Okay, so I finally got my hands on NCAA 25 Deluxe, and let me tell you, the hype is real… mostly. Here’s how my experience went, from pre-ordering to actually playing.
The Pre-Order Hustle
First things first, I pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition. Why? Because I’m impatient and wanted those extra perks, obviously. It was a bit of a pain, truthfully. I kept refreshing the website, fingers crossed, hoping I’d snag one before they sold out. It felt like trying to get concert tickets or something. I eventually got the order in, and it was a huge relief.
Download and Installation…Ugh
Then came the download. Let me tell you, it was a BEAST of a file. My internet isn’t exactly the fastest, so I started the download before bed and hoped for the best. Woke up the next morning, and boom, still downloading! It took almost all day. Finally, it finished, and I began installation. That part went a little smoother, thankfully, but it still took a decent chunk of time.
Diving In: Gameplay and Features
Once it was all set up, I finally jumped into the game. I started with a quick “Play Now” game just to get a feel for things. The graphics are pretty sweet, I gotta admit. The player models look way more realistic, and the stadiums are packed with detail. It really feels like you’re on the field.
Next, I checked out the Dynasty mode. This is where I’ll probably spend most of my time. It’s super in-depth, with all the recruiting, coaching strategies, and everything else you’d expect. I’m still figuring out all the new features, but it’s definitely a lot more complex than the older games.
I also explored Road to Glory. I created my player, a speedy wide receiver, and started my journey from high school to the pros. It’s pretty cool how they’ve integrated the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) stuff into the game. Makes it feel more modern.
The Deluxe Perks
So, about those Deluxe Edition perks… I got some extra Ultimate Team packs, which was nice. I pulled a couple of decent players, but nothing crazy. I am also enjoying the early access, it is good to be some of the first people playing.
My Overall Thoughts (So Far)
- Graphics: Big improvement!
- Gameplay: Feels smoother and more realistic.
- Dynasty Mode: Super deep and engaging.
- Road to Glory: The new additions are cool.
- Download Size: Prepare for a long wait.
- Deluxe Edition: Worth it for the early access and extra packs, maybe.
Overall, I’m pretty stoked about NCAA 25 Deluxe. There’s a lot to explore, and I’m still learning the ropes, but it’s definitely a step up from the previous games. It wasn’t the smoothest start with the huge file size, but now that that is done, it is enjoyable. If you’re a college football fan, you’ll probably dig it.
