Let me begin with what EA persistently will get proper: presentation. Firing up CFB 27 looks like strolling by means of campus wrapped up in a crisp November air. Stadiums, mascots, and traditions are represented in addition to they in all probability ever have been. Pupil sections sway in unison, and small rituals distinctive to particular person packages pepper each pregame. Participant fashions are detailed and crammed with emotion, although, naturally, they nonetheless look awkward at occasions. Coaches on the sideline appear like individuals somewhat than a Sears model in a polo. Dynamic climate is perhaps my favourite addition of the previous couple of years. Watching a transparent afternoon spiral right into a heavy rainstorm modifications how a sport performs out, not simply the way it seems. And it’s these types of particulars that maintain a smile on my face and have me coming again for extra. Add in a marching band that mixes battle songs with some completely sensible covers, and also you’ve obtained me like a bit worm on an enormous hook.
The menus additionally acquired a facelift this yr, and the brand new format seems sharp on the floor. Icons are cleaner, vital info is less complicated to entry, and the general aesthetic is far more eye-catching. Sadly, they nonetheless really feel sluggish, which is simply an atrocious factor to have to jot down. Significantly. A billion-dollar developer in 2026 can’t ship a product and not using a laggy menu. What are we even doing right here?
As soon as the ball is snapped, CFB 27 does nonetheless scratch that itch, although not for the explanations I hoped. Faculty Soccer 25 was all about break(your)neck, arcade-style soccer that set itself aside from Madden. CFB 26 began pulling the 2 nearer collectively, and 27 continues that regarding pattern. The brand new sort out stick provides a layer of technique. Defensive playbooks have shot up from 9 to 31. A correct fatigue system lastly punishes gamers for leaning on one man for each down. These are all thrilling additions. Nonetheless, I can’t assist however mourn the pace that made 25 so refreshing. To be clear, I like CFB 27. I feel it’s pretty good. However it’s solely been two years, and the glory days are already lengthy behind us.
Highway Again to the Glory Days
Talking of glory, Highway to Glory (and Dynasty) are comparable in that they’re poster kids for incremental change with out significant substance. Dynasty introduces a brand new Blueprint system, letting you set Athletic Director expectations and assigning factors into recruiting, NIL, and amenities. That every one sounds cool on paper, positive. However, cripes, does CFB 27 ever make it boring. To its credit score, Highway to Glory takes you thru highschool recruitment and campus life, nevertheless it by no means made me really feel like an precise athlete juggling faculty, coaching, and fame. That is faculty sports activities. I imply, these tales virtually write themselves! But the mode retains treating that potential as an afterthought, and at this level it’s downright irritating.
However all that may be a drop within the bucket in comparison with how egregious the microtransactions are. With out the slightest warning, EA has dropped them into Dynasty and Highway to Glory, and it virtually looks like a slap within the face. Certain, you’ll be able to grind out factors over dozens of hours and degree up your coaches organically, however gamers are actually unable to succeed in max degree with out spending cash. In actual fact, maxing out your degree may find yourself costing you greater than the sport itself. Sports activities video games have flirted with predatory monetization for years, however slipping it into single-player development and hiding it till launch crosses a line I can’t excuse.
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