Tech News Forget FIFA 15, this year belongs to PES 2015 For years, EAs FIFA and Konamis Pro Evolution Soccer have fought it out for the title of the worlds greatest digital representation of football. Early form favoured PES, but in recent years weve seen FIFAs dominance really hit home. The introduction of the money-spinning Ultimate Team mode - basically a digital version of trading football cards in the playground, and just as addictive - seemed to cement EAs rule over the world of interactive soccer, but like any good derby match, theres always the chance that fortune will switch allegiances. And thats exactly what has happened this year. Even the most dedicated PES fan will admit that the previous entry - PES 2014 - was a bit of a mess. Konami rebuilt the game from the ground up using the superb looking Fox Engine, but this massive undertaking appeared to prevent the developers from really fine-tuning the gameplay. It wasnt a disaster by any means and still maintained that trademark PES magic, but in a year where FIFA was firing on all cylinders, it was like a badly fumbled pass across goal at precisely the wrong moment. Forget FIFA 15, this year belongs to PES 2015 However, this year Konami has made sure the same mistake hasnt occurred twice. PES 2015 may not have the same gorgeous sheen as FIFA 15, and it lacks the glitzy polish and eye-popping presentation that characterises EAs franchise. That matters little, because when you actually pick up the pad and start playing, you realise just how much better PES is. FIFA is like an expensive showboater, keen to entertain the crowd with easy goals and over-the-top moments of pure spectacle, but sadly lacking in substance. The irony is that by showing off, the realism of the game is drastically undermined. For a title which seems to pride itself on being as realistic as possible, FIFA often ends up being anything but. Contrast this with PES 2015 and the difference - while always there in previous offerings - is striking. Sure, its harder to master and there will be many games which pass without any truly remarkable moments, but youll be too engrossed to notice. PES plays more authentically because it demands that you fight for ever pass and sprint, yet it also makes the process thoroughly rewarding. This is deep, tactical football at its very finest; a game which never punishes you unduly and boasts some intelligent and reactive AI. Basically, Konami has nailed it this year when it comes to the feel of the game, as is evidenced by the fact that nil-nil draws can be just as gripping as 5-0 victories. Of course, to many FIFA stalwarts that will matter little; theyre already ensnared by the Ultimate Team mode, the unlikely goals and the arcade-like nature of the action. Thats perfectly fine of course, but as any long-standing PES follower will tell you, Konamis series has always been about offering something with a little more meat on the bone, and never has this been more true than when regarding the latest instalment.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 10:00:26 +0000
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