Pro Evolution Soccer 2013: Gameplay Review and Features

Pro Evolution Soccer is still a quality world football experience.

The question for any gamer who cares enough to deliberate is: Is it better than FIFA 13?

As an avid sports gamer, it is hard to play two different versions of the same sport.

Most people generally pick the one they think is best, and that title becomes the version they play most. There is no question FIFA 13 will win the sales battle this year, but are those that don't give PES 2013 a look missing out?

I love FIFA 13 and you can see that from my recent review of the game. However, I put in some substantial time with PES 2013 over the last two days, and here's my take on Konami's virtual world football title.

Graphics and Animation

Stadiums, Lighting and Environment

From a distance PES 2013 is quite attractive.

The lighting effects accurately depict gloomy days on the pitch as well as bright and sunny ones. Since the most practical camera views are set away from the action, world football offers the most TV-style appeal of any sport in a video game.

This is clearly a strong point here.

Player Models & Animation

Bodies

The player models are solid down to varying sized calves and head shapes. Some of the players do appear a tad too short and squatty, but this is more of a stylistic preference than an actual issue.

Nothing about the player models are ugly, there are just a few things that could be rendered better, pertaining to proportion.

Player Movement

In some instances the animations are a bit too choppy.

The torsos seem to stay a bit too upright and stiff at all times, and a little variance in the sway of the player's arms while running could make the motions appear more natural.

This isn't a major snafu, but it is noticeable during closeups, of which PES 2013 offers plenty. That said, the player models are at least at the level gamers would expect.

There just isn't anything special that stands out here.

Faces

The faces of the players are done pretty well in most instances.

I'm trying to keep the direct comparisons to FIFA to a minimum, but I must make note of the accuracy here.

When the facial renders are nailed in Konami's title, it is eerily accurate.

They feature solid complexions on all or most, but there are a few renders that simply don't look as much like their real life likeness. Here are few examples of face renders from the game:

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira AKA Ronaldinho

David Silva

Cristiano Ronaldo

Carlos Tevez

Wayne Rooney

As you can see the blemishes and marks were included, but the inconsistencies in accuracy can be seen as well. The Rooney and Silva images are a little off the mark, but Ronaldinho's image was spot-on.

It isn't that the imperfect renders make the players completely unrecognizable, it just isn't as accurate as it could be.

Ball Physics

This is an ever so slight issue with PES.

The ball still doesn't seem to have the life and bounce that it should. There are a few gameplay enhancements in this year's version that I'll get into on the next slide. Those should have impacted this aspect of the game more, but they did not.

Because of that an issue, that kept the series lagging a bit, is still present.

Bottom Line Here

The highlight of this aspect is the lighting and stadium presentation.

The combination makes for a few breathtaking moments during gameplay, but closer examination reveals a few small lags behind the competition.

Graphics and Animation Rating: 8 out of 10

Gameplay and Realism

Passing and Defense

Defending and moving the ball are the most important parts of any world football game.

Aside from the aforementioned ball physics issue, this isn't a big negative for PES 2013. There are still several types of passes that can be made to set-up teammates, and there is still substantial allowance to defend.

However, the canned animations are a bit outdated.

Seeing the same animation take place with every successful tackle leaves the game lagging a little behind in that respect. This is to be expected without an updated physics engine, but it is hard not to compare the game to FIFA 13 in this and other aspects.

Setting your defensive line has received a boost in this version of the series. Through Tactical Precision you can control whether you charge forward or fall back to defend.

It is a strategic add-in, but it takes a while to master.

Dribbling and Shooting

The new Player ID feature is designed to give each player his own style of dribble and shooting moves. Once you master the art of dribbling in PES 2013, this feature can make for great sequences.

The dribble system is not for novice players though.

If you are unfamiliar with the series it may take you some time to get this aspect down.

When you do, it is rather rewarding.

The Dynamic First Touch does add something to the gameplay. It forces you to predict the caroms after passes and tackles—an all important feature that both major world football titles have addressed.

Shooting is unchanged for the most part and pretty standard as world football games go.

However, I do enjoy the headers in the game. Off the pass you can feel the amount of control you have for the destination.

Assuming you have a player who actually excels in that aspect of the game.

Here are a few examples of full gameplay:

Bottom Line Here

A solid, but at this point, less than spectacular gameplay experience. The ball physics issue, steep learning curve and overall lack of a true physics engine holds the game back from being truly noteworthy here.

Gameplay and Realism Rating: 7.75 out of 10

Sound and Presentation

Commentating

This is clearly the worst aspect of the game this year.

The commentators are Jon Champion and Jim Beglin, and most of their commentary is generic and easy to tune out. While it isn't the worst commentating in the sports video game genre, it definitely doesn't rank with the likes of NBA 2K13, MLB The Show and yes, FIFA 13 in this regard.

Sound Effects and Crowd

The in-game sounds are appropriate and standard, but the crowd sound is amazingly raucous. The different locations have signature chants and drums to create the feeling of watching a match in these locations.

This really adds personality to the venues.  

Check out the gameplay in this video, and listen to the rambunctious crowd.

Missing the Licenses

Part of FIFA's dominance is because of their exclusive hold to several key licenses.

In PES 2013, clubs like Manchester City are replaced with clubs with alternate names.

Man City is replaced by Man Blue.

Most of the players are there, but the kits, name and pageantry around the clubs is absent. The English Premier League is called the English League, and there are other notable absences.

That said, you can edit the logos, club names and player names to everything in the game.

You can even free draw emblems and badges for clubs, and import and export your creations and edits amongst the PES community.

I love this type of customization, and developers could save on licenses by allowing gamers to do this in all sports games. The only problem with this is that many gamers won't bother.

They'll gravitate to the game with the licenses already there for them.

Menus and Overlays

While FIFA does own a good number of major licenses, PES 2013 is the exclusive owner of the UEFA Championship license.

The UEFA matches are presented with good pageantry, and the same can be said for the Copa Santander Libertafores matches.

The menu system is easy to follow, but the soundtrack is a bit annoying. I do love the Coldplay track "When I Ruled The World", but that is the exception.

Bottom Line Here

The balance between crowd noise and commentating isn't quite there, however, the customization options are stellar.

It still makes for an inconsistent presentation package.

Sound and Presentation Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Game Modes and Options

UEFA and Copa Santander Libertafores

If you're looking to jump right into tournament style action you can.

You can choose to pursue glory in either of these two prestigious leagues. The gameplay and commentary isn't altered much, but there are a few nice cut-scenes to drive home the importance of the matches.

Here is an example of a UEFA match featuring Juventus and Celtic FC

Training

The tutorial aspect is broken into two parts: Performance Training and Free Training.

Completing these drills drives home just how difficult the advanced and basic maneuvers can be in this game, and I would advise spending some time in this mode, especially if you're new to the series.

Football Life

This mode contains Master League and Become A Legend.

Master League allows gamers to take control of any club. You must manage everything from the clubs transfers, finances, on-field strategy and your reputation as a manager.

The story is driven by cut-scenes, and they are a nice touch.

It brings Master League and Become A Legend more personality than many career modes. However, the cut-scenes don't have voices, and the dialogue is driven by subtitles. I don't have a problem reading, but this is yet another aspect that seems a bit behind the competition.

In Become A Legend you take control of a created player or existing player.

You are charged with leading your club to glory, and along the way you can request transfers, unlock items and receive feedback on your performance.

Master League is available online as well.

The matchmaking system has been improved, and there is now a Rivals Rankings system. It makes it easier to keep track of local PES players, and those you've competed against in the past.

The entire community is split into 240 different cities across the world, though.

This is a huge gaming circle that only a world football title could provide.

Bottom Line Here

There are a standard number of options available, but nothing really innovative. The modes in Football Life could use more juice, but the UEFA license is a nice draw.

Options and Game Modes Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Overall

This isn't a perfect world football game, but it is a good one.

The problem this title and franchise continues to have is that its primary competition is so strong.

FIFA 13 is a great game, and that fact dulls PES 2013's shine. Were it not for FIFA 13, the world of virtual footballers would play PES 2013 and be happy.

That isn't the case, and because of that another strong effort isn't likely to be fully appreciated.

Overall Rating: 7.5 out of 10