When the College Football video game series made its much-anticipated return last summer after an 11-year hiatus, fans were eager for a nostalgic experience. The result, College Football 25, did not disappoint, garnering overwhelmingly positive reviews, including my own. It quickly became the best-selling sports video game of all time, surpassing even EA Sports' expectations. This unprecedented success prompted schools and licensing partners to begin discussions about reviving a college basketball video game, anticipated to launch in the coming years.
However, as the novelty of College Football 25 began to fade, players started to notice its shortcomings. Features like Dynasty Mode felt underdeveloped, and Road to Glory lacked a high school mode. Although the gameplay remained engaging, certain aspects were frustrating. Developers acknowledged their inability to address every concern. With the release of College Football 26 this week, EA Sports has addressed many of these issues. But is it worth the investment of $70 or more for an upgrade? In this review, I will explore the new features and determine whether this game is worth your hard-earned cash.
The presentation in College Football 26 has seen significant enhancements. The repetitive drumline from CFB25 has been replaced with actual fight songs and band performances, which enrich the gaming experience. The return of the Trophy Room serves dual purposes: it’s both a fun background quest and an educational tool that allows players to see the history of trophy winners. Additionally, the inclusion of most FBS coaches’ likeness enhances the game’s realism, although some character models require graphical fine-tuning.
Traditions and atmosphere have also been improved. For instance, Virginia Tech players run onto the field to the iconic “Enter Sandman,” while Michigan fans sing “Mr. Brightside” during games. The dynamic lighting feature, which transitions a day game into a night game during the second half, adds a visually stunning touch. Moreover, gameplay animations, particularly tackles, have noticeably improved, enhancing the overall realism of the sport.
The gameplay experience in College Football 26 is distinct from its predecessor, requiring players to adapt to the speed of the game. Receivers can now come back to the ball, and quarterback accuracy presents a new level of challenge. The frequency of catches broken up by hits has decreased, making for a more fluid passing game. Hardcore players will appreciate the new features like substitutions and pre-snap changes, which add depth to gameplay. However, some glitches persist, such as one I encountered during a field goal attempt, but these are expected to be resolved through future patches.
Dynasty Mode has undergone substantial enhancements, offering greater customization options. However, players must carefully adjust their settings to avoid complications. The transfer portal is perhaps too active, making it challenging for Group of 5 schools to retain top talent. Many players might find it easier to build a team via the transfer portal compared to high school recruiting. Additionally, the coaching carousel has introduced some humorous yet unrealistic scenarios, such as coaches switching to rival teams after successful seasons. While some features may seem minor, they contribute to a more enjoyable and realistic experience.
One of the standout features in College Football 26 is the return of the high school mode in Road to Glory, which adds a fun and engaging element. Players navigate through a five-week high school season, completing various goals to earn tape points. The experience is both challenging and rewarding, allowing players to improve their recruit ranking as they progress. You can choose your top ten schools at the beginning and adjust them weekly, adding an exciting layer of strategy to the game.
Online play has also seen improvements, with the introduction of home-field advantages in the Road to the CFP mode. A historical breakdown of opponents' pass/run tendencies is now included, enhancing the pre-game experience. However, players still must use their specific team’s playbook, limiting customization options. While I have yet to explore Team Builder or Ultimate Team extensively, feedback suggests that these modes still require improvements, particularly in browser compatibility.
Reflecting on College Football 26, it’s clear that the game offers a rich and expansive experience. The depth of playbooks and customization in Dynasty Mode is impressive, though it could overwhelm less experienced players. Developers are tasked with striking a balance between complexity and accessibility, a challenge evident in the gaming industry today. While CFB26 does not feel overly complicated, concerns linger regarding future iterations potentially straying too far from casual gameplay.
Ultimately, whether to upgrade from College Football 25 is subjective. Casual players may find it a close call, while dedicated fans of Road to Glory and online play will likely find the investment worthwhile. The rapid turnover of college football rosters due to the transfer portal adds a compelling reason to opt for the latest installment. With numerous minor upgrades and a few significant changes, College Football 26 successfully fills the gaps left by its predecessor, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the sport of college football.
CFB25 grade: B+ CFB26 grade: A-
