As a long-standing devotee of Career Mode in EA FC, I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs, much like a rollercoaster ride at a carnival. But this year, it feels like EA has finally rolled out the red carpet for us Career Mode enthusiasts. The new features, from the realistic youth squads to the flexible character creation options, are a game-changer.
For many years, I’ve been deeply devoted to Career Mode in EA Sports FIFA, along with its predecessors, and it feels like a part of my personal history. Although it may seem like there’s a larger community focused on Ultimate Team, recent installments have had some noteworthy improvements.
In the past seasons, we’ve witnessed a novel transfer negotiation system and the inclusion of personality types along with a skill tree in player career. However, much like a prodigy hinting at greatness, it seems that the time has come for this feature to truly shine. After spending a few hours testing Career Mode at EA Romania this week, I’m thrilled to report that it appears to be living up to its potential – and it might even lure you away from Ultimate Team.
Headline features all round
As a dedicated gamer diving into the world of football management, I’ve found myself overwhelmed by the depth and variety that both Manager and Player Career Modes offer. Each aspect is so rich and engaging, it feels like they could easily have been standalone features in their own right, grabbing all the attention in recent years.
In my gaming world, it’s not like women’s football is an afterthought or added as a mere addition to Career Mode. Whether I’m managing a team or playing as a player, I get immersed in news updates for both men’s and women’s games. As a manager, I can even switch between the two leagues whenever a new job opportunity arises, making the gaming experience more realistic and inclusive.
In simpler terms, Live Start Points provide opportunities for both managers and players to join in at any point during the game’s season. Imagine you want to save a struggling team from relegation near the bottom of the league; you can jump in with just a few games remaining and try to avoid relegation. These points are updated regularly, with new scenarios created to entice you to return to Career Mode. Additionally, you’ll now have the chance to accumulate Season Pass XP within Career Mode – a feature that was previously exclusive to Ultimate Team.
In this game, major updates come hand-in-hand with minor ones, such as enhanced player transfers for a more authentic experience. Previously, I’ve played as both Arsenal’s manager and a new striker, and from the manager’s perspective, I noticed realistic “loan-to-buy” deals more frequently than significant offers from smaller teams that were common in last year’s version of this game.
IQ Test
During my tenure as manager for my cherished Arsenal (let’s call them Gunners), EA FC 25 will provide a list of tasks from the get-go, helping you familiarize with advanced tactical aspects that are part of Football Intelligence – a topic I previously discussed in my preview.
It’s a significant departure from the endless navigation through menus as we used to experience years ago. Within half an hour, I was haggling and making moves like the seasoned Harry Redknapp. While Benjamin Sesko has pledged his future to RB Leipzig in real life, he seamlessly fit into my Arsenal squad, showing a knack for chasing through balls from Martin Odegaard that Kai Havertz didn’t quite manage.
It clearly showcases the distinctiveness of various player positions, as Havertz shines brilliantly in the role of False 9, orchestrating the game’s flow. What stands out even more is how the artificial intelligence of opposing teams adjusts to each potential danger.
In my recent gameplay using the newly adjusted Simulation settings (previously discussed in detail), an initial pre-season match revealed defensive strategies aimed at restricting Havertz’s impact, as they aggressively challenged him to keep him from controlling the game. Similarly, they targeted Odegaard by employing multiple defenders to limit his influence on the play. Furthermore, a tactic of doubling up on Bukayo Saka was used to contain him. By rearranging player roles, I managed to create some extra space for players like Gabriel Jesus and our latest recruit, Sesko, to exploit by positioning themselves ahead of the last defender.
Here are some things I’ve longed for EA FC (and FIFA before it) to provide in the past. Now that artificial intelligence has advanced significantly, each match feels like a challenge – in a good way. To start off the Premier League season, I lost to Wolves, but I wasn’t upset about it because Gary O’Neil’s team fiercely contested for every loose ball, maintained a defensive stance, and aimed to counter-attack at the Emirates, just as they would in real life. Simultaneously, my revamped offense struggled to find its rhythm, hinting that I might need additional training sessions with both new and veteran players.
The kids are alright
A notable innovation is the addition of developing teams, which are automatically generated using EA’s advanced Cranium technology to produce more authentic youthful players (goodbye to teenagers with full beards). As a manager, one of my initial tasks was to establish growth strategies for prospective young talents.
As a football enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the new Rush mode accommodates youth squads as well! This presents an exciting opportunity to compete against other budding teams, with honor and enhanced stats at stake in Youth Tournaments. While you can engage matches based on the players’ current skills, there’s also a feature that allows you to simulate them at their maximum potential, offering valuable insights into who might become tomorrow’s superstars!
In the quarter-finals, our junior team outclassed Manchester United 6-1, and one player in particular stood out – he scored three goals, but also because he was noticeably shorter than his opponents. EA’s prediction is that players develop with time, but since youth squad members can range from about 14 to 18 years old, it adds an exciting twist to Rush, a mode that’s already engaging and enjoyable to play.
As a gamer, I’m genuinely excited that this year seems to be EA FC 25’s breakthrough in storytelling. It’s not just about winning matches anymore; it’s about nurturing and becoming emotionally invested in the progress of your promising young players. The bittersweet moment of having to let go when they’re snapped up by rivals, or the elation when they finally reach their peak performance – these are experiences I can hardly wait to live vicariously through. It feels like a long-awaited opportunity to scout and mold a team that reflects my unique playing style with precocious young talents.
Starboy
In addition, I delved into the Player Career mode, evaluating the fresh character customization features. To experiment with a blank canvas character, I bypassed one of the new Origin Stories. What caught my attention was the immediate ability to jumpstart gameplay as an 18-year-old with an opening rating of 83.
In the previous game, it would have required several seasons or even longer to build up my skills, but in this version, I was able to start strongly without much delay. While there’s still an option for that initial skill-grinding process if desired, this year’s game offers more flexibility.
Still, those Simulation settings are no joke – more than once I fluffed my lines when through on goal, or saw a clumsy pass put my defence under pressure.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, this Career Mode update for the EA FC and FIFA series stands out as their largest one so far. It’s incredibly customizable, catering to every kind of football enthusiast’s preferences, making it not just the mode I will invest the most time in, but also the one I will repeatedly return to.
To learn more about EA FC 25, don’t forget to explore our comprehensive conversation with the creators at EA Romania. This game has been previewed on PlayStation 5. We were given a sneak peek by the game’s publisher.
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2024-08-08 19:45