HIGH It’s a tried-and-true formula.

LOW Only diehards are going to spot the improvements in gameplay.

WTF We need a change in digital soccer.

Every year, sports fans brace themselves for another round of promises from annual game updates. Tighter gameplay, smarter AI, deeper modes, all wrapped in another sleek package that does just enough to justify the price of admission. Most years, the actual results fall somewhere between ‘incremental’ and ‘wow.’ Unfortunately, EA Sports FC 26 lands squarely on the lower end of that spectrum this season, bringing users a competent entry that shows a modicum of improvement on top of a core experience that still feels frustratingly inconsistent.

When I first loaded FC 26, I expected more of the same — refined controls, another minor Career mode adjustment, and a handful of Ultimate Team tweaks. As it turns out, that’s essentially what I got, though not in ways that reliably improves the experience.

The biggest change is the addition of two distinct gameplay presets — Competitive and Authentic.

Competitive mode caters to the online crowd, and is designed for the fast, responsive pace of FUT and Clubs. I found more enjoyment using Authentic mode, which slows the tempo, adding more weight and realism to each movement. In this setting, defenders more accurately hold their positions, midfielders fight for spacing, and goals feel earned, rather than expected. It’s a split that acknowledges how different the FC audience can be, but it also feels like EA is hedging its bets, rather than committing to a cohesive vision.

Player control remains an odd juxtaposition of schemes. Dribbling has been reworked, but often feels sticky and predetermined. In turn, players move with better agility in the open field, but the responsiveness isn’t always there when needed in tight quarters, typically around the goal. Plus, input delay creeps in during crucial moments, making skill moves feel more like happy accidents than strategic maneuvers.

I should also mention that there’s an odd rhythm to FC 26. While I enjoyed moments of fluid, effortless movement, there were more than a few where it seemed like the ball only went where the game wanted it to. By this, I mean opposing teams often anticipated passes prematurely, with passing accuracy seemingly random. When I lost possession of the ball, it was often hard to tell if it was my fault or the AI.

Speaking of which, the AI has improved in some areas — most notably in defensive positioning — but it still makes baffling decisions that lead to easy opportunities, completely breaking immersion. Likewise, the goalkeepers have improved for the most part, tracking shots and parrying realistically, though they still have bursts of inexplicable foresight. As discussed, scoring can feel earned, but it just as often feels as if the game had a different narrative in mind at certain junctures.

Happily, Career mode gets some overdue attention. Manager Live Challenges offer dynamic objectives, like steering a mid-table team into Europe or rescuing a struggling squad from relegation. (Fans of FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham” will appreciate these additions, for sure.) The new manager market evolves as seasons progress, with clubs hiring and firing AI managers who change tactics, formations, and even player roles.

There are also random events sprinkled throughout a season, adding unpredictability to a mode that needed it. By and large, it still feels somewhat mechanical and lacks the depth other sports games have achieved, but progress should be commended here, even if it’s difficult to get excited about features that should have been implemented years earlier.

Moving on, the Archetype system adds a layer of identity to Player Career and Clubs. Building a player as a creative midfielder or commanding center back now carries more meaning, with perks that accentuate a preferred style. It deepens immersion somewhat, though the grinding required to unlock meaningful progression remains tedious.

Ultimate Team and Clubs remain familiar. The interface feels more intuitive, matchmaking is less punishing in theory, and onboarding for new players is easier thanks to structured objectives before unlocking the transfer market. The Live Events and new knockout tournaments create reasons to return each week beyond simple pack grinding. That said, since it’s become a point of contention in all my EA reviews, I should mention that the mode’s monetization structure remains intact and as pushy as ever.

Finally, online play was solid, reliable, and enjoyable overall. The lobbies seemed oddly sparse during my time online, but navigating the menus and finding matches was seamless and lag-free. Unlike the more vibrant experiences in Madden and NBA 2K, the FIFA/FC crowd is always a little different, so user mileage may vary.

If my tone sounds a little flat in this review, it’s probably because it reflects how this game impacted me. Ultimately, FC 26 is a solid, if unspectacular, soccer title that makes incremental progress in some areas while stagnating in others. It’s competent enough to deliver moments of enjoyment, but the inconsistent controls and gameplay hold it back from providing the same thrills as the company’s American football titles this season.

Real talk, this entry won’t convert anyone tiring of EA’s approach to the world’s favorite sport, and longtime fans will likely feel the same frustrations they’ve felt for years. However, for anyone who still finds joy in a well-timed through ball or a diving header in extra time, it can deliver a good experience. It captures enough of football’s rhythm to be a good purchase for dedicated fans, but the execution just isn’t as sharp as I expected at this point.

Rating: 6 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Vancouver. It is available on XBO/X/S, PC, SW2, and PS4/5. This game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX. Approximately 17 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 3 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of professional soccer. Some animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: FC 26 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous tactile feedback features in all modes. The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post EA Sports FC 26 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH Franchise is once again the centerpiece of the Madden banquet table.

LOW The load times are unbearable for this console generation.

WTF Even digitally, the NY Giants seem lost and confused.

Please allow me to pull back the curtain on how things run at GameCritics headquarters. For years, our esteemed editor has questioned higher scores when a corresponding review indicated otherwise, and for years, I pushed back, arguing that the whole often exceeded the sum of its parts. While I stand behind every review I’ve ever published, from now on, I plan to approach scoring a little differently.

Madden NFL 26 is the reason why.

Last year, I awarded Madden 25 an 8 out of 10, citing steady, if minor improvements — and by and large, it was a good, solid football sim. After playing Madden NFL 26, I no longer want to see incremental upgrades. Nor do I want to review more ‘solid’ games. I want to see more of this.

Madden NFL 26 is the revelation football enthusiasts have wanted, breaking the cycle of minor fixes to deliver a monumental leap in immersion, atmosphere, and controls, and the largest refinement came where it was needed most — the criminally-overlooked Franchise Mode. After years of wondering if EA was pushing all users toward the microtransaction-focused Ultimate Team, it’s clear the developers listened to fan feedback, because Franchise feels like the heart of Madden once more.

For starters, the updated week-to-week tactical approach lets gamers design strategies on the fly, tailored to each opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. In turn, a new XP-based progression system personalizes the player development process, and the “Wear & Tear” mechanic (borrowed lovingly from College Football) forces users to make tough decisions about how to rest stars and manage rosters across a long season.

Another key development was the introduction of coaching archetypes, which allows players to choose whether to lead their team as an Offensive Guru, Defensive Genius, or Development Wizard. Each path provides unique skill trees and gameplay benefits, deepening the strategic investment. Combine this with enhanced scouting, revamped menus, and a more robust broadcast package, and Franchise has become a destination rather than an afterthought. Gamers asked for it, and EA delivered in a big way.

This realism is matched by the gameplay, which is both quicker and more realistic than before. Madden NFL 26 strikes a delicate balance between accuracy and responsiveness, creating a pace that is fast enough to excite without delving into arcade territory. The much-hyped “QB DNA” system brings more personality to quarterbacks and receivers by amplifying pocket passing/scrambling tendencies, receiver route discipline, and overall situational awareness, so the results better reflect what fans see on Sundays.

Defensive play has also improved, albeit not by the same leaps and bounds. Still, Madden’s AI shows more intelligent formation reads and more realistic animations for blocking and tackling. A lot of this will be missed by the casual player, but there’s a sense of fluidity and realism that enhances the immersion in each session.

One thing sports fans always seem to do is compare the current Madden series with the beloved NFL 2K titles, especially when it comes to broadcast quality, Well, Madden NFL 26 feels like a true primetime production with unique looks for Thursday night, Sunday afternoon, and Monday night football, right down to lighting that shifts with the time of year. Maybe the commentary isn’t quite as memorable as the first time we heard Dan Stevens on our Dreamcasts, but there’s little repetition or inaccuracy.

In turn, entertaining cutaways and postgame coverage match the old TV spirit of NFL 2K, delivering trivia, highlights, and halftime visuals for authenticity and immersion. It’s been a long time, but this year’s Madden finally captures the gravitas and flair of the NFL’s expanded weekly product.

Even Madden Ultimate Team (MUT), long criticized for its money-hungry grind, benefits from smarter (if subtle) quality-of-life updates. Yes, the annoying pay-to-win structure remains, so MUT is still best suited for those comfortable with its monetization design. However, it’s also more welcoming to those who want to dabble before opening the wallet, which is a step in the right direction.

Superstar Mode has made a significant move forward by revisiting basic RPG-like elements. Maybe this isn’t exactly “Sunday Stadium Skyrim,” but this notably revamped mode now features career chapters, evolving player relationships and ongoing customization, showing an honest attempt to make the journey feel more personal. Though it still doesn’t quite reach the depth of Franchise, nor does it dabble in melodrama like the NBA 2K series, EA’s attempts at storytelling no longer feel half-baked, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s efforts.

Also, it should be noted that graduating seniors from the College Football series can be imported and drafted in Madden 26. This is handled well, and it’s enjoyable to watch a dominant college player adapt to the improved talent facing him in the pro ranks. It’s also a nice way to enhance the value of owning both titles, since there is no limit to how many created superstars can find their way into the hallowed halls of Madden NFL.

Even though readers probably know I’m about to laud this title with a stellar score, I do need to call out one odd, unexpected complaint — loading times. Both offline and online, I found myself staring at loading screens for far longer than I should with my Xbox Series X. Online, I’m willing to forgive these delays in the short term, as servers were understandably packed at the time of review. That said, jumping from mode to mode shouldn’t be timed by an hourglass. EA will hopefully patch this soon, if they haven’t already.

So, to bring this discussion full circle, Madden NFL 26 is a shining example of why it’s important to read full reviews, not just scores. Why? Even when discussing two games in a series made one year apart, there’s a world of difference between last year’s 8 and this year’s 9.5. Those waiting for Madden to finally make true forward progress can exhale, because the moment has come.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Orlando. It is available on XBO/X/S, PC, SW2, and PS4/5. This game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX. Approximately 13 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 4.5 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of full-contact professional football. Some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: Madden NFL 26 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous tactile feedback features in all modes. (See examples above) The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Madden NFL 26 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH There has never been more immersive atmosphere in sports gaming.

LOW Ultimate Team remains either expensive, a grind, or both.

WTF Running up the score with a large fourth quarter lead, CPU? For shame.

A few years back, I reconnected with an old college buddy. We agreed to meet up for a couple of beers and spend a few hours traversing memory lane. The first hour was wonderful and emotional. The second hour was enjoyable, but a little strained. By the time the third round of drinks ran dry, we both started checking our phones — and once that regrettable fourth beer was gone, we exhaustedly agreed that it was great to see one another, and that we should try to stay in touch, knowing full well it was probably our final farewell.

That ‘we’re done here‘ feeling was what I had with EA Sports College Football 25. It was great times back then and the nostalgia was high, but after a few dozen hours on memory lane, flaws, gaps and cracks started to appear — and before long, the same old things began to wear on my patience. Still, it was a fine return by EA Sports, and I stand behind my 9 out of 10 review.

Readers who skip to the end are going to notice this year’s entry scored the same as its predecessor, but to be clear, College Football 26 is a significant upgrade from ’25 and a true return to form. To be honest, it might be the finest football game the venerable publisher has produced. Everything that made fans happy back then has now been amplified, optimized, and improved across the board.

In fact, let me lead with some hyperbole — College Football 26 might offer the most immersive sports gaming environments to date.

(Something tells me readers are going to want me to back that up.)

The atmosphere is one area in which College Football 26 truly shines. From stadium flyovers to note-perfect fight songs, to lifelike mascot and fan behavior, there’s little EA left on the drawing board here. A bonafide electricity comes from hearing (and even feeling) a packed stadium in a rivalry game. In fact, I took some rough phone videos and sent them to my non-gaming friends. They were transported to the coughcoughmid-1990scough the same way I was.

Of course, window dressing hardly matters if the gameplay doesn’t measure up. College Football 26 takes the rock solid foundation of its predecessor and gives it 100% more soul. Where last year’s iteration sometimes felt mechanical, 26 flows with the more realistic, unpredictable energy of the real thing.

Yes, I just wrote that College Football feels like, well, college football. But in reality, these players aren’t supposed to be perfect athletes. They’re college kids prone to physical lapses, and mental and emotional mistakes. This year’s version captures that in ways a cutscene never could.

Running backs don’t magically find holes in defenses in the first quarter. Instead, they work and learn over the course of the game, and try to expose weaknesses after being coached. Quarterbacks being chased by 750 pounds of linebackers don’t stay poised, they react with panic when their blocking collapses. Perhaps a professional can maintain composure under these circumstances, but these players shouldn’t be confused for NFL veterans.

Another major upgrade this season is the vastly improved fatigue system, which eliminates arbitrary stamina bars in favor of real performance dips. For example, if a running back carries 4-6 times every possession, he’ll definitely lose explosiveness by the fourth quarter, perhaps when the player needs him the most. 

Perhaps most important of all, the gameplay simply feels better. The best sports sims feature controls that respond instantly, almost like an extension of the player. College Football 26 features far fewer canned animations and ‘magical’ plays. Instead, I found myself discovering defensive gaps and exploiting them like a real player would. Option plays, which were hit or miss in 25, feel much more natural. It’s altogether more intuitive and responsive, and as a result, more enjoyable throughout.

My reviews always have to mention a few flaws, and this one is going to sound familiar, but I wish I could be enthusiastic about College Ultimate Team. Despite some improvements that make the card drops seem less random, this mode still feels like it belongs in a mobile game, not my $100 title on my $500 console. The menus are clunky, loading times are long, and the whole experience still prioritizes spending money over delivering a good time. It has its merits, but if there was a mode that needed some revisiting, it’s this one.

Getting back to the positives, Dynasty Mode has evolved considerably, bringing a good amount of strategy along with it. In last year’s edition, hiring and scouting felt like unavoidable homework between games. Now, these decisions have more impact on and off the field. I chose disciplinarian types for my staff and was rewarded with a hard-working squad of well-behaved kids. However, at season’s end, I noticed a number of my star players entering the transfer portal, likely as a result of the relentless training and coaching. These decisions matter now, and they matter for the future of a user’s legacy.

The Road to Glory story mode tries valiantly to capture the personal journey from high school superstar to campus legend, and there are some good moments, to be sure. However, the high school portion drags with oddly finicky missions to conquer, and more school selection drama than a teenager probably should endure. It can drag, but once chosen by a dream school, the Friday Night Lights moments are easily forgiven.

Online, the game performed well for roughly 80% of my time there near launch, and has been flawless in recent weeks thanks to a series of patches that have eliminated online animation glitches and matchmaking discrepancies that I experienced at launch. Today, the online portion is solid, enjoyable, and balanced.

This isn’t a title to nitpick, so, let’s break this down to the important things. College Football 26 is an absolute blast to play, and is a massive step forward for the reborn franchise, thanks to the type of year-over-year improvements that will please even the most cynical gamers. A title this deep and layered will never be perfect, but seeing last year’s foundation turn into this year’s celebration has been wonderful. I’m not likely to put this down any time soon.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is available on XBX/S and PS5. This game copy was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX. Approximately 21 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 6 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of full-contact college football, and some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: College Football 26 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous tactile feedback features in all modes. (See examples in the pictures posted.) The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post EA Sports College Football 26 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH AI is here, and it truly adapts to player input.

LOW Franchise mode updates feel incremental and obligatory.

WTF Seriously, can someone explain what “Chel” is?

After the launch of the first Playstation in 1995, SCEA launched NHL Faceoff, the first true competitor to EA’s dominance of digital ice hockey. Thinking back, I can practically taste the Clearly Canadian water and Gushers candy. While that series experienced a wide range of experimental iterations before fading away, that inaugural, sprite-based edition presented an enjoyable, unique alternative to the largely stagnant NHL series.

In 2024, nearly three decades later, I’m still waiting for another “NHL Faceoff moment” bringing a truly unique feel to digital hockey. This is because last year NHL 24 offered reliable, predictable gameplay but lacked new features and brought an overabundance of microtransactions — I found myself writing a review too similar to the one I had the year before. This time around it’s evident that EA Sports has taken that feedback to heart — at least to some extent.

While the ’24-25 edition doesn’t completely overhaul everything, it refines the experience further to provide a smoother, more measured, and ultimately more authentic feel that resonates with the essence of the sport.

Right out of the gate, NHL 25 is visually impressive. From the moment the puck drops, the reflective ice, realistic player movements, and improved crowd animations are hard to ignore. Improved lighting effects bring the arena vibe to life, adding depth and detail to both the players and their environment. Whether it’s Chris Kreider weaving through defenders or an intense 1-0 goaltending duel, the game appears more realistic than ever. And it’s not just about the visuals–the real-time ice degradation is more realistic, introducing a surprising level of immersion that fans should appreciate.

In NHL 25, new technology (codenamed ICE-Q, for those who enjoy branding) enhances gameplay through a more logic-driven animation system. This consists of several main components, starting with Next-Gen Vision Control. Building on the well-received pressure system from NHL 24, this enhancement is particularly noticeable when facing the puck carrier in the scoring zone, greatly improving responsiveness and scoring chances once mastered.

With Next-Gen Vision Control offering better reads of the attacking zone, the introduction of Skill-Based One-Timers acts as a welcome new feature. I’ll admit to being worried when hearing about enhanced one-timers since these shots were largely spammable and unstoppable in older renditions, but it requires much more skill than luck this time around. When playing from the wing positions, players must set up and ensure a teammate is ready to receive a one-timer. Passing the puck and pushing up on the right stick will activate this move when a barely-there gray indicator appears under the player. While the indicator could be more noticeable, it enhances offensive maneuvers and keeps defenders alert, adding strategic depth to the gameplay.

The other components of ICE-Q technology focus on generative artificial intelligence through Empowered AI and Reactive Actions. AI is all the rage these days, and sure enough, EA has completely revamped its own AI, resulting in a smoother and more natural gameplay flow.

The details of how it’s implemented are too detailed to list here but in short, non-controlled players no longer skate aimlessly around the rink on invisible rubber bands, waiting for the user to establish a position. Instead, they fill lanes naturally, check away from the puck, and don’t allow games to become a series of strategy-free breakaways. It’s not perfect, but my time with NHL 25 felt more realistic, and I have to believe we’re inching closer to that true hockey feel. 

What is more notable about NHL 25 is its play recognition. This year, AI isn’t just a buzzword — it accurately learns the tendencies of both human and CPU players, legitimately adapting as the game progresses. Users who choose to skate down center ice and launch slapshots in each possession will quickly learn why they shouldn’t. The AI will catch on and counter, encouraging players to adjust their strategies before the score gets out of hand. Greater realism has been needed in this series for a while, and this closes that gap just a bit more.

The expanding World of Chel (a name that still confuses me) makes its annual appearance, emphasizing player upgrades and customization options. An updated structure and schedule for Live Events are now in place, along with a new playlist structure and competitive tournaments. However, both this and Be A Pro don’t introduce many significant changes. Players can also practice, engage in versus mode both online and offline, and enjoy the arcadey NHL Threes mode. It’s not essential, but no one can say EA skimped on content this year.

Despite these advancements, NHL 25 has more than a few scratches on its facemask. Franchise mode, an annual go-to for long-time enthusiasts, again sees only minor changes. New training options and some detailed management tools are introduced, but it just feels like EA Sports could have done more. These updates keep the mode functional, but they’re almost window-dressing, rather than necessary upgrades. Considering how deep franchise modes are in other sports titles, this remains a mild disappointment. 

More disappointing is how Be a Pro mode only made slight strides in storytelling, through some nuanced choices and a greater focus on off-ice activities. However, it still doesn’t match the narrative depth a story mode should contain in this console generation. Conversations are less robotic, and the branching storylines provide a slightly more meaningful progression, but this mode is teetering ever closer to irrelevance. Truthfully, I’d be okay if the attention put on Be a Pro was reallocated to other features.

Likewise, Hockey Ultimate Team makes its return, as well, featuring an updated reward system that relies (slightly) less on microtransactions. While this is a small win for fans who were frustrated by the pay-to-win mechanics of previous years, real progress will only come through a true alternative for those who want to build their simulated teams organically without diving deeper into their very real wallets. 

Online play remains strong — arguably better than most sports titles — with highly competitive, accurate matchups. With improved matchmaking and strong server performance, diving into ranked matches or casual games feels smooth and non-intimidating for newcomers. Though my initial forays online were a little touch-and-go, once things calmed down, the gameplay experience was mostly free of lag.

As readers have probably guessed by now, NHL 25 isn’t a “must-purchase” title, except for users that have taken several years away. That doesn’t make it less enjoyable — just less necessary. Updates to game modes could have been more notable and microtransactions continue to be a drawback, but there’s still plenty here to make this a worthwhile return to the rink. Ultimately, we may never experience another “NHL Faceoff moment,” but EA’s focus on more adaptive AI and improved player control raises the bar (slightly) in the right direction.

Score: 7 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Vancouver. It is available on XBX/S, PS5, and PC. This game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX. Approximately 11 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 4 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E10+. It features realistic depictions of hockey gameplay and minimal on-ice violence. Parents should be aware that online interactions may include user-generated content not rated by the ESRB.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Accessibility menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: NHL 25 features subtitles and numerous tactile feedback features within the controller, in all modes. The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: The game offers several pre-set control schemes but does not support full remapping.

The post NHL 25 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH The WNBA mode is inching closer to completion. (Thanks to the class of ‘24!)

LOW Microtransactions still permeate the landscape.

WTF Why am I so enamored with realistic mesh fabric and beads of sweat?

One year ago, I closed my NBA 2K24 review with the line “In the end, NBA 2K24 might be the finest sports videogame I’ve ever resented.” because with each passing edition, the game gets deeper, more involved, and more overwhelming, but without any major improvements or truly unique features.

This year, I don’t resent 2K.

Now, this is not to say that NBA 2K25 is perfect, nor does it scratch my ongoing itch for a gameplay overhaul. But what the developers did do was listen. The result is a fantastic entry into this annual series that tightens the controls, enhances the realism, and broadens the scope, fine-tuning the proven format in countless positive ways.

Visually, NBA 2K25 continues the series’ legacy of stunning graphics and animations. Beads of sweat, realistic hair, more dynamic crowds, and unbelievable lighting and reflections dazzle the user as soon as it fires up. In turn, the enhanced ProPlay system ensures that stars’ actual movements are reflected on screen without seeming like canned animations. While series vets might not notice the sheer visual splendor, newcomers definitely will. In what is becoming an annual tradition, my wife was once again fooled by the game, thinking there was an actual NBA broadcast on my television.

However, visuals only tell part of the story. While it’s nice to have a realistic Jalen Brunson gracing my screen, none of it matters if there isn’t a larger sense of atmosphere, and that’s where NBA 2K25 shines brightest. The audio, visuals, timely commentary, and responsive crowds all blend to create the most authentic sports videogame environments around. The word “immersion” is overused in reviews, but it’s appropriate here.

Last year users enjoyed tighter, more responsive controls to complement the visuals. This year, 2K ups its game by introducing both an improved dribbling system and a “Rhythm Shooting” mechanic that bases shot success on more than just timing. Instead, it factors in performance, defensive matchups, team momentum, and other variables to build an unbeatable sense of ‘feel.’ Just like the actual NBA, players feed off one another, and those roof-shaking comeback rallies can change an entire game. Fans of professional basketball know these moments, and they can now recreate them like never before.

(side note — players aren’t obligated to use the new shooting mechanics, but I ask purists to give it a legitimate chance. It’s a nice change that’s well worth exploring.)

On the court, these upgrades enhance what is already the most rewarding control scheme in sports gaming. Make no mistake, the complex finger gymnastics needed to dominate rival those of fighting games, but when the controls sink in they become second nature, and the simulation becomes a lifelike representation of how players attack the basket, set up on defense, or have those clutch end-of-game moments.

When it comes to modes and features, no series in sports gaming (if not all of gaming) offers more value to fans than the NBA 2K franchise. The sheer amount of content is already overwhelming, and the regular additions and upgrades only enhance the experience. If there’s any complaints to be had, it’s that so much is dependent on leveling up, which can quickly become a lethargic grind without spending real-world money. I’ll spare everyone my annual griping about microtransactions, but suffice it to say, it will be very difficult for newcomers to achieve the top tiers of this title without spending countless hours (or dollars) on upgrades.

Despite this, there’s still plenty to do without opening a wallet, starting with a well-designed and revamped tutorial mode called Learn2K. This enhanced practice mode allows newcomers to become familiar with the controls in regular scenarios without taxing them too much on minutiae. Despite being a fan of this series since its Dreamcast debut, I still found myself revisiting the practice courts to hone some skills.

Also, kudos to 2K for listening and bringing a deeper WNBA mode to the party. I have no doubt that the international emergence of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese helped move this to the forefront, and 2K25 does a great job giving the women’s game its own feel and atmosphere. Likewise, having its own story and other modes allows everyone to enjoy the title.

MyTEAM is back, as well, with a deeper, more customizable card-collecting system. The addition of era-specific challenges that cover decades of history is a nice touch to be sure, but the mode’s biggest advancement is how it adjusted the usual reward system to give everyone a chance to earn premium upgrades, not just those who pay their way.

Speaking of eras, the ever-evolving Eras mode continues to bring enjoyable nostalgia to fans of any decade in NBA history. Users will get the Magic/Kareem Lakers, the untouchable 1990s Chicago Bulls, and even some recent Steph Curry paths to follow. However, it also includes some nice nods to other eras, like the rough and ready, defense-first early 2000s.

Of course, all of these decades are represented with period-appropriate graphics, fuzzy camera filters, and the like. Immersion is the name of the game, and this mode brings it by the carload.

Of all the modes available (and I don’t have the column inches to cover them all), none has returned to glory more than MyCareer. Unlike some of the MyPlayer modes of years past, NBA 2K25 immediateky throws users into the heart of the story. This urgency not only introduces the mode to those who might not have played in the past, it also lets users bypass the usual “draft night” nonsense and allows them to carve an ideal experience from the start.

In turn, the branching conversation trees have been largely improved, letting users make truly meaningful decisions about their avatar’s career path. Past editions have felt too linear to deliver authenticity, and while most of us will never live the life of an NBA superstar, these expanded conversations sure seem realistic, and they also make a noticeable impact on how the character develops. Team-first player or selfish hotshot? First one at practice or first in line for promotional opportunities? 2K25 lets users choose, and these impacts are felt throughout the story.

For fans of the open-world City mode, 2K25 will be a breath of fresh air. Last year, traversing the endless sprawl of the cityscape was a meaningless slog. This year’s layout is much easier to navigate, with more pickup games, side quests, and more to do at each corner. It still seems a little bloated and distracting for gamers who just want to play basketball, but at least developers are listening.

One facet of the City worth mentioning is how seamlessly the experience bridges offline and online play. When reviewing NBA 2K25, it was launch weekend, and lobbies were clogged and slow. But in the weeks that followed, the traffic was managed more quickly, and I found myself jumping in and out of online experiences with ease.

That said, the City mode highlights something users knew was coming — NBA 2K25 is the first edition to make it seem that last-gen users should upgrade their consoles. Graphics and options aside, there has never been a larger gap between current and past-gen editions of the title. Not only are there the obvious graphics and mode discrepancies, but the entire past-gen offering seems a little half-baked by comparison. I appreciate 2K continuing to deliver for Xbox One and PS4 users, but it’s clear that the sand is quickly leaving the hourglass for holdouts.

With all of that said, I won’t end this review by splitting hairs. Though it’s not a revolution as much as an evolution, NBA 2K25 easily justifies its price tag. There’s still grinding, leveling, and more side quests than Skyrim. but it all seems more accessible and approachable than in years past, while also being more realistic and beautiful than ever before.

Score: 9 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by 2K Games and developed by Visual Concepts. It is available on XBO/X/S, PS4/5, PC and Switch. This game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX. Approximately 23 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 3 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a basketball simulation game in which players can select teams from real NBA rosters, compete in tournaments, and play through regular seasons. Players can also manage individual franchises and the careers of their customized athletes.

Colorblind Modes: There are no colorblind modes available.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers:  NBA 2K25 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous tactile feedback features in all modes. The game is playable without sound and is fully accessible.The game is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: There are several pre-set control schemes, but the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post NBA 2K25 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH This is the smoothest, most visually appealing Madden to date.

LOW Not enough changes to modes and features.

WTF Is the physics model really called “BOOM Tech”?

“Maybe next year.”

Fans of gaming’s most venerable sports series have said these words each September for the better part
of a decade. I should know, I’m one of them.

This year, the Madden NFL series takes another incremental step forward. Improvements are there.
Enhancements are there. And Madden NFL 25 is often stunning visually. But will that be enough for
jaded players?

First, I need to address the $69 elephant in the room — many football gamers just invested in EA
Sports College Football 25 and from what I can gather, they’re enjoying the immersion, pageantry, and
true-to-life detail the title offers. After a few weeks of enjoying the pomp and circumstance of the
college game, a new NFL title might feel a little flat and faceless, even though Madden is arguably better
than ever.

I’ll start with the most important factors — Madden NFL 25 is gorgeous. Player models inch ever closer to
leaving the uncanny valley, with noticeable improvements in animations, both when controlling a player and on NPCs throughout the field. Unlike previous editions, the juke moves and leaps aren’t overly exaggerated to excite players. Rather, they’re more accurate to a player’s real-life abilities and playstyle. For a change, I didn’t find myself trying to have stocky RBs attempt to leap for circus catches — that isn’t their game, and EA Sports brings reality to life once more.

In turn, Madden NFL 25 just feels… intuitive. In past editions, the complicated thumb gymnastics often
made it difficult for casual fans to make the most of the title. Some would call it “arcade-like” but as an
increasingly middle-aged person, I never felt overwhelmed by the streamlined control scheme. I even
took my skills online more than a few times. Now, I didn’t even come close to winning these matchups,
but I felt more competitive — an accomplishment in itself.

The audio offering is a bit of a mixed bag. While I enjoyed having multiple commentary teams joining
stalwarts Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, the new pairings pale in comparison to the veterans. The
new voices have far fewer original comments and seem to repeat themselves more than usual.

One of the big knocks against Madden NFL 25 so far has been its notable lack of new modes and features. In my opinion, this is great news. So many prior Madden titles were buried in marketing lingo and fabricated buzzwords. This year, it seems like the developers chose to fine-tune the existing game and make good on past promises. I applaud this level of commitment — by and large, it works. And in the
case of Franchise Mode, it far exceeds its predecessors.

I have long lamented the decreased attention given to Franchise Mode, but this year the mode is
arguably the biggest highlight. From the moment players dive in, they enjoy a refined (but in-depth)
management experience, allowing them to control as much or as little of the team as they want. While
some people might want to keep their focus on the field, those who dig deeper will be rewarded with
expanded scouting, detailed coaching mechanics, elaborate player and team builder, and even a “Coach
Carousel” feature that lets users modify coaching staffs for better results. As a result, team morale and
player development become more active parts of the experience.

Superstar, the story-driven narrative mode, largely succeeds by taking a “less is more” approach. For starters, EA delivers new rewards, themed programs, and the ability to transfer an avatar’s style and skills across Ultimate Team Franchise and live game modes. In an even nicer touch, a successful graduate from College Football 25 can find their way to Madden’s NFL Draft Night, creating a tremendous feeling of continuity and reward.

Despite all of the above, the mode’s story and interaction have been (mercifully) pared back to basic
interactions, press conferences, and text conversations. It’s hardly the most immersive storyline, but it
far surpasses maudlin, overdone underdog stories. For that, I’m thankful.

Ultimate Team is… well… Ultimate Team. But, to be fair, EA has expanded the offering to include
updated H2H rankings, AI-driven solo seasons, and other new ways to put your best 11 to work. It’s still
a microtransaction bonanza, but kudos to the developers for trying to inject a wealth of new content
into a previously tired mode.

Other than these leaps forward, most of the other advancements live under the hood. Improved FieldSense controls on both offense and defense, more impactful hits from the BOOM Tech stick controls, more powerful Momentum Meters, and a litany of tweaks to menus and presentation. Again, those who believe the hype on the game box might not be impressed, but I was.

Also, longtime readers of Gamecritics know we take accessibility very seriously. EA Sports has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to implementing accessible controls into its titles, but Madden NFL 25 is the best example yet. Customization options include the ability to adjust icon size, text size, colorblind modes, and several control schemes designed to accommodate individual needs.

On a broader scale, the game also includes more detailed tutorials and guides to help new players learn
the ins and outs of various gameplay mechanics. This ensures that even those unfamiliar with the
Madden series can jump in and enjoy the experience. Kudos across the board, to all involved with
making this happen.

Online, Madden NFL 25 performed admirably. Last year’s laggy menus are a thing of the past, replaced
by snappy lobbies, short wait times, and virtually no latency on decent broadband connections. Oh sure,
the rage quitters and play spammers are still out in force, but at least they won’t be whining about lag
and balance issues this time around.

At this point in the review, most fans are likely wondering one thing — is Madden NFL 25 worth the money this year? The answer is undoubtedly “yes” as long as you didn’t also just purchase College Football 25. Even with the vast improvements Madden NFL 25 has on display, it’s fundamentally very similar to its undergraduate counterpart, and its professional atmosphere isn’t always as enjoyable as a collegiate gameday.

For those who’ve spent a month immersed in the pageantry of the college game, it might be hard to
get excited for a less unique version of that same title. But for those who have waited a few years for an improved, upgraded football experience, the new Madden will be a revelation.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Orlando. It is available on XBO/X/S, PC and PS4/5. This game copy was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX.
Approximately 11 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not
completed. Approximately 4 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of full-contact
professional football. Some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: Madden NFL 25 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous
tactile feedback features in all modes. (See examples above) The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Madden NFL 25 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH That moment when your old dorm is accurately represented in a videogame.

LOW Mode selection is a little lackluster.

WTF Academic performance tracking is my weekly nightmare come to life.

I don’t remember exactly where I was the last time I played a new college football game but I’m sure the scene involved me, my couch, and a noticeable cushion dent from hours of endless play. It’s not a pretty picture, but it is an accurate one. Now, after nearly 11 years away from digital collegiate gridiron, I was skeptical that EA Sports would be able to recapture that “just one more game” feeling.

Oh, EA Sports proved me wrong in so many wonderful ways.

College Football 25 (No “NCAA” this time around) is an outstanding, immersive, nostalgic title that quickly carves out its own identity against the inevitable Madden comparisons. Yes, those familiar with EA’s pro title will easily adapt to College Football 25’s controls and gameplay, but those — ahem — schooled in collegiate strategy and atmosphere will find themselves with a notable advantage.

The unparalleled college vibe is one of the biggest surprises after more than a decade away. The old NCAA series always did a solid job of emulating stadiums and crowd noise, but modern technology has allowed them to recreate the unique environments that each home school provides.

Fans of major programs like Clemson and Alabama will lose themselves in how seamlessly the designers implemented mascots, in-game chants, student traditions, and more. There’s even a noise meter that shakes the screen and affects playcalling, giving home teams a distinct advantage in competitive situations. Small, moderately successful schools might trigger the needle a little, but big schools with bigger money programs will regularly reap the rewards of the home field.

It even showed for my alma mater, the University of Maryland, which may not be a top-tier football school among its peers in the Big Ten Conference, but we did have an original set of chants and music to accompany our team. Sure enough, when in a crucial in-game situation, the students reacted accordingly, elevating the atmosphere tenfold. All of it was flawlessly represented alongside the nuances that made our school stand apart. And no, this level of detail isn’t exclusive to bigger schools — even the smaller programs receive the same level of detail and unique presentation.

Of course, none of this matters if the on-field visuals are lackluster. Thankfully, EA Sports made the most of its 11-year respite — every player on the field demonstrates a unique look and feel. Linemen seem a little jumpier than their professional counterparts. Defensive secondaries find themselves scrambling a little more before the snap. Quarterbacks don’t appear quite as composed. In other words, they seem like young adults tasked with handling some immense, big-game pressure. Plus, the player models are (generally) a little smaller and less monstrous than professional players. These details are subtle but add so much in helping College Football 25 stand apart from its more established big brother.

Another exciting aspect of the college game is that not every player is awesome. Deep pass plays are riskier, and big running gains are more likely against suspect defenses. Where Madden has its handful of top-rated receivers who seem to have glue on their gloves, the college level reflects teams of players who are still learning as they go, and that means nothing is “automatic.” When big plays happen, they just seem to mean more to the player.

That said, CF25 acknowledges those who take time to learn. (This is a college game, after all.) While smaller programs might not see initial success against juggernauts and experience some initial frustration, growth is earned and learning how to maximize each player’s skill set is a rewarding experience from season to season.

My only complaint about College Football 25‘s gameplay is the same I’ve made for most football titles — there continue to be plays and moves that are simply too easy to spam. (Just check YouTube for some of the spin move “highlights.”) Good players will always find a way to adjust, but newcomers online might find themselves stopped before they even get started. I was fortunate to not see many people abusing these quirks, but over time, I anticipate steeper beginner learning curves.

Since launch, I’ve seen a lot of online chatter about College Football 25’s “thin” and “disappointing” selection of modes and features, but I see this as a positive because I think it was vital for the developers to focus more on developing unique, rewarding on-field gameplay, and it seems they agreed. Of course, it doesn’t exactly lack variety with a solid selection of the modes we’ve come to expect from EA Sports titles.

For those looking to spend significant time in the trenches, Dynasty mode is far more rewarding than its professional counterpart, mostly because the focus is on winning, player development, and team success, rather than keeping high-profile players satisfied season over season. Here, users can help a struggling program methodically improve and find intermittent successes along the way. Maybe it’s getting close to being ranked among the top 25. Maybe it’s knocking off a top-ranked opponent. Maybe it’s being considered for a coveted bowl game. Minor, moral victories seem to matter more at the collegiate level since there’s just so much more to aim for than one solitary trophy.

Unfortunately, the touted Road to Glory mode, while more streamlined than Dynasty, doesn’t give users enough to do over its shorter career span. At first, this exercise of allocating experience points to improve on-field performance seems enjoyable. But tasks like improving academics and resting injuries quickly become a week-to-week slog, more busywork than play. Likewise, the limited Road to the CFP mode will appeal to those who want bragging rights, but there’s little to do beyond seeing a name on leaderboards. With more attention, this could become a legitimate mode for those seeking to achieve online immortality, but there’s still room to expand it into something deeper than just a ranking.

As expected, College Football 25 features its own Ultimate Team mode, which is identical to the countless revisions we’ve seen in Madden over the years. For users into card collecting, trading, and yes, spending to build an unbeatable squad there are no surprises to be had, other than some moderate challenges to break up the grind. While I probably need to get with the times and accept these modes as part of gaming reality, here it seems redundant, rather than necessary.

Online, the game performed flawlessly during my testing, with no lag or latency. Lobbies were easy to navigate, and games started quickly. It allowed me to recreate my favorite college matchups, playing with my favorite college roommate. Only now, 1,300 miles separated us, even though the conversations and laughs remained the same.

And that perfectly illustrates the bigger point. To fans like me, College Football 25 is about as pure a gaming experience as there is. It wasn’t an online leaderboard or card-collecting mode that made fans beg EA Sports to bring back college football. It was the memories of trash talking on the couch, and recreating a rivalry. It was figuring out those spam plays and finally shutting them down. It was a throwback to gaming’s roots when higher scores were all people needed to enjoy themselves.

I could belabor this review with more examples, but in the end, there’s only one key takeaway — College Football 25 delivers on the memories I just listed, alongside countless others. And I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here.

Score: 9 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Orlando. It is available on XBX/S and PS5. This game copy was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX. Approximately 15 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 5 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of full-contact college football, and some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: College Football 25 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous tactile feedback features in all modes. The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post EA Sports College Football 25 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH That ‘aha!’ moment when the complex controls suddenly make sense.

LOW The crowds are so reminiscent of Xbox 360 graphics, I expected a red ring of death.

WTF John McEnroe sounds like he recorded after visiting a dispensary.

Despite some questionable market presence, there’s been no shortage of tennis titles for modern
consoles. That said, for die-hard enthusiasts of the sport, only one tennis series matters — Top Spin. Now, after a 13-year absence, the series has returned in the form of Top Spin 2K25.

Considering how long the series has been dormant, there was understandable enthusiasm for this
revival, but considerable pressure on 2K Sports to deliver on the hype and produce a truly “next-generation” tennis experience. For the most part, 2K25 is a welcome addition to any fan’s library
coming up just short of being essential.

Unlike most sports titles which want to overwhelm users with a litany of new modes, features, enhancements and eye candy, Top Spin 2K25 wants gamers to get right on the court. Within seconds of hitting the “A” button, I found myself in a fairly intense training regimen of baseline rallies, mid-court volleys, and some precision serving mechanics.

Despite voicework from a sleepwalking John McEnroe, the TopSpin Academy is a strong introduction to Top Spin’s refined control scheme and is essential for fans and newcomers alike since the series has always boasted unique mechanics that require some patience to learn and master.

At first, the controls seem overly complicated when compared to other titles. But when that “a-ha” moment clicks, there is a sense of fluidity and ease that transcends face buttons and analog sticks. At that point, the timing-based shots are powerful, intuitive, and more rewarding than the norm. Winners feel weighty and impactful, especially at the end of a long, well-played point.

One thing I’ve always admired about the Top Spin series is how it added depth and strategy, elevating tennis titles above “Prettier Pong.” Here, it adapts to a user’s strategy, letting them choose their preferred style. There is so much variety in gameplay, whether gamers choose to launch aggressive baseline shots, inject some serve-and-volley into the mix, or stay aggressive at the net through precision lobs, no match feels redundant. The physics of how different court surfaces affect shots only enhances the realism.

As mentioned above, the gameplay is largely excellent, if not perfect. Unfortunately, the AI is a bit suspect, varying from wonderful court knowledge to ridiculous shot selection in a matter of strokes. Likewise, as players work through the career mode, the AI jumps from fair to unbeatable in no time at all, leading to unwanted frustration.

Visually, Top Spin 2K25 is good from afar, meaning the stock (television-style) camera angle. However,close-up replays show some janky animations, poor facial renders, and some Xbox 360-quality crowds and NPCs. Maybe tennis doesn’t need to be the most visually arresting game in the library, but considering how long fans have waited, the graphics will need a lot of work if there’s a 2K26.

The audio is also a mixed bag. While on-court sounds, player grunts and the overall tennis atmosphere are true to life, the commentary would put golf announcers to sleep. The enthusiasm doesn’t rise during long rallies, nor do the repetitive phrases always match what happens on the court.As mentioned, tennis doesn’t lend itself to a slew of modes and features but Career Mode is a simple, no-frills addition that keeps gamers focused on earning upgrades and scoring upset victories in a wide range of tournaments. It might not be dynamic, or story-driven, but there is reward to be had from steady progress up the rankings.

A lot of Top Spin’s success is going to hinge on how fans like the multiplayer modes. The 2K Tour mode lets users challenge others using existing tennis stars, while the World Tour mode lets users take their created avatars and pit them against the world in a variety of weekly tournaments and challenges.Both modes are smooth and competitive, if not a little daunting for newcomers.

I found basic online multiplayer to be the biggest surprise, with a large, active community of tennis enthusiasts offering competitive play without pretense. I had no problem finding a quick exhibition match against friendly fans, with no lag, latency, or lobby concerns. This is a major win, and possibly my new preferred way to enjoy digital tennis.

Regardless of the drawbacks, fans should welcome Top Spin back into their lives thanks to the largely enjoyable 2K25. With some visual and audio enhancement, and maybe a slightly more accessible learning curve, this series could find a new generation of fans. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take another 13 years to do it.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is developed and published by 2K Sports. It is currently available on PC,PS4/5 and XBO/X/S. This copy of the game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on Xbox Series X. Approximately 10 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 14 hours were devoted to multiplayer modes.

Parents: Top Spin 2K25 is rated E. This is a sports simulation game in which players compete in tennis matches. Players can engage in a variety of game modes (e.g., Career, Exhibition) to improve their skills and abilities. There is no questionable content.

Colorblind Modes: There are no colorblind modes available.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: The game is fully accessible. There are adjustable settings for subtitles, and the game offers controller vibration during ball strikes. No audio cues are needed for successful play. The game is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: The controls are not remappable.

The post Top Spin 2025 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH Deep simulation has never been more accessible.

LOW The visual presentation occasionally removes users from the experience.

WTF Some of these player faces are rougher than Angel Hernandez’s umpiring.

Before diving into the amazingly deep and engrossing simulator that is Out of the Park Baseball 25 (OOTP 25), I must explain one thing — I am a Linux user, which automatically puts me at a disadvantage for PC gaming. However, the OOTP series has historically been Linux- (or at the very least, Steam-) friendly. Unfortunately, in the interest of full disclosure, it never quite jibed with my computer during this review.

With that said, all of the technical hiccups I endured were absolutely worth the trouble because OOTP 25 is an unbelievable simulation that should be experienced by sports fans, sports gaming fans, strategy gaming fans, RPG fans, and enthusiasts of anything remotely enjoyable. Gamers who have never tried an OOTP title should buy this immediately, and those experienced with OOTP should still consider an upgrade.

For the uninitiated, let me explain. OOTP 25 is the latest installment (the 25th, actually) of this revered baseball team management series. Fans of other series should look to their favorite title’s franchise management mode as an example, but then abandon that connection because OOTP 25 is far deeper and more involved in every aspect.

OOTP 25 is played in an almost turn-based format, with the gameplay centered on situational decision-making, rather than action-based baseball. The default setting is to watch the minimalist on-screen graphics play out the “live” portion of an at-bat, trimming the pitch-by-pitch drudgery that chased many fans away from the diamond.

That said, all (and I mean all) aspects are customizable. Users can create their own teams, leagues, players, rules, and more. They can also choose to intermix MLB teams with KBO (Korean baseball) rules. If they want to recreate historical seasons, it’s all there with note-perfect statistics, stadiums, and the rest. The experience is left entirely up to the player.

In recent years, OOTP 25 has ramped up the graphical fidelity a bit, so the onscreen action more closely matched what the simulation text was explaining in each play. Still, spending time on OOTP’s graphics is missing the point — the tiny 3D sprites and janky animations are there as an approximation of the gameplay, not a focal point. The development team has done a nice job improving things, but no one will confuse this with a console sports experience.

(I should also mention the “Retro Visual” modes which add a nice throwback flair to the graphics by overlaying a filter that emulates different TV presentations from years past. While this doesn’t fix the limited graphics, it’s a neat throwaway feature that speaks to the devs’ sheer love of the sport.)

Rather than leaning into graphics as most other series have done, OOTP 25 makes visual strides by significantly improving the user interface. The sleeker, more organized management dashboard eliminates the ‘hunting and pecking’ that pervaded previous editions, making navigation between team management, scouting, and organizational budgeting smoother than ever. While that may not seem significant to newcomers, I assure you this streamlined approach reduces the learning curve by a notable margin.

This is relevant because previous editions of OOTP were admittedly a bit cumbersome and menu-driven. However, the simulation aspects were always accurate and true to reality. In short, Barry Bonds didn’t lay down bunts, Cal Ripken didn’t take days off, and Jacob deGrom didn’t pitch full seasons. There’s a reason OOTP is the only game ever to win Metacritic’s PC Game of the Year Award twice… it’s pure realism.

Likewise, the new in-game tutorial system is a welcome addition, not only for series newbies but also for crusty ol’ series vets who didn’t realize certain actions were possible, even after a decade of enjoying OOTP titles.

This is hardly where the upgrades end, though. The game’s new Dynamic Evolution system allows the world to evolve in realistic ways, including changes in league rules, structures, economic factors, and even innovations in player training and health management. Each year, fans witness how our national pastime evolves, and OOTP 25 ensures users will continue to experience it as they simulate well into the future.

Also, teams now each have a player development complex, where they can send players to work on fundamentals in the offseason and spring training. Here, fans can identify weak spots in a player’s approach and work to improve them for the coming season. I wasn’t expecting much year-over-year improvement for some of my younger prospects, but was pleasantly surprised to see marked changes in performance.

OOTP 25 also bridges the gap for more casual gamers with its new Drive for the Pennant mode. Those who want to bypass the day-to-day grind can now take charge of an MLB team in 2024, only facing pivotal moments of the season. This could mean deciding on controversial trade offers, making a tough call on a tiring pitcher throwing a no-hitter, or benching a popular player amid a slump. It’s a perfect halfway point that lets players enjoy making those big decisions without endless micromanagement.

Though I didn’t spend much time with some of the minutiae editors, I should acknowledge that OOTP 25’s level editor is robust, allowing for the finest of details in ballpark creation. Users can now adjust the dimensions of every part of the field, select specific building materials, and even adjust seat colors to their liking.

Multiplayer has been a mixed bag for me thus far, even when I waited a few weeks after the game’s launch in order to give it a fair shake. While servers have been reliable and the online community has been welcoming, I’ve struggled to maintain connections and have been booted back to the lobbies on multiple occasions. Having successfully played OOTP online in the past, I chalk this up to Linux compatibility and nothing more. Gamers should feel confident that any bugs will be worked out in the future by the development team.

There is no point in writing a grand sweeping summary since I opened this review with the key takeaway. OOTP 25 remains atop the sports simulation pack by giving users unprecedented control over their management experiences. While action-oriented users might need a little adjustment time for this type of sports gaming, this series continues to redefine what “immersion” means in digital experiences.

Score: 9 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is developed and published by Out of the Park Developments. It is currently available on PC, MacOS, Linux (via Steam) and iOS (as OOTP Go). This copy of the game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on PC (Steam for Linux.) Approximately 40 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 4 hours were devoted to multiplayer modes.

Parents: At the time of review, OOTP 25 was not rated by the ESRB, but previous editions in the series have consistently been rated E. This is a detailed baseball management simulator that relies largely on text prompts to advance through a season and contains nothing suggestive or inappropriate for children.

Colorblind Modes: There are no colorblind modes available.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: All dialogue and game action is presented via onscreen text. There are some atmospheric ballpark sounds and an experimental play-by-play announcer, but they are not required for successful gameplay. OOTP 25 is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: The game makes good use of a standard keyboard, but while certain interface buttons are customizable, the controls are not remappable.

The post Out Of The Park Baseball 25 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH The controls and character models have never been more lifelike.

LOW Rope and aerial maneuvers occasionally look a little janky.

WTF Bayley should sue the game designers.

They did it. After the last two WWE 2K games flirted with greatness, the developers listened.

They learned.

And now? They made the most enjoyable wrestling title since gamers held three-pronged N64 controllers. With better visuals, tighter controls, and impeccable spectacle and immersion, WWE 2K24 is an absolute monster. Not only is this a must-buy for die-hard grappling fans, but also for those who gave up on the series in the wake of the 2K20 disaster. Those days are long, long gone.

The crux of WWE 2K24‘s appeal lies in its refined in-ring gameplay, which has never been more fluid and responsive. Gone are the ridiculous thumb gymnastics and spam-heavy reversals. Instead, players can now execute context-sensitive actions with greater ease, whether positioning a rival for a devastating move from the turnbuckle or chaining sequences that mirror the… realistic… escalation witnessed in real-life matches.

There’s also the addition of the “Trading Blows” mini-game, which is supposedly player-initiated but tended to happen to me randomly. While enjoyable once or twice, the arbitrary nature of the event, and the lack of any real advantage given for winning makes this more of a distraction than an asset. Thankfully, gamers can turn this feature off in the settings.

I should mention that legacy issues like the unnatural body movements seen when players are near the ropes remain, but with the effortless controls, players would have to be nitpicky to focus on these rare moments. Wrestling hasn’t felt this natural since the early ‘aughts, and no WWE title has had that unmistakable “just one more match” quality in far too long.

The developers have also found new ways to pump more visual splendor into WWE 2K24. While the last few editions have been gorgeous, the precise character models, facial expressions, and subtle in-ring movements add all new layers to the presentation. There are a few exceptions, of course (what did Bayley do to you guys, anyway?) but 2K24 sees a notable uptick in detail, and gamers will be pleased.

This was no small feat — WWE 2K24 features an expanded roster of more than 200 current and past
WWE talents, each of which features multiple versions (called “Personas”) and are customizable.
While I prefer to replicate the television versions of these characters, I imagine users will find hours of
enjoyment swapping movesets and entrances. If only 2K implemented a custom entrance music feature.
I suppose this can wait for next year.

WWE 2K24’s creation suite continues to excel, offering unparalleled customization options that enable
players to recreate or invent virtually any aspect of the wrestling world. From creating referees and
signs to designing entire promotions, the community-driven content significantly extends the game’s
lifespan and appeal, even if the absence of custom entrance music remains a notable limitation.

Likewise, the array of match types has somehow grown, reintroducing fan favorites like ambulance, casket, and special referee matches back into the mix. Gamers even have the option to play as referees, which offers some nuance to multiplayer matchups. Of course, some of these have modified control schemes which can be difficult for newcomers. But once the controls are figured out, there’s a lot of reward to be had by completing these missions.

The WWE 2K series has never been short on modes and features, and 2K24 offers the most robust collection yet. GM mode is particularly engaging this time around, with deeper dives into the operations of running the world’s largest wrestling promotion. Here, users can scout, trade, budget, and build wrestlers from wannabes into world champions. The mode may not be new, but the delivery has never been more accessible. Those who have shied away from the micromanagement, intricacies, and minutiae from previous renditions should take another look this year.

MyRise, WWE 2K24’s narrative story mode, returns in fine form, with all-new storylines for both male and female wrestlers. There were always RPG-lite elements to this mode which played nicely into the bombastic storytelling the sport is known for, but the addition of more engaging voiceovers and sidequests gives this mode more depth than ever. Gamers who found themselves tiring of the grind will likely be surprised by how much depth has been added, and how much more rewarding the end-game is as a result.

Also, it should be mentioned that the dramatic impact of the storylines is beyond comparison. I am not permitted to discuss the outcomes here at the time of this writing, but suffice it to say, while this isn’t exactly Succession or Yellowstone, fans of sports entertainment are likely to be satisfied with what’s presented here.

Also back by popular demand is the retrospective Showcase mode, which takes gamers on a journey through the history of Wrestlemania, replete with accurate presentation, arenas, music, and even era-appropriate interviews from days gone by. Wrestling newcomers may not understand the context of every match, but long-time fans (like the creaky Gen-X’er writing this review) will revel in this thorough trip down memory lane.

My only struggle with WWE 2K24’s modes is the card-based MyFaction mode, which is another standard collect-and-swap grind… and another opportunity for microtransactions. While it compares well to similar modes in other sports titles and allows for more progression with less out-of-pocket expense, it just doesn’t offer the same immersion as 2K24’s other features. Maybe it’s time card-based modes took a post-Wrestlemania retirement.

Online, the game performed well. Lobbies were fast to load, the match options were extensive, and matchmaking made sense. But, as a new release, problems occurred with both lag and random resetting of matches. I fully anticipate this will be resolved by the time this review hits the digital newsstands.

At the risk of hyperbole, WWE 2K24 is an essential purchase for wrestling fans, sports fans, and fighting game fans. It’s not flawless and it’s not a huge leap beyond 2K23, because it didn’t have to be. This is the wrestling title fans have waited for, and every promise and tease from the past few renditions has been fully realized here.

In short, WWE 2K24 is a crowning achievement for a series that nearly buried itself just four years ago, and I’ll be playing it long after the referee counts 1-2-3.

Score 9 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by 2K and developed by Visual Concepts. It is available on XBO, XSX/S, PS4, PS5, and PC. This game copy was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the Xbox Series X. Approximately 15 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 4 hours of play were dedicated to online multiplayer modes.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated T. This is a realistic representation of professional wrestling action and storylines, with violence at the forefront of the gameplay. Additionally, some dialogue and themes in the story modes may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: There are no colorblind modes available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: WWE 2K24 features subtitles and numerous tactile feedback features within the controller, in all modes. The game is playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

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