Pro Evolution Soccer 2010

[TCO]

Pro Evo has become a laughing stock compared to FIFA, it always had gameplay to back up lack of licences, but even that is vastly inferior now. I see absolutely no reason to buy this anymore, FIFA has evolved into the perfect football game. Don't get me started on the online, EVERY game is extremely laggy, no matter how good your connection is.

[Baddar]

Konami reckon their online play (as far as responsiveness/lag goes) is on par with FIFA now.

We'll see. Although I definitely don't see me buying PES 2010. FIFA 10 offers me what I want in a football game nowadays, so I don't need both. You can however, trade in FIFA 10 for PES 2010 on release for £9.99...somewhere though.

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

I still prefer the Pro Evo gameplay to FIFA (based on demos this year) which just doesn't feel quite right. Therefore I'd suggest that it's not yet a "laughing stock".

It's a LOT closer than it used to be though and the lack of teams in Pro Evo, while I'm used to it, has just become a little depressing.

[Baddar]

Using Option Files on PS3 and 360 has become more of a bitch as well, for correct kits etc.

I remember for PES 2009, it took me about an hour to move each kit file (about 800 in all :/) as well as whatever else was needed into the PES folder for it to work. I only played it about twice too.

[TCO]

People who still prefer PES are people who just refuse change. Playing FIFA after years of Pro will obviously make it seem bad compared to what you're used too, but a prolonged period of FIFA to make adjustment, will see a clear winner. This is coming from a former die hard Pro Evo fan, so much so I still use their controls for FIFA.

[King Ellis]

PES has more National Teams though, if that floats your boats.

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

People who still prefer PES are people who just refuse change. Playing FIFA after years of Pro will obviously make it seem bad compared to what you're used too, but a prolonged period of FIFA to make adjustment, will see a clear winner. This is coming from a former die hard Pro Evo fan, so much so I still use their controls for FIFA.

Every year I try FIFA and yeah, after a huge gulf around the turn of the century, FIFA has been bringing it closer and closer every turn and I was REALLY happy to give it a go this year. Downloaded both demos, played them to death and while FIFA is superior in some aspects, it still suffers from some weird animations, the need for players to sometimes complete their animation before they carry out the action, strangely shaped and scaled penalty boxes and an odd graphical sheen.

Pro Evo 20210 is in no way perfect and can be a little sluggish and fussy but it's still a better simulation of football as far as I'm concerned.

So don't try to tell me what I actually think. Just because you've "changed" doesn't mean that everyone has...And it has nothing to do with accepting or not accepting anything. It would be been great to buy a game with all the proper kits and teams for once.

If I truly think FIFA is better next year then I'll happily grab it. I just want the football game that I prefer to play each year. I'm not going with a sub-standard product just to prove a point to myself - talk about waste of money.

[Plubby]

I downloaded both the FIFA and PES demos and trialled them over the weekend.

First report-back had FIFA blowing PES out of the water. Like, wasn't even close. Considering I was mostly buying it for the Be-A-Player modes and apparently FIFA's is more in-depth, the better gameplay had me sold.

On the second go-around though, FIFA is absolutely infuriating me. As Hamster just posted, having to finish animations is frustrating, the ( X ) to challenge is far, far superior and more realistic on PES, and the whole thing is a lot bigger and easier on my eyes. Also, the reffing is complete bullshit. The ineptitude of ( X ) to challenge makes Slide-tackling a must, but the refereeing is so strict that it's controller-hurling frustating when the Computer flawlessly executes a normal challenge. The whole thing makes getting the ball back an exercise in "Hope they pass the ball straight to me!"

If PES could introduce that sweet thing FIFA has in its menus with the running at the goalie thing, i'd flip back. As it stands, I kind of have to decide how much the difference in depth of the BA(P/L) mode actually matters :\

[Timmoru Suzuki]

( A ) is a much much much more effective challenge button on FIFA, and blows Pro Evo's basic tackle button out of the water.

Neither game is perfect at all, its more a case of them both being as inperfect as each other, rather than being as good as each other, if that makes sense. I went with FIFA simply because it felt like a much more improved version of previous games, unlike Pro Evo, which is a re-released (and slightly worse) version of last years game.

In short, I have "changed" but I have to agree with Hammy that it's not about refusing to accept anything. Both games have large flaws, for some FIFA's flaws are more manageable, or its pro's outweight it's cons, and for others the same is true for Pro Evo.

[Baddar]

( A ) is a much much much more effective challenge button on FIFA, and blows Pro Evo's basic tackle button out of the water.

I think the problem with FIFA's is that it's still far too easy to hold down on it and watch as your players rush in and step into every challenge. With PES, it's more of a 'press when you're near and you might tackle him' thing, and I prefer it like that.

So many people online just hold down the standing tackle button, and it's the main reason why FIFA has come under criticism this year for being 'ping-pong football' online.

[Plubby]

( A ) is a much much much more effective challenge button on FIFA, and blows Pro Evo's basic tackle button out of the water

Wow, really?

the ( X ) to challenge is far, far superior and more realistic on PES,

I strongly disagree. Agree to disagree, I guess... :\

[Baddar]

I wouldn't say PES's is "more realistic", because I mean, players putting constant pressure on opponents is common. I just think it's too easy in abuse in FIFA at the moment.

[The Quasi Juice]

I wouldn't say PES's is "more realistic", because I mean, players putting constant pressure on opponents is common. I just think it's too easy in abuse in FIFA at the moment.

I don't get this actually. I invite players to "abuse" it against me, all the more easy to get past them.

To back up whoever said that if you always play PES, FIFA will look inferior and vice versa; I was once a PES diehard fan, until I decided to just buy FIFA09 'cause I was fed up with certain aspects of PES and I loved it. So now I'm used to FIFA and when I gave the PES demo a shot this year I thought it was complete balls (and my mate did too who was also a PES fan before 09). In order for me to ever buy PES again they would need to blow FIFA's gameplay away, because if they are equal, you bet your ass I'm going to buy FIFA because: 1) Better graphics IMO although this is getting closer, 2) way bigger database of players, 3) real leagues, real names, 4) better online.

[Liam]

That's basically the argument I was having with someone the other day. I used to love Pro evo, but bought FIFA 09 after trading in Pro Evo 09. Pro Evo used to be miles ahead, gameplay wise, but even now if it catches back up and they end up about equal, FIFA's presentation is vastly better than what Pro Evo offers. If Pro Evo surpasses FIFA in gameplay terms, I'd go back, but if it was much of a muchness gameplay-wise, FIFA probably would keep me.

[Baddar]

I wouldn't say PES's is "more realistic", because I mean, players putting constant pressure on opponents is common. I just think it's too easy in abuse in FIFA at the moment.

I don't get this actually. I invite players to "abuse" it against me, all the more easy to get past them.

I'm not saying there are times when, because of this, your opponents defence goes to the shits because they keep rushing you with players, it's just it makes things look very untidy when the ball is bouncing around from player to player, amateur like at times, because of all the standing challenges flying in.

[Baddar]

Ok, so this may have a hint of tl;dr about it, but I've wrote this for the purpose of PESGaming, so I thought I might as well post it here, just in case there's anyone thinking of picking up the game or if they share/disagree with my views.

-------

Before I get started with this, I'd like to take the time to express my gratitude towards dougiedonut who sent me PES 2010 absolutely free of charge earlier this week. When I knew I'd be receiving the game, I wasn't entirely sure whether or not I'd be feeling lucky to be getting such a fan-dabi-dozi game for nothing, or relieved that I didn't need to stump up £30+ at Tesco to pick it up.

While I'm at it, it's worth giving a thank you to Rosh, whose Option File I copied over to my PS3 in anticipation of the game.

Let me just say that the views posted below are based on between 30 and 50 games played in Exhibition and Champions League mode on professional and top player difficulty. I've yet to delve into the other offline modes, or the online side of things just yet.

With that out of the way, it's time to get started. One of the first things that come to mind when firing up the game and loading an Exhibition match is that anyone outside of the room in which the game was being played would be forgiven for thinking you were watching the opening sequence to EastEnders on a continous loop.

Of course, I'm not talking about the "scripting" talk that is forever a feature on both PESGaming and the EA Forums, but rather the hideous thud of the ball being kicked around the park. It was a widely criticised issue in PES 2009 and I have no idea it's still implemented in 2010. It really is shockingly bad.

Awful ball-audio aside, the other thing you notice when starting a game is how beautiful the graphics are. The detail on the kits from the sponsors to the manufacturers to the club emblems, everything looks top notch, which is more than can be said about FIFA. For a game that has the lionshare of the licenses, the attention to detail on kits just isn't as good as PES. Thinking back to PES 2009, the shorts were atrocious. They were ridiculously long and with PES being ridiculed by many on the forums for being way too fast in terms of gameplay speed last year, the joke about it being just like Basketball was always going to be made. I'm not sure whether or not they have been shortened in 2010, but they're most definitely not as baggy and "in your face" as previously was the case.

I didn't play the demo, but one major gripe seemed to be that the passing was very unlike PES, in that it didn't seem responsive enough. Again, I can't categorically say whether or not the passing changed from the demo, but it felt like the PES of old for me. If you press the pass button and direct it, almost instantly your command would be represented on-screen. This could be down to the lack of new animations, meaning it doesn't take as long to pass as say, FIFA does, because the animation ends quicker. It could be the case, but I'm no expert on the matter. All I do know is that most PES fans wouldn't have it any other way, and love the fact that you can still create that awesome attack after a string of short, incisive passes.

Something else I didn't play a whole lot was PES 2009. I guess you could say that I'd moved over to the dark side, so to speak, and played FIFA for most of the year instead. I think this was down to me wanting something new, and EA's new collision system combined with some big gameplay improvements went most of the way to giving me that. In comparison with PES 2008, the defensive positioning on the player team has improved immensely. For me, it is one of the huge advantages it still has over FIFA, along with player likenesses. Defenders hold a good line and in my experience, very rarely decide to go on a wander, allowing the AI to run through on your goal unchallenged. It still feels a bit harder than it should be to switch between players and control the player you're trying to every time, but it shouldn't be taken as a criticism, because it's something that you'd get used to over a sustained period of play.

Staying with the player positioning theme, going forward can be a pain at times. In the days of PES5 and 6 on PS2, I fondly remember the my AI team-mates being a joy to play with. If you were in control of a winger, the RB/LB would invarably offer up a forward run as another option. I don't know what exactly Konami are getting wrong, but it just doesn't seem the same any more. It was a problem I highlighted last year and the year before, and it still exists now. For me, players are so concentrated on covering the position you have them set to, it can sometimes prove to be your downfall and bring attacks to a stand-still, literally, because even if I have a 2v1 in the middle of the park or out wide, there are times when my supporting player will just leave the attack and drop back into his hole. The closest thing I've heard to a "player run" button (FIFA's is L1 and is excellent, by the way) is R2 just after a pass is made, and the player passing the ball will make a run forward. To me it seems all too fiddly, and even when you do apply this, they don't always keep running forward with you.

When you do get out wide though and sprint past the wing-back who's trying desperately to muscle you off the ball, putting the cross in the box and landing it on the head of your on-rushing striker is one of the most satisfying things in the game, especially compared to FIFA, where the heading is woeful most of the time. Players can head the ball and get power behind it in PES 2010. Exactly what I like to see. That's when you manage to pick the player out though, as my crossing up to now has been average to say the least as most either go to the front or back post and very rarely end up in the middle where my striker is, but again, that's me being distinctly average at the game, not a flaw.

The AI's slide-tackling is way too perfect in FIFA 10 and from my experience it can be the same in PES 2010 as well. There have been so many times when the AI have clattered into me, taking the ball first and avoiding conceding the free-kick. I guess if this stops the incessant cards being shown, then it can be considered a plus.

Back to heading, and while the attacking side of heading is far superior in PES, I'm not so sure the same can be said about it in general play. It just looks unrealistic most of the time. A player can be a full 10 yards from where the ball is about to land, but still manage to scramble over and win the header with a couple of taps of the X button. In FIFA 10, if you can't physically reach the ball chances are you won't go into the challenge at all. It's the opposite in PES 2010 and that's why the aforementioned wins in that department.

PES 2010 is undoubtedly the best football game Konami have released on PS3. I'll reserve judgement as to whether or not it's my favourite PES to date for another time, but it certainly tops the next-gen list.

I have tried my best (and trust me, I will continue to try) to enjoy this game as much as FIFA 10, but at the moment, I just can't. The outdated animations don't help but of course they're not the be all and end all. What irks me the most is how a game can have the same problems for years and still make the cut for the new release.

Take the Goalkeepers for instance. In PES have always been hit and miss. At times they can make unbelievable saves and others just stand there and do...absolutely nothing. Again, this isn't a swipe at PES in itself as FIFA also has its goalkeeping problems this year, but it just annoys me when you can be 12 yards out and take a shot, yet the 'keeper's only reaction will be to turn and face the net as it flies past him, seconds after making an acrobatic, superman-like double save.

And as much as I understand that speed isn't as much as a factor in PES at it has been for years, seeing a considerably slower defender regain 15 yards on your attacker is just disheartening. What's funny is that it, for so long, was a criticism of that other football game that gets released in October.

Personally, if there's two of you in a room and you're up for playing PES on the same team, where you both control the forward runs and take most control over the AI on the player team, I can see PES 2010 being a blast to play. As things stand and as unpredictable as every game can be the lack of AI help going forward poses a problem that shouldn't exist. Irrespective of whether FIFA 10 can at times feel repetitive, at least you're given almost complete control over your team and how they move when attacking. If anything, attacking in PES 2010 can feel more repetitive than FIFA 10 because of this on occasion.

As highlighted at the beginning of this, this is based on my experience with PES so far. I've been playing for the better part of a week and plan to explore some of the other modes like Master League and Become A Legend some time in the near future.

In closing, my overall opinion is that even though this is the best PES on next-gen thus far, it still has issues that have plagued the series for a good number of years now and they simply shouldn't be there.

One newspaper claimed that "The King is back" in their review. I wouldn't go that far. But as for the claim made by many about PES 2010 needing to beat FIFA 10 or they'll lose too much ground, I don't think it's the case at all. Sure, FIFA still has a lot more licenses than PES does, but the editing in FIFA compared to PES is almost non-existent.

Both PES 2010 and FIFA 10 have moved on in terms of gameplay, but FIFA still rules the roost in that department and have done for arguably three years. I do sense that the gap could be closing though and it could've been even closer had there been more time spent on it.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and although my review may appear largely on the negative side, I honestly believe 2011 could be the year in which PES goes back on top.

The King, I hope, is on his way back.

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

I love this game.

Just won the World Cup with England earlier today. I'd gotten through to the semi finals previously with some good thrashings of smaller teams and had the Argies in the semis. Their goalkeeper was great and their midfield kept the ball pretty well.

It was 0-0 at full time and into extra time but a couple of minutes from penalties, and with man-of-the-tournament Defoe running on empty he cut inside, launched one at the keeper who managed to parry it but couldn't hold it and substiute Downing ran in to hammer it into the net, via the keeper's legs. Scrappy goal, glorious moment.

Beat the Spanish 1-0 in the final too. Had a Crouch goal disallowed late for offside before in the 83rd minute Lennon went off down the wing, cut inside and craftily stroked it past Casillas. Brilliant.

It just feels great and I think the best improvement for the actual PLAYING side of things is that how they've got the feel just right with trying to guide a ball into the net from a longer shot. Hit the crossbar a couple of times from Lampard and put one just over from Rooney but I felt like I was in control of the shot right up until it missed. Really makes me sit back with a "oooooh" as if I was watching a shot that close on TV.

Boo to the naysayers.

[YI]

Played this a bit on Friday and Saturday. I really like it. Emile Heskey is a BEAST! I don't have any consoles these days, so if I do get round to buying a football game it'll be Fifa (just because I feel like it plays better on a PC, the last Pro Evo I bought on the PC was laggy as hell, was 6 I think) but it's a load of fun. Multi-player World Cups are the way forward. 2/3 people on a team, it can be carnage, but the pride you have when stealing a win, it's amazing.

Soundtrack is awesome too, if only for the inclusion of Andrew WK, "Dakota" and Guillemots.

[Noah]

I'm so out of touch with non-management football games these days.

When exactly did the argument change from "If you're still playing FIFA you're a stubborn git and should get with the program and get the superior PES"

to

"If you're still playing PES, you're a stubborn git and should get with the program and get the superior Fifa" ?

Edited January 19, 2010 by The Ego II

[Rich]

The change over to PS3 made the games less fun IMO, I got FIFA this year, I like it, maybe because its vastly different and I don't feel I have shelled out for a game that is only minorly improved (although this is only based on up to PES 2009, I haven't played this years). But FIFA have really upped the game and because its different and new to me I am really enjoying it. I am all for PES going back to being awesome though. PES 3 may have been my favourite football game ever (that isn't made by Sports Interactive ).