Pro Evolution Soccer 15 : Review !

Is Pro Evolution Soccer 15 similar to the previous games in the franchise ?
noPES. 

Pro Evolution Soccer 15, or simply just PES 15, is a delight for all the PES lovers as Konami has head back into the game and it isn't just a light entry, it's damn heavy. 

Date Reviewed :- 18-11-2014

Platform :- PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox-One, Xbox 360
Developer :- Konami
Publisher :- Konami
Reviewed On :-  PC 

 This next generation title is not just for name. The beautiful game is back, and this time, "The Pitch Is Ours !" 




I will be direct and say that PES has improved, in various aspects, from gameplay-to-graphics, it's all good now. With the addition of new modes, such as the myClub mode which is a direct take-on FIFA's Ultimate Team mode, the game has certainly got good shape. Even-though the game still lacks official licences, it catches up with providing a fantastic virtual playfield to footy lovers.

The Gameplay - 
The gameplay is what made me discover the game's hidden beauty. Most of the players, what I think is, won't feel the difference and would appreciate it for its simplicity but the  complex game mechanics is what makes it truly sophisticated yet simple.

The awesome moment when you successfully complete a through-ball, the moment the defender clears the ball, the moment your player heads the ball into the net; its all here. Passing has been brilliantly calibrated and the game feels buttery-smooth, not to mention how good it looks, it is the work of the artificial intelligence that lies beneath.

Also, the game has got the 'genuine football experience' feel to it as the simulations of players and whole-of teams seem original, just like you would see on you televisions. All the players are always positioned where they should be, makes for perfect passing and assisting opportunities to it. Sharp manual passing and shots truly reward you patience and presence of mind and the opponent AI at high difficulties challenges you but motivates you to not just to improve but strive hard to be in total control of the game. 

The manual-control comes real-handy this time. With the controls being gorgeously responsive, slight delay in taking your hand off the buttons can result in a change of possession. Also, the game has a brilliant sense of pace. A player becomes quite tired at the end of 65-70 minutes of match time which only elevates what I would call, its 'sense of originality'.



You suddenly look at the score-card and realize that it is just 10 minutes till the match ends. Then you quickly make a tactical change and substitute an outfield player, that's when this 'pace' I was talking about comes into play. The energy that the player carries and your improvised tactics have all the power to change the outcome of the match this time. Red cards do matter this time, each team automatically tries to fill up the gap in the 10-man squad by distributing the power once again.

All this isn't just philosophy, it's what the games has in store for you. This time, the contribution that every player's physical attributes makes to their performance are clearly visible. You can use Ronaldo and Bale's remarkable speed to create chances or put them into the net yourself. Falcao proves himself whenever his aerial skills are required, Pirlo's curve ball really scores goal. The skill moves are not difficult to execute and prove to be quite rewarding when mastered. You can practice them in the training sessions which actually reward you to execute a skillset with medals based on how effectively you perform them.

What Else ? 

PES 15 features the new myClub mode which like I said, challenges Ultimate Team. This new feature has a similar to what FIFA has to offer but takes more than just good players to perfect your team. There's player chemistry, there's the requirement of a good manager and there's a heat map to denote the team's chemistry too.

Another new thing are the 'Agents' which can be gained by completing matches. These agents can help you sign the player of your dream. To add to what's already there in the game, you can earn GP Points by accomplishing simple in-game tasks.  

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The ingenuity of this game is what truly pleases me. The ability to cut-through the opponent's mighty defense and give yourself a pat on the back is how PES makes you feel like. The game has brought back its shine but the games still needs tweaks. PES is not all about flashy performance. The lack of official licences still continue to remain a dark corner but it does not overshadow all the improvements that Konami had made to make PES 15 really appeal to football fans all around the world. 

My Score :-  8.5/10