Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 Review: Calm Under Pressure

Game Reviewed: Pro Evolution Soccer 2014

Release Date: September 24th, 2013

Developer: Konami

Publisher: Konami

Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 3], XBOX 360

Genre: Sports

Rated: E for Everyone

Without question there are truly a lot of dedicated soccer fans all across the globe. And with it being this time of the year, video game consoles is where the action steps in. This year, side by side, FIFA Soccer 14 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 released on the same day.  This review will solely shed light to where PES 2014 takes us.

It’s a fresh perspective as this is my first year in quite some time playing any soccer titles. It was a welcoming option to see as PES allowed me to choose my own match level preference. I stuck with regular as at any time you can adjust from beginner to super star.

Options doesn’t stop there. PES literally does everything to make you, the player, as comfortable with controls and settings. After flying through the general options you can then choose to learn how to play with Performance Training.  If you’re familiar with any EA Sports games from this year, it’s Konami’s version of the Skills Trainer.

The training session felt very realistic and made me feel like I was actually becoming a professional in a sport where I was novice at best. PES training was a challenge, holding nothing back. But the question lies if the actual gameplay could do just the same.

Navigating to the main hub almost immediately makes PES 2014  appear to be a bit of a lackluster. The main menu only offers exhibition, Football Life which allows you to play as a player or operate as coach and competitions. While it is the bulk of what most gamers are looking for, its integration looked more developed for PC rather than console, especially with the oversized mouse cursor.

A few mentions that continues to stand out over the years is the issue with licenses. Konami has to suffice with players and leagues that are accessible and default other players.  Another disappointment is the starting presentations as they are incredibly choppy due to frame rate issues.

Once you’re beginning an actual session, the experience is a 360! The crowd reaction prior to beginning is amazing. The crowd’s reaction is essential and is unfortunately overlooked or misused in sport’s games. However it’s an emotion that’s quite efficient in PES 2014 through every goal, foul or power play.

Player movement always was a tremendous execution. As I ran down the field, weight shifting played a huge roll in trying to find the right angles for goals. That level of realism threw any thought process of having an “arcade-like” feel or concept.

Graphically, Konami deliver a high-end quality with its all new Fox Engine. Players look much more realistic than I’ve seen over the few years. There’s opportunity still but the overall functionality of the core session seem less. Champion and Beglin, the two announcers in PES, do a good job with commentary. It’s nothing that will set you in awe, but it also blends to the authentic gameplay.

PES 2014 seriously have a few bumps and bruises. However, Pro Evolution Soccer has drastically improved over the years. The lack of online, due to an ineffective patch, worsen its high level of expectancy as  most fans buy soccer to play online. That includes us. If soccer pours through your veins, this year’s PES might surprise you.

Gameplay: 3.75/5

Visuals: 4.5/5

Controls: 5/5

Audio:  3.5/5

Replayability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5