Gameplay

The first thing you will notice upon entering the pitch is the immense detail put into the graphics and on-pitch presentation. PES has always had a knack of putting great detail into the player's faces and movements and PES 2017 is no different, from pre-match cut scenes from inside the player’s tunnels to team huddles, Konami has created a beautiful looking game – but that was expected.

This year the gameplay is something to behold. If you are a fan of playing tiki-taka football this is the game for you.  Team-mates make intelligent runs into space, and behind full backs, and across central defenders. Incidents where the game attempts to manufacture mistakes – for instance, directing a pass off the pitch when you certainly weren’t aiming for the sidelines- are eliminated. Playing patient football or quick-flowing counter attacks are a lot more enjoyable and easy to do, as the quick-thinking players are always making options and space in order to not disrupt the flow of the play.

The gameplay is simple to use, yet impossible to put down. New ball physics mean it’s as fun to tip-toe through a packed midfield, shifting bodyweight to hold off challenges, as pegging it down the wing with your finger glued to the sprint button. Every shot looks like it has a chance of going in, as it swerves and moves in different directions, allowing for some pretty breath-taking goals. Keepers make mistakes, particularly as you drop down the leagues, but generally are far more adept at pushing balls out of danger, and taking sensible decisions in one-on-one or set-piece situations.

License Woe

For those obsessed with licensing, the news isn’t great. Both English top divisions are in, but only Arsenal and Liverpool are licensed, with Anfield being added in an upcoming patch. That means team names such as Lancashire Claret – representative of Burnley FC, rather than a night out in Preston. Spain’s La Liga is similarly limited, with only Barcelona and Atletico Madrid kitted out properly.

It is obvious that the Barcelona team are the centerpiece of the game – with the sensationally looking Camp Nou being exclusive to PES 2017, and the detail put into the world-class player’s faces.

On the Australian side of things, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory are both available and you even have the option of playing through the Asian Champions League Campaign with the A-League sides.

If Licensing is a problem for you, the game does allow for an option to import created data into the game through a USB connection. Kits and created teams are imported with ease allowing for a more authentic experience.

Game Modes

In terms of game modes you get Champions League campaigns in both Europe and Asia, the Europa League, and Master League, which is the best it’s been since those halcyon PS2 days. MyClub is also back for another year and is looking better than ever allowing players to create their dream team and compete with others around the world. You build your team through ‘packing’ players through an agent, where the chances of getting a higher rated player are shown on each option. We were pretty chuffed to pack Cristiano Ronaldo in one of our first packs.

Verdict

Overall, this game will offer you plenty to become immersed in. Champions League campaigns where you will be itching for the final whistle to be blown as you’re one goal up, Master league where you can act as the manager of your favorite football team and MyClub where you can test your football gaming skills against other passionate players. This is a football game where you really get the sense that anything can happen, at any time, just like the real thing. If you’re looking to rekindle the glory days of PES this is the game to bring your love of Pro Evolution Soccer back to life.

4 things we love…

1.    It really feels like the beautiful game

Effortless ball control, incisive passing, snappy shooting, physical aerial challenges: all the fundamentals are present, correct, and an absolute dream to control and master.

2.    There’s masses of variety to the goals

Shooting is contextual, and the game does a great job of pulling off the correct animation – from 30-yard impossi-volleys, to backheels when you’ve rounded the keeper and need to squeeze the ball in from a tight angle.

 

3.    Keepers really are better, at long last

Netminders aren’t infallible, but for the most part, push shots away from danger rather than back towards the penalty spot now. They show personality, too – for instance, Germany’s Manuel Neuer really does play like a sweeper keeper.

 

4.    Champions League will keep you hooked

The authentic looking presentation of the Champions League really captures the magic of a night in Europe. From cut-scenes from inside the player's tunnels to the Champions League anthem blaring through your television set as your players make their way onto the pitch, the mode will keep you searching for European glory over and over again.