TL;DR
Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer is back and better than ever with PES 2015 on PS4! After years of a competitive slump, this installment delivers a fluid, fast-paced, and incredibly satisfying gameplay experience that recalls the series' PS2 glory days. While it may lack the polish of FIFA's player models and official licenses, the core gameplay is king, rewarding skill and effort with genuinely thrilling moments. If you're craving a more dynamic and engaging football simulation that feels truly alive on the pitch, you need to dive into the full review to see why PES 2015 is a must-play.
After several years of relative quiet, Konami’s football simulation is making a strong comeback!
Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) first captured our attention on the PS2 with the release of PES 3. It presented an engaging and distinct football experience where dynamic and unpredictable gameplay flourished. A well-executed cross from Del Piero, for example, could strike the far post and find its way into the net. These kinds of moments led to countless matches against friends and acquaintances. Previously, FIFA, while enjoyable, tended towards predictability; mastering specific scenarios, angles, and timing almost invariably resulted in a goal. PES’s dominance continued until the series transitioned to the PS3 and adopted year-based naming conventions (PES 2008). The subsequent releases were comparatively slow and visually underwhelming. While the core gameplay feel and mechanics were present, the replays suffered from significant frame rate issues, detracting from the overall experience. This pattern of peaks and valleys persisted throughout the PS3 generation, allowing FIFA to gradually establish a stronger foothold. Can the move to PS4 herald a resurgence?
The game arrives, re-engineered for the current generation, approached with cautious optimism fueled by anticipation for Kojima’s Fox Engine and its potential to deliver a substantial leap forward on PS4. Konami delivers! Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 represents the most refined and complete installment in the series in recent memory.
The graphics are notably improved, offering a stable and fluid frame rate – even in replays – as expected. PES 2015 delivers a faster-paced experience with heightened intensity compared to this year’s FIFA 15. However, the player models and facial details are less refined than those in EA’s offering. The character designs appear simpler, lacking the advanced detail and realism found in its competitor. The visual fidelity clearly denotes in-game graphics, preventing any confusion with real-life likenesses. However, the fluid and responsive gameplay largely compensates for this shortcoming.
Konami has curated a fitting soundtrack for PES 2015. While perhaps not as overtly trendy as EA’s selection, it incorporates numerous memorable tracks, including Avicii’s “Wake me up” and Bastille’s “Pompeii”. The commentary, while not as expansive as FIFA’s, remains relevant and responsive to the on-screen action.
Unfortunately, PES 2015 continues to suffer from a relative lack of official licenses for clubs, leagues, and player names, which slightly impacts immersion. However, this can be addressed through community-created fixes and patches. Success in sales is hoped for, enabling Konami to invest in securing further licenses. PES 2015’s online player base is smaller than FIFA 15’s, leading to more frequent matches against players in regions like the UK, where the game enjoys greater popularity. The online experience proved inconsistent; it generally performed well, but occasional frame rate drops and disconnections were encountered. These issues may relate to opponent connection quality, which is difficult to ascertain in advance.
A key strength of PES 2015 is its engaging gameplay. It offers a relatively quick learning curve, but offensive play presents a slightly greater challenge than in FIFA 15. Conversely, defensive play is more accessible, with teammate support mechanics functioning effectively. Goals require more effort to achieve in PES, amplifying the satisfaction derived from scoring and winning matches. The game features a comprehensive training mode that covers fundamental and advanced techniques; dedicating time to this mode can significantly improve player proficiency and set-piece execution.
The choice between FIFA and PES ultimately depends on individual preferences. FIFA 15 is a polished and comprehensive arcade-style football game. PES 2015 offers a more dynamic and fluid gameplay experience, and rewarding accomplishment with dedicated practice. Both titles represent strong choices and provide welcome variety.
Ultimately, the comprehensive rebuild Konami undertook, coupled with bug fixes, has yielded a PS4 product reminiscent of the series’ golden age on the PS2. This is a football game worthy of celebration.
