Early Hands-On Report: College Football 25’s Gameplay by @EricRayweather

@EricRayweather has shared an exciting early hands-on report about College Football 25, highlighting some of his favorite gameplay aspects. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new and improved:

Custom Route Stems

One of the standout features is the ability to adjust your hot routes to any length. Players now have 12 hot routes available at all times without needing a special ability, offering greater flexibility in play-calling.

Switch Assist

This feature enhances defensive play by allowing you to switch between players post-snap, enabling you to become a more effective user defender.

Abilities

Abilities have been revamped to provide situational boosts rather than guaranteed outcomes. Their power depends on the tier of the player, making the game more balanced and strategic.

Wear & Tear

This mechanic fundamentally changes player management. Continuous hits can impact a player’s ratings and increase their injury risk. Managing your players’ health is now crucial to maintaining their performance.

Composure

A player’s composure affects their performance. The Coach Cam allows you to view a player’s composure: red indicates they are heating up, while blue means they are cold. Factors like performance and Home Field Advantage can influence composure.

Passing

The passing system has been overhauled, improving trajectory and factoring in throw power for velocity. The new pass meter helps with accuracy: blue for best accuracy, yellow for uncertain accuracy, and red for a higher risk of inaccuracy.

Playbooks

College Football 25 features playbooks that reflect real-life team strategies, from various option schemes to wide splits. New trick plays have also been added, providing fun and unexpected options during gameplay.

Kick Meter

The new kick meter adds a challenging aspect to special teams play. It’s particularly difficult on the road, making long kicks harder to nail, adding a realistic touch to the game.

Coach Vision

This system provides comprehensive pre-play information. Using L2/LT and the Right Stick, you can view your team’s composure, wear and tear, matchups, and blocking assignments, helping you make informed decisions.

Home Field Advantage

While this feature has been seen before, its presentation in College Football 25 feels unique. Enhanced audio, crowd interaction, and the return of the Pulse Meter make playing at home a thrilling experience.

TEMPO

The No Huddle offense is back, along with a new “Turbo” mode. Turbo lets you get set faster but limits adjustments, trading flexibility for speed. During regular No Huddle, players look to the sideline for play calls, adding a realistic touch.

@EricRayweather’s report underscores the depth and realism that College Football 25 brings to the table, making it a highly anticipated release for football gaming enthusiasts.