A year has passed since EA ditched its FIFA license and rebranded its iconic soccer series as EA Sports FC. While this new name might not be as instantly recognizable, the switch didn’t hurt EA’s bottom line; sales dipped 5%, but profits climbed thanks to Ultimate Team, EA’s lucrative, albeit controversial, feature that turns digital player packs into collector's gold. Now, with Konami’s eFootball still finding its footing and no new FIFA title in sight, EA has a wide-open playing field for its next entry.

Rather than resting on its lead, EA has introduced some genuinely compelling new features in EA Sports FC 25. Last year, they got the advanced HyperMotion2 animation tech. This year, FC IQ takes the spotlight, allowing players intricate control over team and player tactics. For instance, you can adjust the build-up style and defensive approach of your team, then set specific roles for individual players. Want Bukayo Saka to prioritize attack over defense at Arsenal? You can do just that. Once you start the game, Saka’s AI will direct him to make forward runs, sacrificing some defensive support. It’s a fun tool for the tactically inclined but might be a bit much for casual players.

All the classic modes make a return—Manager and Player Careers, Seasons, Tournaments, and Clubs, where you play as a single player on a team. A notable addition is Rush, a fast-paced, five-a-side mode that replaces the previously flashy Volta street football mode. Rush keeps you on your toes with end-to-end action and demands sharp passes and a good handle on skill moves like step-overs and feints, giving an edge to players who’ve mastered them. Ultimate Team is back as well, with some small tweaks in aesthetics and tactics, and Rush has been added to its lineup of play modes, though the overall experience remains largely the same.

On the field, the newly refined graphics and animation engines bring a more graceful and lifelike feel to gameplay. Players move smoothly, with unique reactions to the ball and natural momentum that makes the experience feel authentic. The pace is slightly slower compared to the high-octane days of Pro Evolution Soccer, but it builds beautifully during key attacks. Playing with they sons, they noticed how each team has its they distinct style—attacking with Juventus feels noticeably different from attacking with Real Madrid, a level of distinction that hasn’t always felt this vivid.

The best moments happen when controlling the star players. A few minutes with Manchester City let you feel Foden’s incredible speed, Haaland’s dominating strength, or De Bruyne’s precision. For all its flashy presentation, EA Sports FC 25 truly captures the magic of soccer when you’re in sync with players like Jamal Musiala or Aitana Bonmatí, giving you a taste of what it might be like to play at their level—an experience as thrilling as landing a special move in Street Fighter or pulling off a perfectly timed dodge and strike in Dark Souls.

However, this visual sophistication does have its drawbacks. I ran into some graphic glitches, such as text overlaps and bizarre limb combinations during close-range scrambles that looked almost horror-movie-like. The first-person camera, which sometimes places you in the perspective of a player or the referee, also has its quirks—it’s occasionally disorienting, providing unexpected and overly intimate views.

EA Sports FC 25 may not be the groundbreaking leap forward its predecessor was—it’s more evolution than revolution. To take full advantage of its new technical features, you’ll need to dive into the menu systems, which can be overwhelming for some. Ultimate Team, with its emphasis on in-game purchases, remains controversial, but for fans of fresh team rosters, updated stats, and visual upgrades, EA Sports FC 25 offers a wealth of content to enjoy for months. It shoots for the top corner—and most of the time, it scores.

If you want to further enhance your gaming experience in EA Sports FC 25, Z2U is a platform worth paying attention to. Z2U provides a variety of game resources, including EA FC 25 Coins, to help players build their ideal lineup faster in Ultimate Team mode. As a professional game trading platform, Z2U has safe trading guarantees and a rich variety of resources, suitable for players who want to enjoy the game in a more affordable way. Whether you are a novice or an experienced player, Z2U.COM can add a boost to your gaming journey.