Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 review (Xbox360, PS3, PC)
PES 2010 is a welcome return to form for the series, with a vastly improved online experience and a great single player mode- although the game is still far from perfect.
Regular visitors to Console Corner will know how disappointed I was with Pro Evo 2009, which I scored a lowly six out of ten.
Well, I am glad to report that Konami have finally addressed many of the issues which made PES 09 such a poor game.
Most importantly, the on-line performance is now pretty smooth, as opposed to the unplayable mess of the last two years.
I have played around ten games online so far, and only once has there been bad lag, while on the other games there was the occasional frame rate issue, but nothing that really spoiled the fun.
In addition, Konami have added online competitions and an online community mode which tracks results against your friends and enables you to play in leagues against them.
The improved on-line experience is reason alone to recommend Pro Evo 2010 because nothing rivals the sheer excitement of taking on a fellow human player over the net.
The only problem is that in ranked matches, everyone seems to chose to play with Real Madrid, complete with an almost unstoppable Ronaldo, meaning that I often get 'unfairly' beat while playing with my beloved Tottenham.
Off-line, Master League has been given a very good overhaul. Training and transfers are now much more engaging, as is the cup which is now a single leg fixture for both divisions, while the Champions League and Europa League has also been implemented.
On the pitch- where it really matters- Pro Evo retains its trademark thrilling, arcadey and unrivalled gameplay.
Matches go from end to end, and a particular highlight this year is the way you can launch devastating counter attacks on your opponents.
Players make more sensible runs and the artifical intelligence of goalkeepers has been improved, making for more realistic goal mouth scrambles.
Timing for headers and shots seems more important this year, as is making sure you properly direct your shot or pass.
However, the through-pass button does not seem as reliable and useful as in previous games.
But the most annoying thing Konami have done to the gameplay is making the referees more whistle happy and a lot less likely to play the advantage, which can spoil the flow of the game.
The graphics have been improved, with the great player animations making everything more believable, although touchline, stadium and crowd models still feel last generation.
While this year's PES is a good effort, there is still so much that could be improved.
Top of my wishlist are better online options, allowing for more than 2v2, and the ability to play a co-operative Master League campaign with a friend over the net.
But there also other important things too, including gameplay tweaks, a stadium editor allowing you to design your own ground (given that only Anfield and Old Trafford feature for the English clubs), more teams from lower divsions to use in the Masterleague (even if they are unlicensed), better commentary, more polished graphics and an improved Legends mode.
No review of Pro Evo could avoid comparisons with FIFA 2010.
FIFA is a great game graphically, very polished, with lots of licenses and better options.
I simply prefer the gameplay on PES, but in most other respects FIFA is a better game- and if you prefer the way FIFA plays (which many people do), it really is a no brainer: Go with the EA Sports title.
Overall, PES 2010 is a vast improvement on the previous two games and will provide probably more hours of entertainment than any other title on the market, making it well worth the asking price.
However, one can't escape the feeling that Konami have simply reached the stage they should have been at two years ago- so here's hoping that 2011 will build on this year's success and fans will finally get the complete package they have been crying out for.
bucksherald.co.uk rating: 7.9/10
Version reviewed: Xbox360
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