EA Sports FC 25: A Familiar Game with a Fresh Spin, But Is It Enough?

Each year, I approach the latest FIFA—excuse me, EA Sports FC—hoping for meaningful updates, only to find myself asking the same questions: What’s actually different this time? Is it truly a new experience or just the same game with a fresh polish? The marketing hype is always packed with flashy terms like Hypermotion V, FC IQ, BallTouch, and Rush (okay, I made one of those up), but even with the buzzwords, it often feels like the changes are only skin-deep. This year is no exception. Sure, the incremental tweaks and refinements bring some novelty, but they don’t represent a major overhaul. An exciting addition like the new mode Rush brings some fun into the mix, but it can’t quite hide the fact that this is still a familiar game. And for long-time fans like me, the thrill is starting to fade.

The standout feature this year is the futsal-inspired Rush mode, the most refreshing aspect of FC 25. Though it’s a five-a-side mode, only four outfield players are controlled, with the goalkeeper managed by the AI. It’s available across all major game modes—Kick Off, Ultimate Team, Career, and Clubs—so it’s a good fit for players who don’t always have a full squad but still want some action. In Career Mode, it’s even woven into youth tournaments, giving you a chance to test your emerging talent in high-pressure situations. Rush offers a fast-paced break from traditional gameplay, injecting some much-needed variety into the otherwise repetitive Career seasons.

Whether you’re teaming up with friends or playing solo, Rush’s accessibility is hard to resist. I spent most of my time playing it in Ultimate Team, partnering my top player with random teammates online. There’s no league to climb and no major goals beyond collecting Rush points, but the mode still pulled me in.

Rush also introduces unique, chaotic rules. Kick-offs are a mad dash, with players racing to the center of the field as the ball is launched—much like Rocket League. Matches are short and intense, lasting seven minutes with a golden goal period if needed, followed by a penalty shootout if still tied. Offside is only enforced in the final third, offering more creative freedom in attack. Red cards have been replaced by blue cards, sending players to a one-minute sin bin for serious fouls—though their punishment is shortened by 15 seconds for each goal the opposing team scores while they’re off the pitch. Currently, the mode has player restrictions (Max 79-rated, untradeable), but these are expected to change periodically.

The result? A fast-paced, high-scoring spectacle set in the Nike Air Zoom Arena, a stadium inspired by Nike’s Mercurial football boots. The arena’s neon design, combined with commentator Fernando Palomo’s energetic style, brings an immersive atmosphere. While his frequent screams of “GOAAAAAL!” may get a bit tiresome by the end of the season, the excitement he brings adds to the overall vibe. Every match starts with an enthusiastic “There’s the ball, go get it!” and the passion never dips, making even the most straightforward plays feel like grand moments.

While Rush shines at high speeds, it can also be rewarding if you slow things down and focus on defending. Ironically, defending in Rush feels more satisfying than in the traditional 11v11 modes. The smaller pitch opens up opportunities for tactical play, making the experience more laid-back and enjoyable. The main challenge, however, is wondering if your teammates will bother to defend. It’s a bit like playing a Medic in a shooter—not the most glamorous role, but when done right, it’s a game-changer.

In a year with few major updates, Rush stands out as the highlight of Ultimate Team. There are minor improvements—such as being able to stash up to 100 untradeable duplicates for squad-building challenges, or a more relaxed FUT Rivals mode—but Rush is the mode I keep coming back to. It’s pure fun, and that’s what matters most.

Even without long-term objectives, I found myself hooked. Rush is engaging in all the right ways, and it’s probably the best thing EA has added in years. It’s a seriously good time, and I hope it continues to evolve with new content to keep things fresh.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Graphically, EA Sports FC delivers a mixed bag. On the pitch, especially in Premier League matches, the presentation looks sharp with updated scoreboards, broadcast-style overlays, and team-specific graphics that really stand out. A nice touch this year is the return of pre-match team walkouts, a feature suddenly removed in FC 24.

Unfortunately, the user interface tells a different story. The menus are frustrating, designed as if they were made for a touchscreen—soft edges, clunky navigation, and far from intuitive when using a controller. Worse still, they provide less information than ever. Despite the cluttered array of menu items, key details are hidden behind layers of tabs, and if you scroll too far, they disappear, leaving you searching for essential options.