PES 2018 is Great, But Not Much Different From Last Year’s Version

A new year, a new version of PES.

I’m sure we’re all aware of the deal now: if you want all the licenses and a touch more visual flair you opt for FIFA, while if you value gameplay, PES is probably the one you want. The trouble is, FIFA‘s catching up on the gameplay front all the time, and, with last year’s introduction of a story mode, I was hoping this year’s PES would perhaps push the boat out a bit to be extra special. Unfortunately it doesn’t, but it’s still very good.

Despite the gameplay being fine-tuned to be more authentic than ever, it just doesn’t feel that much different. It’s still a wonderful representation of “The Beautiful Game”, but this year’s PES sits firmly in the evolution rather than the revolution camp. Perhaps the biggest changes are those made to set pieces, which have been reworked to allow for more strategy, but other than that it’ll be hard to spot the differences until you’ve invested some real time with the game.

One thing that PES 2017 had in abundance was modes and gameplay options, and in PES 2018 they all return with more thrown in for good measure. There’s no story mode though – Konami hasn’t deemed it worthwhile to copy Electronic Arts on that front yet. MyClub remains as deep and engaging as ever, and you can also take part in exhibition matches, championships and leagues both on and offline. What’s new, however, is a dedicated online co-op mode, allowing for 2v2 and 3v3 matches with support for local players. If you’ve got some friends hanging around or on the other end of an internet connection, it’s a great way to play.

As usual though, PES 2018‘s main problem is licensing. Some teams are licensed, so if you’re a fan of Arsenal, for example, you can play with the correct kit, names and likenesses. But the majority are not. Being a Sheffield Wednesday supporter I have to make do with just South Yorkshire Blues, which is as lame as ever. It has to be said that the faces of players without likenesses just aren’t quite up to scratch either, though PES 2018‘s graphics in general aren’t particularly at the top of its game.

Of course, team data can be painstakingly edited if you’re up for it. Or you just can just download an option file for a small cost which updates all of the team data for you to be present and correct. It’s up to you. It doesn’t improve the gameplay, but it definitely does improve the overall experience.

In summary then, PES 2018 is a good but unambitious football game. If you adored last year’s version you’ll assuredly adore this one, but it won’t feel vastly different. It’s been tweaked and built upon in small measure, but its flaws remain as clear as ever. If you’re happy with that then go ahead, jump right in. But some players will have probably been expecting just a bit more given the heightened competition.