One of the standout aspects of College Football 25 is the inclusion of real players for the first time, a feature that significantly differentiates this game from its predecessors. The game features over 80 player traits that influence gameplay, such as heightened performance under pressure and the ability to detect impending blitzes, each with varying tiers of effectiveness. These traits aim to clearly distinguish top-tier players from the rest.
Additionally, EA Sports College Football 25 introduces a comprehensive injury system known as Wear and Tear. This system meticulously tracks the injury repercussions from each play and illustrates how they elevate a player’s risk of future injuries. This feature plays a pivotal role in game modes like Dynasty, where you oversee an entire college football program and must manage your players’ health across multiple games.
The game sets itself apart from the Madden franchise through its emphasis on the rich diversity inherent in college football. This includes a wide array of unique playbooks intended to mirror the individuality and strategic nuances of the 134 schools featured in the game. The option system receives notable attention, with specific formations such as Air Force’s Flexbone triple option being highlighted. EA has also introduced a new mechanic that allows players to retract the ball and run during a called reverse play, and it has meticulously recreated formations like Oklahoma’s wide formation.
Attention to real-life tradition plays a crucial role in the game’s presentation. Each stadium and fan base boasts unique rituals, and EA has strived to capture as many as possible. This includes licensing certain team walkout songs (though not all could be secured) and incorporating fan traditions, like Tennessee’s checkered stadium and Penn State’s “White Out.” These elements aim to replicate the authentic atmosphere of a college home game and enhance the new focus on home field advantage, with loud stadiums making it more challenging for away teams, particularly when calling hot routes.
These are but a few of the new features unveiled by EA Sports on Friday. For a more in-depth look, EA has released a short gameplay video narrated by sportscaster Kirk Herbstreit and a detailed blog post that meticulously outlines each of the game’s new systems.
EA Sports College Football 25 will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X starting July 19.
