Better timing and more licensing could make PES unbeatable next fall
The folks over at Konami must be up for quite a challenge every fall as they launch their latest installment of Pro Evolution Soccer weeks after EA Sports drops their latest FIFA title. This year is no different as Pro Evolution Soccer landed on November 11th, over six weeks after FIFA 15. And they have to contend with the cult classic Football Manager 2015 as well.
So was it worth the wait? Are there still some soccer video game dollars out there?
There are a number of positives when it comes to Pro Evo 2015. First, the graphics and atmosphere are astounding. The beautiful game is indeed beautiful when it comes to this title. Players look like their real-life counterparts and move like them too. The word crisp describes every aspect of this quality title.
Second, the soundtrack and audio is better than any soccer video game we have ever seen.
Third, the only place you can play UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europe League, and the AFC Champions League is with Pro Evolution Soccer 2015. Honestly this is reason enough to buy. These are arguably the best club competitions in the world and you can get them right here with Pro Evo.
Fourth, you get a number of teams you won’t find anywhere else. From South American sides to Sparta Praha, FK Partisan, and Maccabi Tel Aviv, you get something different.
The negatives to PES 2015 are limited, but they are still nagging details that need to be addressed.
The biggest negative is a continual problem for the series. Yes, we are talking about the dreaded licensing issues. You will still find EPL teams (and those from many other leagues) with fake, almost comical names. It’s a real distraction for diehard fans.
Other critics are raving about the improved gameplay in Pro Evolution Soccer 2015, but we didn’t quite see it to be honest.
Is the game better than last year? Absolutely, but it is still a step behind the massive team at EA Sports. Maybe next year will be the year that Konami takes that step forward and gives EA a bigger run for their money. More resources, more marketing, and (most importantly) better timing would certainly make this the favorite next fall.
For now Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 would make a great gift for the holidays, especially for the gamer that is looking for something a little different. It’s also a must for those who have been fans of the series since the Winning Eleven days.
This is still clearly the best edition since 2009, which many consider to be the pinnacle of the series.
