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| The best in the series to date - 4.6 / 5 |
The Pro Evolution Soccer series deserves a lot of credit. Standing toe-to-toe with EA’s behemoth FIFA franchise is no small feat, and yet, each year, Konami manages to deliver a football simulation that may not rival its competitor in sales figures but certainly gives it a run for its money on the pitch.
Ultimately, it doesn’t take long to notice that PES 2018 is an improvement over its predecessor. While Konami hasn't torn the mechanics of last year’s effort to shreds; subtle enhancements to AI etiquette and faster, more responsive controls, makes PES 2018 a cracking football game.
*For a more in-depth review, please visit Impulse Gamer*
Gameplay
Essentially, PES 2018 plays at a slower pace than last year’s entry, making passing and shooting more satisfying. This steadier tempo means there’s more weight to each pass you play and extra venom behind every strike on goal you attempt. Successfully pinging balls from one side of the pitch to the other is immensely gratifying and looks tremendous, especially when the recipient adjusts his body to bring the ball under control.
Not only does it feel authentic, but it also appears remarkably natural. This, in part, is thanks to the Real Touch+ system which considers aspects such as weight, angle and where the ball is travelling from to determine how a player alters his body to collect a pass. The end result is exceptionally life-like, especially when launching a counter-attack from deep with one dazzling pass.
In addition to improvements to the passing and shooting mechanics; dribbling is tighter, making it easier to beat a man down the touch-line and deliver a devastating cross. Coincidentally, it was when I first met an inch-perfect cross with a thumping header where I noticed how flamboyant the goalkeepers are this year. While PES 2017 saw behavioural enhancements in the ‘keeper department, this year you’ll see saves that even Gordon Banks would be proud of. Sure, these wonder saves will prevent you from scoring, but boy do they look spectacular.
Aside from enhancements to the goalkeeper AI, defensive units as a whole operate intelligently, with defenders sensibly identifying threats and cutting out through balls effortlessly. While this makes it harder to fashion chances, it also means that in PES 2018, you must now carefully consider when to attempt a defence-splitting pass.
In regards to modes, Master League, Become a Legend and MyClub are all here as are the licensed Champions and Europa Leagues. New to PES 2018 is the return of Random Selection mode, where the game randomly assembles teams that meet your specifications. For example, you can set parameters such as playing with only English players and the game will randomly create two groups that match your criteria. Additionally, new modes include online 11 Vs 11, 2 Vs 2 and 3 Vs 3 co-op.
Graphics / Audio
Alas, we now reach the not so positive characteristics of PES 2018. While this year’s effort is graphically the sharpest in the series, there are still areas of the game that could use a polish.
Now, although my criticisms may seem harsh, the reason I’m airing these grievances is that they are all avoidable. Indeed, it’s unfair to condemn PES for having phoney names or a lack of competitions as it doesn’t have FIFA licensing. However, the menus aren’t unsightly, and the commentary isn’t inadequate because of licensing issues. Sadly, nuisances like these plague the PES series every year and while I can forgive the lack of authenticity, it’s disappointing Konami didn’t put a gloss on these particular aspects of the game to give it an extra shine.
Nonetheless, it’s not all doom and gloom in the presentation department. Both the Camp Nou and Westfalenstadion stadiums look sublime as does several of the top clubs’ star names. Lastly, with player animations looking exceptionally life-like, there are times, on the pitch at least, where PES 2018 is visually striking.
Final Thoughts
Overall, what PES 2018 lacks in authenticity, it more than makes up for in gameplay. Bettering its predecessor on the pitch, PES 2018 is another fantastic entry in the series.
Gameplay - 5/5
Graphics - 4/5
Audio - 4/5
Value - 4.5/5
Overall 4.6/5
Graphics - 4/5
Audio - 4/5
Value - 4.5/5
Overall 4.6/5