Short Review: Pro Evolution Soccer 2017
By: RJ (@rga_02)
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2017
- Developer - Konami
- Publisher - Konami
- Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
- Rating - E
Pro Evolution Soccer is back – and the lights are shining on the pitch brighter than ever.
Like certain leagues in Europe – soccer (let’s just call it football for the remainder of this review) is usually dominated by one team. That applies to the videogame world. EA’s FIFA franchise is always on the top of the table – while Konami’s PES usually falls short on the last match day. In the case with football videogames though, it shouldn’t matter who comes up on top when it comes to popularity or sales, it’s should be base on how the game plays.
When it comes to gameplay, no one bring PES down on the pitch. You know that feel when you CQC someone in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain? Thanks to the FOX Engine – the collision system in this game is pure bliss. Every pass, every tackle, every shot on target just feels so good. Every movement and action on the pitch is just so cinematic – and I mean that in a good way.
The biggest gameplay overhaul that Konami touted prior to release are the goalkeepers. Movements of the goalkeepers have been reworked to mimic realistic actions. For example, they will react quickly to deflected shots. Some higher class goalkeepers will even make some stunning saves that you’d expect more out of a person controlling him than the AI.
Pace in this game is slower than past iterations – but once you get to know the basic tempo of the team of your choice, that shouldn’t really bring your rhythm on the pitch down.
Tactics are also a strong point in this game. You will get exposed if you just focus on free flowing attacking football. You have to adapt to the style of your opponents – especially the larger teams in the game where Konami placed a large emphasis on like Arsenal or Barcelona.
However PES does have a lot of shortcomings. For example season mode and career more are fairly still basic – something you would probably find in a football game from the 6th generation. Especially with FIFA17 and their single player story mode that has Mass Effect-esque decision systems.
Another drawback is the lack of licensed teams and competitions. Having the Championship & Europa League is a big plus, but there are those out there who don’t like to ruin their immersion when they are pinning their beloved East London against ED White Orange in Europe’s most elite competition. However this could be bypassed with PES’ editing system – pending if one wants to take the time to add in all the emblems and edit the team names.
However they have gotten better in the licensing department with certain large clubs. For example, Dortmund, Arsenal and Liverpool are fully licensed.
Other notable modes in this game include MyClub. It’s basically Konami’s equivalent to EA’s FUT. However unlike FUT where you can achieve glory without paying a single dime – MyClub is set up so you are tempted to use real life currency. It’s also the same shallow experience that you can find in the older iterations. Of course there are some minor tweaks such as you can now scout better however MyClub still falls flat compared to FUT.
PES still remains the best player out in the on the bright pitch. It may have a knockoff Abbibas shirt, but no one else can deny the skills that are displayed.
