Reviews// PES 2014

Not many teams in the world can pass with the fluidity of Barcelona and nor can every player in PES. The system has always been deep enough to learn a Champions' League level of tactical ability but it takes time.

All these elements are imperative to what makes the series so well loved, so I couldn’t be happier to find that with the reworked edition, all has been kept in tact.

Long term fans will take some time to adjust to the new ways in which the players take their first touches and move around the pitch but once they pick that up they’ll return to their form and spend the rest of their time appreciating the cosmetic changes that have been made.

Ball movement is as good as it’s ever been and balls react realistically to each deflection or mis-control. They ping off posts and heads in random directions to both to defenders or attackers, and even to groups of players who are eager to fling their legs leatherwards.

It all just works so well. Even the very few times that it resulted in ping-pong ball syndrome this ball reaction felt organic.

Deadball kicks have been reworked wonderfully. You’re now give the trajectory of the ball that you can manipulate with the right stick. Each path will be different depending on what player you’re using; not only in terms of their skill but in which area of the pitch the kick is being taken.

Gerrard for example can take a wonderful in-swinging corner from the left but hasn’t got the same ability from the right and must swing the ball out and away from the keeper. It’s a huge improvement on how to take set pieces and even if you’re not in love with the new system, you have the option of reverting to the old one.

Not only have your teammates been given an AI boost with regards to formation and run making, so have your opponents. You can see the other team changing tactics on the fly, adjust to cut out your wing play and even double up on certain players.

In one match against UAE I noticed that their defense was tight in the middle making through balls and central runs pointless. However if I pulled my wingers inside to support the strikers allowing the full backs to make their runs into the mass of space in the flanks and whip a ball across. When I went 2-0 up they adjusted to counter that.

Sometimes though the AI can fall apart and the computer turns from Einstein to Boris Johnson in the flick of any eye, having defenders try and shield the ball just outside their own area slowing the game right down and allowing for some easy tackles leading instantly to chances on goal.

Presentation
The main areas that PES as a series falls behind though are the presentation and content. FIFA offers every game mode you could possibly think of and although you’ll pick your favourite and stick with it, there is something for everyone.

As good as PES's Master League is, I couldn’t help but feel as though there wasn’t much more else I could do. International tournaments and the licensed Champions League are fun but they offer nothing more than a quick stab at a fictional European Cup or World Cup. As Konami have stripped the online mode until launch I was unable to get into some real life football contests.

It’s also as much of a mess as it’s always been when it comes to players, teams and commentary. It’s an issue that can’t be overlooked and one that will plague the series while FIFA has the lockdown on the rights.

It’s also enough to turn a fare few people off as they fail to fall in love with London Blue as much as they do Chelsea... or not as in the case of this reviewer.

However with the improvements made on the visuals, the gap has closed somewhat between PES and FIFA. Although it’ll take a hell of an update for the series to be on par with EA's juggernaut, it’s coming along well.

And you’d have to be made of stone if you don’t smile while the game launches up to the tune of from Nessun Dorma from Turandot.

With all of PES 2014’s flaws and missing features I have to honestly say it’s the best version of the series since its glory days. I was constantly impressed by the game and have enjoyed almost every minute of every match I’ve played.

Although I can’t compare it to EA’s effort this year - having not played it - it’s safe to say that PES 2014 really does feel like it’ll give it a run for its money. Not in options, presentations or licenses, but where it matters... on the pitch.

Pros
+ A realistic interpretation of football
+ Improved visuals and animation
+ Wonderfully reworked set plays

Cons
- Slow frame rates during replays and cut scenes
- Leagues behind in presentation
- Lack of licensed clubs and players

SPOnG Score: 4/5