Ea Sports FC 25, everything we need to know in five points

We understand that Ea Sports FC 25, the world's best-selling football simulation game, will be available on 27 September 2024 and with early access through the Ultimate Edition from 20 September 2024. Ea Sports (formerly Fifa) has not only been the world's most popular and best-selling football simulation video game for decades - virtually topping the sales charts in Italy every year - it is a shining example of incremental video game innovation. Every year improvements and small-big changes are made so as not to displease anyone and at the same time to justify the purchase. A bit like what happens in the smartphone industry. In the course of August, a number of new features were unveiled. Here is everything we need to know in five points.

The new feature is called FC IQ. It is a tactical engine based on Opta's statistical readings that offers greater strategic control and more realistic team movements, influencing game tactics through new player roles based on real data. In practice, the behaviour of each player on the pitch is simulated when not under direct player control. The aim is to use this technology together with HypermotionV and the PlayStyles mechanics to make the match even more realistic and increase the strategic options of the match. More than 50 new player roles are planned, which will drive the way each player thinks and behaves on the pitch, resulting in more authentic tactical intelligence and off-ball movements. In some ways, you will be able to intervene in your player's playing personality. This is certainly the most interesting new feature this year, along with the ability to access tactical shortcuts at any time. This EA Sports will be the most strategic ever.

Every year there is a new mode. This year's appears fast-paced and fun, focusing on 5-on-5 matches in smaller arenas, with more arcade gameplay. It is reminiscent of the Volta mode, which was, however, unsuccessful. In this case, it is a 4-on-4 with computer-controlled goalkeepers on a smaller field. The rules are slightly different, but the basic gameplay remains that of EA FC. Rush's approach aims to promote co-ordination between players, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute significantly to the team in various roles during the game, whether it be defending, making assists or scoring. Rush can also be used to test new talent before employing them in more important matches.

The former Fifa has always distinguished itself from the competition by being a version of football that favours spectacle. It is as good to watch as on television. Great attention is therefore paid to the filming, the audience and the animations. This year, Ray Tracing is included for the first time. The game then runs in two graphics modes, the resolution, with native 4K at 60 FPS, and one that sacrifices frame rates for higher resolution. Then the benches increase to 9 players also to increase the options. A way of calculating the running movement of the players is introduced to make it more realistic. The producers explained that Full Body Mimic was able to replicate the arm and torso movement of hundreds of athletes. A new modelling model of the athletes' skulls is also planned, to generate a more accurate face even of players who were not created with body scans. The game will include all the latest licences for teams, stadiums and players. Missing from the list are AC Milan and Inter Milan, but AS Roma and SSC Napoli will return.

There will be new Heroes making their debut again this year, each with the chance to grow with their Football Ultimate Team club, just as they did during their respective careers. The full list of new Heroes includes iconic names such as Blaise Matuidi, Celia Šašić, Eden Hazard, Fara Williams, Guti, Jaap Stam, Jamie Carragher, Laura Georges, Maicon, Marek Hamšík, Mohammed Noor, Tim Howard and Zé Roberto. As far as ratings are concerned, according to the FIFA Ratings website, the strongest player is Manchester City's Erling Haaland, with a score of 91/100, the same as Mbappé, who occupies the second position, followed by De Bruyne. In the derby of the Milanese, Inter Milan prevails with a rating of 83, followed by AC Milan with a rating of 81.