Gaming review: Pro Evolution Soccer 2017
For many years Pro Evolution Soccer was the astute football fan's favourite game of choice, this was thanks to its incomparable gameplay, but in recent times Konami has repetitively dropped the ball (No pun intended).
This was the perfect chance for EA to capitalise on the collapse of what was once considered the greatest football sim in the entire gaming universe, and with its licensed teams and assets alongside some very inventive gameplay enhancements, FIFA ruled the roost for a number of years. Well, that may be about to change; PES 2017 is here to regain it's title with a 90th minute penalty in the last game of the season with only one point separating the champions and second place. Will they bury it in the top corner? Or will it sail hopelessly wide? For those who value gameplay over the validity of names; it has hit the back of the net with more power than a Gareth Bale freekick.
Playing Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 is an absolute delight. The players move with unrivalled fluidity and instantly respond to your directions. There's a true ebb and flow to each match, which means whether you're on the offence or defence your tactics are essential in every area of the pitch, this keeps each match feeling tense and instinctive. In PES 17, each pass, through-ball, tackle, and shot feels accurate to real life. It feels like you have complete control of the ball.
Each player on the pitch somehow telepathically knows what I'm about to attempt, whether it be a pass and move or an over the top through ball, at times watching the play unfold is quite simply breathtaking. Without a doubt this is by far the best game of football I have ever played. The introduction of new tactical additions combined with an extra touch of intensity assist in making each game that bit more authentic. Then there's the menu system, off the pitch a small facelift isn't quite sufficient to match the level of innovation on it, but when the gameplay is this good, it doesn't really matter.
I do get slightly amused whilst watching my fellow team-mates every time the referee gets involved, they'll start to dispute and bicker over certain passes and plays that were attempted. The referees in this years entry seem a lot stricter than they have been in previous games, but developer Konami has still taken plenty of care to make sure that they're still fair in the cards and penalties they give. Goalkeepers are more of a test too. The improved technology for keepers means that goals are much more difficult to come by, and each one you score will feel like an achievement rather than an easy win.
Visually, PES 17 is breathtaking thanks to the FOX Engine, each player looks lifelike and moves with fluid precision, stadiums feel alive and vibrant and the detail that has gone into each pitch and the affects of weather conditions are nothing short of impressive. One of my main criticisms of the FIFA franchise is that they pay very little attention to the sounds of the game, including the commentary - Instead of the dull and pointless remarks of Martin Tyler and Alan Smith, we have the loud and excitable voice of Peter Drury, whether he gives you his thoughts on the most in form player on the pitch, or screams the name of a player as they attempt an audacious shot on goal, his commentary keeps the game that bit more engrossing and not once does the dialogue feel forced.
Master League has had a few smart changes, one of which is the separation of your transfer budget and your wage allowance, this makes the financial stress a little easier to manage. The transfer system has also been modified slightly, players can now be signed on a six-month loan so you can try and test them within your squad before signing them up to a long term contract. Transfer Deadline Day now has all the crazed excitement of real life as it counts down by the hour, making those final big money signings easier to deal with.
Another cool little feature is trying a player in an alternative position and watching them grow and adapt in to making it there own, It's nice being able to see exactly which attributes are affected by the increase in various training options. Alongside all of this and the addition of skill management and ability enhancements we are treated to a more thorough experience in career mode, but what I still don't fully grasp is how form is calculated in Master League.
In MyClub, bringing together your dream team is now easier thanks to the new auction system, this allows you to find, buy, and combine various agents and scouts to pull in unique players. This addition doesn't sacrifice the mode's overall enigma but lets gamers secure the players they're looking for.
The only thing that i guess will be a negative for most people who play Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 is the obvious; the lack of licensing. It doesn't really matter to players such as myself who play PES for the enjoyment of an authentic on the pitch experience, but for those who want to play as their favourite teams with all the right player names, badges and kits - may find that PES 17 just doesn't hit the right spot for them. It has always been the standout issue to the franchise, and unfortunately it's unlikely to ever be resolved.
The Verdict:
The realism really has been taken to the next level this year, making each pass, tackle and goal attempt feel accurate and rewarding. Goalkeepers and visuals have improved drastically too, the referees might frustrate you at first – but that is because they are as realistic as in the real game.
Despite the licensing issue, Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 is the finest football game currently available. The beautiful game just got even more attractive in its greatest digital form to date, with every cheer, celebration and breathtaking moment, this is how a football sim should capture the true feeling of the real game. If someone would rather avoid the experience due to the lack of licences and names, more fool them, I say.
Review code for Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 was provided by the publisher and reviewed on Xbox One.
By Simon Hill
