Pro Evolution Soccer 2014: Improved Gameplay Physics Give Series Major Boost

Pro Evolution Soccer is in a never-ending battle to remain competitive with FIFA. While there are many factors that come into play when a gamer decides which series to play, few are more important than continuing to improve the game's realism.

Gone are the days when simple graphic upgrades were enough to draw attention. While those types of improvements were made for Pro Evolution Soccer 2014, the improved physics during gameplay is what should really help the game stand out.

In announcing the upgrades to this year's version, Konami made it clear that making the action in the game feel more like an actual match was paramount. And that's exactly what gamers are looking for, as realistic of an experience as possible.

Here's how the release explained the Motion Animation Stability System, a key element of the new physics in the game:

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Motion Animation Stability System (M.A.S.S.): The players will also be an important part of the game with M.A.S.S. that will increase the realism of physical contacts between players, tackles and decisions taken on the pitch by the AI to have more open games while playing PES.

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On the surface, it might not sound like a significant upgrade. But when gamers sit down to play and the movement is more like a marquee Champions League match than a weekend youth match, it has a notable effect on the overall experience.

When a defender makes a sliding tackle, it should produce a chain of events, including knocking the ball loose, and often, the attacking player going to the ground. When two players collide, they should react instead of just stopping cold.

The same goes for the ball, which is addressed through TrueBall Tech. Getting it to move around the pitch more naturally has been one of the biggest challenges for football video games, which is why improving it is such a key step.

It's actually quite amazing that upgrades to the physics of the players and the ball could have such an impact, but they really do. Those changes are what makes the difference between playing a game for short time or continuing to come back because each match is more authentic and unique.

The effort is completed with what's called the Combination Plan. Gamers will be able to set tactics that get AI players to make runs to create space and passing lanes.

Too often in the past, the matches had no true flow. By getting the players to work together while moving forward and creating more logical moments with overlapping runs and well-timed passes, it opens up far more possibilities.

Ultimately, it all comes back to the main idea of realism. By improving the physics and making gameplay more natural, Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 takes a serious step forward.