simulation mode too far, but you do need to set aside time each week to study in addition to your regular training.

MASCOTS!

College Football 25 does share some of the same flaws as its older brother, mainly incorrect commentary and slow menus. However, this is to be expected from an EA Sports game.

Playing College Football can be enjoyable, as long as it entails really playing the game. EA Sports College Football 25 is a variant of American Football that may appeal to individuals who dislike the game’s stop-and-start style. It also provides each squad a distinct personality that Madden games lack. But there are some uninteresting options, even when you add an educated college overlay on top. Ultimate Team is clearly present, and it appears to be capturing everything on its route to become the sole mode available in the near future. You were warned.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 91%

Controls: 88%

Aesthetics: 89%

Content: 86%

Accessibility: 84%

Value: 87%

Overall: 88%

EXCELLENT!

Summary:

“EA Sports: College Football 25” earns excellent marks for its accurate gameplay and vibrant college atmosphere, reintroducing fans to the field with new strategies and dynamic features. The gameplay is well-balanced and snappy, reflecting the adrenaline of college football with amazing stadium animations and team spirit. While some elements are geared toward long-time aficionados, the controls and accessibility choices make it appealing to newbies as well. The content is extensive, with several team customization and league possibilities, making this an ideal choice for anyone looking to relive or recreate their best collegiate moments.