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I admit that I’m a little late to the Farming Simulator 25 party. I’ve been a big fan of the franchise for years, so I wanted to give this as much time as I could. However, it didn’t feel as natural as its predecessor, and that was a shame. Though I consider myself relatively experienced with the franchise, I found myself stabbing around in the dark a lot of the time. This led to unnecessary mistakes and plenty of frustration. Yet, there was always an upside that drew me back in. The gameplay is addictive and rewarding. Consequently, I forgave many of the tough and annoying shortcomings.
This simulation game was developed and published by GIANTS Software. Moreover, it is both single and multiplayer, but I focused on option 1. Sadly, I didn’t have time to test the online action, but I imagine it would be a success. Playing with friends as you sow crops, harvest fields, and care for animals must be thrilling. Instead, I relaxed as I tended to my fields and drove each of the authentic machines.
Farming Simulator 25 has new features but familiar action.
If you have never played a Farming Sim game, you must be young or living under a rock. Either way, Farming Simulator 25 is a tough way to break that ice. Like its predecessors, it offers little hand-holding. Once you complete the tutorial, you must balance the books, select your crops, and buy suitable machines for each job. Additionally, you must understand the seasons, prepare for bad weather, and manage your farm hands.
Theoretically, this should be a walk in the park. After all, once you get to grips with the fundamentals, everything should follow suit. Unfortunately, there is so much depth, that newbie farmers can often feel out of their depth. Alongside this, there are 3 unique maps to test out and plenty of impressive new features to explore. Accordingly, Farming Simulator 25 drowns you in content and this can be slightly disconcerting.
New life beyond my struggles.
Though it wasn’t plain sailing, Farming Simulator 25 sparks some interesting life into the franchise. The use of AI and conversation with NPCs was thrilling. Alongside this, there are new towns and construction projects. Additionally, you’ll discover new crops that require specialist knowledge and new animals to raise.
However, it is the new maps, weatherfronts, and big-name brands that bring energy to this title. Farming enthusiasts will love the chance to farm in North America, East Asia, and Central Europe. Furthermore, the ability to jump in your favourite machine and get to work is irresistible. I admit that I’m not a farming aficionado. Subsequently, I don’t know the fine details between each mammoth machine. Yet, I know that keen farmers will enjoy the detail and the vast roster of equipment on offer.
Farming Simulator 25 looks great, but it has its problems.
If you want a realistic simulation experience, Farming Simulator 25 has your back. The machines look incredible and the world is alive with creatures and NPC vehicles. Yet, the AI is occasionally wonky and I was involved in many RTCs. This wasn’t problematic, it simply tarnished the realism. Where this falls short, though, is the frame rate. The game stutters and this is off-putting. I had no rendering issues, but the low frame rates will annoy next-gen gamers. I believe the developer can iron this issue out, but it won’t impress newbies or hardcore fans.
From my limited expertise, I was impressed by the varied and realistic sound effects. Each vehicle is unique and I adored the brutish nature of each enormous machine. Additionally, there are plenty of radio stations to select if you want some music while you work. Farming Simulator 25 delivers a wonderful soundscape that creates a wholesome and fulfilling insight into country living.
Exceptional controls.
The fundamentals may require some trial and error, but the controls are ridiculously smooth. Moreover, the exceptional UI makes every task easy to follow. If you are new to the franchise, your work will be cut out for you. Yet, once you work through the opening experiments, you will feel like an old hand in no time.
Time sink and simulation games go hand-in-hand. If you fall for its charms, you will lose hours of your life. What’s more, you are free to grow your business, develop your fields, and increase your fleet of vehicles. The freedom is rewarding and getting every element right will make you smile. Consequently, this has mountains of replay value and longevity.
Farming Simulator 25 is flawed but still great.
This isn’t perfect by any stretch, but it is the best game in the franchise. The expansive roster of vehicles, crops, and animals gives you ample opportunity to shine. Furthermore, I liked the AI and the large fresh maps. Frame rates are problematic and this needs improving. However, this will be a top-end simulation experience once this is improved. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here! Can you become a virtual farmer? Select your crops, raise animals, and become a country legend.
