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[willooi]

I thought PES 10 and 11 were excellent, but was extremely disappointed with 14 having skipped the ones in between. Most likely will go for the next FIFA, mainly because I think Pro Evo's rubbish online play is unacceptable after a whole console generation to get it right.

I adored Master League back in the day, particular in the PS2 era, but much prefer Ultimate Team now.

 

[TomShoe]

It's never coming back on top.

NBA 2K overtook NBA Live because NBA 2K was on an entirely different level, quality wise. That, and also that the Live brand wasn't as ingrained in consumers, making the transition much faster. FIFA games are of good quality IMO, and they're good enough to not get crapped on by the general media. PES would have to put out a far superior product for multiple years on end to gain any kind of significant market-share from the brand, because the association is already deep-rooted as it is. It would be easier to overtake Madden (Most Madden games hardly improve year over year, EA pays for no competition), than to take on FIFA.

 

[Datschge]

I wonder though, has anyone gone back played one of the PS2/Xbox era PES games? Does the gameplay still feel great as it did at the time of release? Maybe the current PES aren't that different gameplay wise from those of the glory days, but football games (FIFA in particular) have just evolved beyond what PES offered back in the day and we all have an idolized memory of it. Perhaps the old PES would feel just as bad today as the current ones do.

Well, I for one am still playing PES13 on the Wii which is a direct continuation of the engine of the PS2/Xbox era PES games, and there still is no comparable real time football simulation that I feel could reasonably replace it. Especially the player behavior as a collective makes other football games (including HD PES) still look laughably bad.

 

[Nintendojitsu]

Even when PES was at it's highest point it was still comfortably outsold by Fifa just because of the license. Sales don't really indicate which is the better series

Actually it does. Sales are the only thing that trump biases.

 

[Tecl0n]

I was part of the hype for 2014, never again.

 

[Curufinwe]

Actually it does. Sales are the only thing that trump biases.

Mid 2000's FIFA was not better than PES 4, 5 and 6. Not even close.

 

[Pyroclastic]

pes 2013 was the tits, people need to get up to speed. I enjoyed it almost as much as I did the ps2 games, and maybewould have done even more if the master league had any significant changes. shame they ballsed up 2014 though, should have just left the new engine for the first ps4/one game.

I'm guessing there's no chance of a vita version? Not the psp version which has gameplay that hasn't changed in years. The vita doing as poor as it has really messed up the number of good sports games available for it. Makes it all the more annoying EA decided to rehash the version of the game before all the really good changes to gameplay

 

[Nintendojitsu]

Mid 2000's FIFA was not better than PES 4, 5 and 6. Not even close.

I'm sure it was but do you honestly believe this is why these publishers make those games year after year?

Gamecraft means nothing to them. Sales are the only thing that matter to them.

 

[AstroLad]

It's never coming back on top.

NBA 2K overtook NBA Live because NBA 2K was on an entirely different level, quality wise. That, and also that the Live brand wasn't as ingrained in consumers, making the transition much faster. FIFA games are of good quality IMO, and they're good enough to not get crapped on by the general media. PES would have to put out a far superior product for multiple years on end to gain any kind of significant market-share from the brand, because the association is already deep-rooted as it is. It would be easier to overtake Madden (Most Madden games hardly improve year over year, EA pays for no competition), than to take on FIFA.

This actually happened many years ago. PES was starting to cut into FIFA marketshare (and was starting to get much better reviews as well) and FIFA pretty much ripped off the entire control scheme and a lot of the mechanics. FIFA would be nowhere near what it is today without that. Just another example of why competition is good and why it's a bummer PES is a shell of its former PS2 glory days. Weird to me that most people seem unaware of this history but I guess there weren't many playing both religiously through the years. fwiw I gave up on PES about five years ago. FIFA only now though hey if PES really does make a big splash I'll certainly pick it up. There are areas where FIFA has dropped the ball, like local co-op and I'm sure others that people could name but they aren't many and PES has to be incredibly strong to overcome the licensing disadvantage (which it was in the PS2 days).

 

[NHale]

It's part of a cycle, the question is if PES will improve enough to be a serious contender once again.

10 years ago nobody imagined how FIFA would ever be on the same level as PES because the quality difference was huge. 4 years ago it was the complete opposite with FIFA being hugely superior to PES. In the last couple of years we've seen the first steps in the right direction for PES and in some regards they are already ahead of FIFA (teammate AI, tactics, franchise mode) but still lag behind in a lot of departments (Ultimate Team, licensing, goalkeeping, character movement).

I just don't see anything touching FIFA. It might seem cool to hate on the series, but nothing else comes close, and it just keeps getting better and better. The changes with each iteration may not seem significant enough for some people, but they're pretty huge for people that play the games a lot. The little things that tend to get overlooked or dismissed really do make all the difference in the gameplay and overall experience.

Care to share what are those huge improvements were in the previous years of FIFA that those that play the games a lot are raving about? Because what I've seen is that the more hardcore fans are exactly those more upset with FIFA 14...

 

[shoplifter]

I still like actually *playing* PES more. Feels more like a football match. When I play FIFA it feels like I'm playing FIFA.

Personally thought 2014 was pretty good, but I played on PC rather than PS3 so I'm not privy to any framerate related issues.

 

[Majukun]

well,if they want to catch EA is now or never,since fifa is pretty much "still" now,adding just new animation and scripted reactions

 

[vids]

I came here expecting news on a LOTR game. I should have known better.

 

[jts]

I own and play both PES 2014 and FIFA 14 on the PS3.

Gameplay is pretty much on par. One has to be insane to claim that Fifa is on a whole other level. FIFA has some stupid stupid things going, players freezing, wonky animations, dumb AI etc. PES also has its slew of problems, but they are very diminished coming from recent iterations.

What FIFA leaves PES in the dust is in marketing, presentation, and game modes.

In any case, it will be very hard for PES to turn around its fortune, unless EA fucks up royally like Konami did in the PES 6 - PES 2008 next-gen transition. The trend is set and FIFA is considered the de-facto footy.

 

[Canis lupus]

Just render this game in the new Konami engine, 60fps, updated kits: best footie ever

I'm sure it was

Uh no. Fifa was a joke compared to PES before they made the changes starting with Fifa 06. PES3-4-5 are the ultimate football games, the best of Fifa is leagues below these trinity of holy football games.

 

[MrChocolate]

I just played PES (2014 to be precise) for the first time in 8 years since I last played Winning Eleven 4 and the only thing I can say is, what the fuck did they do to the game? It's awful, it's like someone made me eat shit while being blindfolded. Like, damn.
Thankfully I got it for free on PS+.
So, the return of the king? I don't know... how long has it been like this?

 

[jts]

I just played PES (2014 to be precise) for the first time in 8 years since I last played Winning Eleven 4 and the only thing I can say is, what the fuck did they do to the game? It's awful, it's like someone made me eat shit while being blindfolded. Like, damn.
Thankfully I got it for free on PS+.
So, the return of the king? I don't know... how long has it been like this?

PES 2014 isn't pick up and play like the old entries, but it's extremely rewarding to master.

 

[Ryck]

Pes 2012 was/is my personal fave with Pes5 right behind it. I really would like to play a new one ( 2013 was good too but I felt like the defensive AI was a step back from 2012 but it's more of a preference thing). I am really hopeful that 2015 will be good especially since I am getting a White Ps4 next month.

 

[MrChocolate]

PES 2014 isn't pick up and play like the old entries, but it's extremely rewarding to master.

The stupid AI is part of the path of mastering the game as well?

 

[Daemul]

Care to share what are those huge improvements were in the previous years of FIFA that those that play the games a lot are raving about? Because what I've seen is that the more hardcore fans are exactly those more upset with FIFA 14...

The hardcore FIFA players are far and away the biggest critics of the game, so many of them are upset with the way the series is going(note:"by the way the series is going" means the series isn't actually going anywhere or improving). Wasting time on adding gimmicks like goal decision system(why?) instead of sorting out issues with the game enrages people.

 

[Black Mantis]

I skipped PES14 as FIFA came free with the Xbox One, but PES13 is my favourite footie game of last gen, so hopefully they've improved upon that and we can say it's truly back.

 

[jts]

The stupid AI is part of the path of mastering the game as well?

Heh, I've seen worse. There's not a single football game that I haven't yelled to the winger "run you stupid fuck" at some point, but I guess I take for granted that AI will always be stupid to some extent. FIFA's is not better.

 

[Sayad]

PES cycle reminds me of the Liverpool cycle.

Hype, claims that the king is back, crushing reality, "next year will be our year"

Liverpool came close though last year.

 

[Daemul]

PES 2013 and FIFA 12 are honestly the only football games in the last 7 years which I've been able to play all year round and not trade them in a couple of months after release. The rest are best forgotten.

 

[Simply Sami]

they wont be king while teams like North London and West London is in there

I don't and many others don't give a shit about that.

I loved PES 1-5 and many others did, which also used to beat fifa in the sales every year. Yes, even with fake teams.

So that shows people don't care about real names. We want a decent game first and foremost.

 

[AstroLad]

I don't and many others don't give a shit about that.

I loved PES 1-5 and many others did, which also used to beat fifa in the sales every year. Yes, even with fake teams.

So that shows people don't care about real names. We want a decent game first and foremost.

I think it's true that the value of quality gameplay sometimes gets underrated, but to be clear I think PES has to be significantly better to compete in the market. Being marginally better, even unequivocally so, won't cut it due to the branding and licensing disparities.

 

[Heshinsi]

I had never before played a PES game, but when PS+ gave out PES 2014, I decided to give it a try. I hated it. Everything about it felt so archaic. Hopefully next gen allows Konami to modernise the game.

 

[MilesTeg]

I played PES 2014 via PS+, and it was just super janky. Why do I need to press the start button, and the start button only, to skip replays? And why the hell were the intros to games running at like 10fps?

 

[Zoned]

If they can fix fucking laggy animations, UI, and online play then maybe yes. But still licensed clubs, stadiums, and even weather limitations gives EA's FIFA an upper hand.

 

[synchronicity]

Hey, Liverpool did pretty well last season.

2nd ain't bad, should have been first though...

Hehe. I'm an Everton supporter though, so I didn't really mind.

On topic, I'm incredibly exited for the next PES. It's still my favorite footy experience, all things considered. FIFA has yet to capture the randomness and unpredictability I find in PES. Granted, PES isn't perfect- plenty of room to improve, but my fondest virtual soccer (football) memories are with PES. Just has always felt more organic and natural to me relative to FIFA.

 

[VE3TRO]

I bought PES 2014 last year a week after FIFA 14 but the copy I got had no English so after a few games I pretty much dropped it. I was waiting to re-buy on the cheap. My dad and I play FIFA pretty much every night and it's great to see how well he does now.

Just this week I got PES 2014 out to show him and we've had pretty much better matches already. I then decided to buy the digital version on Live which was pretty cheap. It feels so rewarding to score or if you manage to pull off an amazing run. I like how it's more fluid in certain areas like tackling and fouling. FIFA feels so fucking stiff.

Certain areas of the presentation are better with players arguing, begging a ref not to give a penalty or red card or scoring a great goal only to be fucked over by the off side rule. I hate that just a few things like this in FIFA are missing.

I even found out that on PS3 and X360 you can change everything without a need for a modded console.

I got this option file downloaded on X360 - http://www.pes-patch.com/2014/07/pes-2014-option-file-xbox360-17072014-by-lucassias87.html

It's better now to see every player with the correct name, some with patched faces not done by devs and all the teams done correct with correct kit designs and logos.

I'm pretty intrigued to see what PES 2015 has to offer. It's just a shame they can't get all the licenses that FIFA. Probably be even harder to do things as well in terms of option files on the XB1 and PS4.

 

[Markitron]

Actually it does. Sales are the only thing that trump biases.

So what your saying Fifa '05 was of higher quality than PES 5?

That's what you said.

Seriously.

You said that.

 

[AstroLad]

Certain areas of the presentation are better with players arguing, begging a ref not to give a penalty or red card or scoring a great goal only to be fucked over by the off side rule. I hate that just a few things like this in FIFA are missing.

This is what's funny is that at least back in the day PES had WAY better presentation that FIFA. I guess if you count the stupid walk-ins everyone skips as presentation maybe FIFA takes the cake. But PES used to nail the in-game presentation incredibly well. Like if you subbed in three guys they'd actually show three guys coming in. Does FIFA even do that now? It may have been added this year. And PES replays have always been WAY better than FIFA. PES showed you the whole play developing (i.e., the interesting part and the part that actually required skill) whereas FIFA pretty much just shows you the shot and maybe two seconds before it (yeah you can go manually check it out, but who bothers fiddling with that?).

FIFA presentation has improved but I actually think it's quite bad at the little details for such a big franchise and a sport that has so many good details to capture. Also maybe this is just me, but the players in FIFA have always felt really homogenous to me. Like there are maybe five player archetypes in the whole game. Fast striker, tall striker, big defender, etc. Sometimes I can't even tell who I am even if it's a star player. Whereas PES I used to really have much more of an individual sense of each player. Maybe that's just rose-tinted glasses though I dunno. I do quite like FIFA gameplay ever since they stole PES mechanics/controls. I remember falling in love with players like Crespo, Batistuta, Kewell and others just based on how they played in PES.

My favorite FIFA titles funny enough are probably Euro 08 (gameplay) and the World Cup 2010 (presentation & modes).

 

[LAM09]

Some bigs things have been said about PES 2015, and what to expect at Gamescom. I am looking forward to next week.

 

[mejin]

Some bigs things have been said about PES 2015, and what to expect at Gamescom. I am looking forward to next week.

I have the impression Konami says this for years and never delivers in the end.

 

[LAM09]

I have the impression Konami says this for years and never delivers in the end.

I agree, but I am hoping the new hardware will help them. Next week will be a very important week for them and the franchise.

 

[Bluemercury]

Kojima needs to direct PES.

He needs to stop making mgs games and leave konami.

 

[Coulomb_Barrier]

I'm hoping last year was them getting used to the engine and this year the end product will be more accomplished.

Here's hoping. I've still never bought a FIFA mind. You could call me one of the holdouts for Seabass's series!

 

[Currywurst]

They stuck in their old style. Everyone says how good PES 5 and 6 were, so they try to catch the magic from back then. But these games won't work in 2014.

Konami needs do overhaul their complete gameplay.

But even if they match the gameplay of FIFA. FIFA got so many modes and licenses it's clearly what I would buy. Gameplay is a really important thing, but so is the atmosphere. And licensed teams and stadiums are important for that.

 

[Diablo Rosso]

PES will always play second fiddle as long as EA has the big licensing deals wrapped up. Even if it's the better game, plus Ultimate Team is huge now.

 

[Herr K]

PES cycle reminds me of the Liverpool cycle.

Hype, claims that the king is back, crushing reality, "next year will be our year"

More like Arsenal. The squad needs maturity.

 

[LingeringRegime]

For the last five years I have preferred PES. Every game is different, teams play to their real life strengths. Option files aren't hard to find. FIFA is a good game with all manual settings, but it's still boring to me compared to PES.

 

[Spat_triate]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPtzg6c3ojo

15 yr old me thought that we'd be playing this by now. What a naive fool I was!

Every year we hold a feast in the king's honor, replete with the finest foods and wine. Every year we wait with bated breath as the royal trumpets announce the king's arrival. Hushed voices fill the room and murmurs of "The king is back" echo off polished walls. As the satin curtains recede, eyes widen and mouths fall agape in anticipation...

Spoiler

The Return of the King's Corpse

 

[LAM09]

For the last five years I have preferred PES. Every game is different, teams play to their real life strengths. Option files aren't hard to find. FIFA is a good game with all manual settings, but it's still boring to me compared to PES.

I feel the same as you. PES mightn't be great, but it is better than FIFA IMO.

 

[alterno69]

I found my PS2 last week with a copy of PES06, i'm still teying to find component cables cause mine are busted, but the console and the game work. That was the last truly great PES, i hqve no hope for the new game but i'd be glad to be proven wrong.

 

[LAM09]

Some people have played Gamescom code already, and are hyping it up big time. I hope it warrants it.

 

[sestrugen]

Some people have played Gamescom code already, and are hyping it up big time. I hope it warrants it.

The same as last year, nobody will care after a week. FIFA UT has seal the deal for EA since nobody cares if the game is broken or unbalanced as long as you get the cards you want.

 

[Lashley]

Nope. Won't be as good as FIFA, probably ever again.

Shame as I was a MASSIVE PES fan back in the day and the two being neck and neck was good for us, but nope KONAMI have slipped too far behind.

Won't be sucked in by the hype this year.

 

[Nintendojitsu]

So what your saying Fifa '05 was of higher quality than PES 5?

That's what you said.

Seriously.

You said that.

More people bought so it must be true. Its not like both products were not readily available to the footy fanbase. They chose with their wallets and have done so every year after that.

PES is not King. It is the right hand of the King. And we all know what happens to right hands don't we?

 

[Addnan]

When PES 2008 came out I don't think I have ever been so saddened by a game launch as I was by that pathetic excuse for a release they did. Was still playing 5/6 the morning of the release, then went off to hmv to buy this crap. Got home, I was the only one of my friends to have a ps3. freezing, frame rate, stuttering. We played pes6 that day. Still bought 2009 because you know it's PES, played a fair bit of 2010 at a friends to know I don't want it. Now I have just accepted I will never get a good PES game. Just play couple of matches of shitty Fifa each year.