Konami are at it again with their latest yearly release of Pro Evolution Soccer and this time you have to ask yourself is the update worthwhile and justifiable when each year the same claims are made that suggest improvements to an already pretty solid game.
There’s one thing to consider here and that’s the same with any sports game is the keeping up to date with the players and which teams they are signed to considering the transfers that happen throughout the season. Another element to bear in mind with Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 (PES 2017) is the licensing which is where the battle between the FIFA series and this one come to light. Pro Evo seems to have upped its game through each iteration offering many real leagues and championships although it still falters when it comes to using the real teams which is a bit of a let down. So for example, West Ham are still known as “East London team” which just mars what is a pretty well branded title – at least Liverpool, FC Barcelona has its full branding. It’s a scenario which has plagued the series from day one despite offering plenty of customization options to tailor the experience whether that’s who’s in what team or even the appearance and creation of new players.
In a nutshell, PES 2017 offers a wealth of modes of play, and that’s something that can’t be sniffed at regardless of whether the teams are sporting authentic branding or not. There’s the obvious quick matches to get in and out of (on or offline) and then a plethora of league games such as the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, AFC Champions League and various custom leagues to tinker with. Players can rise to the top of the pile with a the myClub mode where you’re tasked with building your team taking on human and AI opponents. The Master League has you play with your team but also includes some managerial aspects and then the now default football mode for any game, Become a Legend where you play the career of a single footballer in the position of your choosing.
So, how well does it play? It’s a tough one to nail down precisely as the gameplay from last year’s version is ultimately similar where any changes are pretty nuanced. You’ve got more precise passing, and supposed better AI positioning but it’s hard to fully appreciate that in the thick of games. In all honesty the gameplay does feel easier to pick up and play but it’s still a tough game for beginners using the default difficulty where the AI defence can be too good at blocking passes or taking down attacking forwards. Lowering it down becomes too easy though where it degenerates into a goal fest so some middle ground has to be found. That said, the matches are full-on experiences and completely authentic down to every last detail even if some of the animations are a bit wonky and the collisions between players look comical, brutal or just plain warped. You can’t fault the overall atmosphere either or the TV style presentation and it’s here where Pro Evo shines. You get the full match day experience both visually and aurally making for a game where pumping up the sound really puts you there although for some, the constant interjection of replays might begin to grate if all you want to do is play.
So…to wrap up. Pro Evolution 2017 provides an excellent recreated game of football with authentic looking players, great animations and the full razzmatazz of the game off the pitch. The commentary is decent, the ambient audio spot on and the overall presentation well polished all round. Where the game falters is how it compares to its peers and where the mighty FIFA opts for the ultra slick at every turn, some of PES 2017’s interface is basic in comparison. There’s no proper story mode this time despite being able to comfortably create your own player and rise up through the Become a Legend mode, no women players as seen in FIFA 16 either. There is lots to sink your teeth into here though that will keep you occupied for many days, weeks, months and with the game’s updates that keep the rosters as up to date with their real life counterparts as possible means you’ve got one hell of a game here.
So the decision to invest in the latest Pro Evo game boils down to whether you’re an aficionado of the sport and want to have the most up to date offering or whether you’re content with the wealth of options in the last game. It’s a no-brainer for die-hard football fans but if you’re a casual not bothered by the specifics then it’s a bit of a tough one to fully recommend considering how good the last game was. That said, Pro Evo 2017 is a likeable, accessible game full of features and content making it a great entry game for those new to the series. Whilst it’s not as licensed as the FIFA games, the core gameplay experience is majestically accomplished. We billed Pro Evo 2016 as one of the best recreations of the sport and Pro Evo 2017 builds on that greatness taking the game to its next logical step forwards.
Score – 9/10
