After over a decade without a college football video game, EA College Football 25 has finally made its return. The game boasts visually stunning graphics, with detailed player models, uniforms, crowds, and environments that make it one of the most visually appealing sports games ever released. The gameplay is also top-notch, with a combination of speed, playbooks, hit physics, and animations that create an immersive football experience. Despite similarities to Madden, CF 25 offers unique styles and playbook density that set it apart.
One of the highlights of CF 25 is the school-specific presentation, with each team featuring detailed runouts, stadiums, and uniforms that capture the spirit of college football. The TeamBuilder feature allows players to create custom teams with various customization options, while the Ultimate Team mode provides a college-themed collector experience. Road to Glory mode offers potential for player development and unique experiences, although it may feel repetitive at times.
The depth of Dynasty mode in CF 25 is impressive, offering custom schedules, online dynasties, recruiting, the transfer portal, and more. However, the introduction of real players through the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) feature also brings restrictions that limit customization options in TeamBuilder and player editing. RTG mode could benefit from tweaks to improve the experience for lower-ranked recruits, while the audio commentary could be enhanced with deeper tagging and hooks for player-specific references.
Overall, EA College Football 25 delivers a deep and immersive college football experience that surpasses expectations. Despite some limitations and areas for improvement, the game offers stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a variety of modes to keep players entertained. As EA continues to navigate the challenges of the NIL situation, the series has the potential to reach even greater heights in the future. With a score of 8.5 out of 10, EA College Football 25 is a must-play for fans of college football and sports games alike.
