Pro Evolution Soccer 2014: Review and Best Features for Hit Video Game

Pro Evolution Soccer is putting its best foot forward in an effort to make its make its mark outside of its cult following.

The biggest new addition to the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series is the use of the innovative and exciting Fox Engine. The hope is that this engine will revolutionize facial animations in video games. The videos (Community Game) demonstrating the engine in action seem to support the concept.

Beyond facial animations, the newest version of PES also hopes to enhance realism with TrueBall Tech. This is a system that improves physics and controls around the ball.

The Motion Animation Stability System (M.A.S.S.) is designed to create more realistic player collisions, reactions and tackles. Players also have mental statistics that can change during a match based on fan reaction and teamwork.

How do these new additions affect the game's bottom line? All of those ideas are conceptually great, but the truest test is giving the game a spin in your Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. I've done that, and here's my take.

Graphics and Animation

image from PES 2014

Let's examine PES 2014's curb appeal.

Facial Renders

Some of the players couldn't be more accurately rendered, but others are a bit off base. A great example of someone whose render is spot on is Mesuit Ozil. He's still with Real Madrid on the game as of now, but I expect that to change through a roster update shortly.

The man with the large eyes is captured so well, it is scary. One of the less-than-accurate renders is Lionel Messi. The world's best player looks a bit elfish in the game. It isn't as if you can't tell who he is, but his ears are a bit too pointy and facial features are too keen.

Player Models

The Fox Engine has assured the look of the game is improved from the neck up, but overall the player models are still a little dated. The arms of the players are a little too long and it throws off the overall look of the model. It isn't hideous, but compared to other sports video games released recently, there is a gap.

Running Animations

For the most part, this is the aspect in which the new physics and animation enhancements shine. The player's strides and arm movements look very realistic. All 22 players move fluidly around the field. Player-to-player interactions while competing for control of the ball have improved, as have the animations associated with hard tackles. 

Crowd

Perhaps the only unattractive aspect of PES 2014's visual package is the crowd. It is clearly dated. Usually, we can ignore the way the crowd looks in a sports video game, but there are tons of cut-scenes that seem to feature it.

This is a clear area of opportunity from a graphical standpoint.

Gameplay and Realism

The only real issues with gameplay in PES 2013 were associated with the A.I. Cleaning up those issues were the top priority of the developers this year. The changes are pretty apparent the moment you start playing the newest version of the series.

Excellent Ball Physics

The True Ball Tech shines throughout gameplay. The bounce and flight of the ball are as realistic as ever. The slightest touch from a player or any other object on the pitch is accurately reflected. The first touch and the myriad of other interactions with the ball bring about what feels like a limitless amount of results. 

Smarter Players

There aren’t nearly as many mind-boggling erratic runs into the attacking zone. In PES 2013, there were times when I couldn’t understand why my teammates weren’t reacting properly.

There is far more cohesion in PES 2014, and it makes gameplay a lot less frustrating. Defensively, there are some slightly less-than-heady decisions, but overall the A.I. has improved.

Fun Pace

The game plays fast, but not too swift to allow strategy on offense or defense. The slightly increased pace works well with the animations used in the game. The new M.A.S.S system leaves its mark when sprinting, changing directions and almost every other player action.

More realistic collisions, tackle attempts and ball protection are a result of this new feature. 

There is little to dislike about the gameplay with PES 2014. Many gamers may even look beyond the game’s other shortcomings because this important area is so tight.

Sound and Presentation

image from PES 2014

PES 2014 struggles in this area. Not enough attention was paid to the commentating and overall audio package. With the game already devoid of several major licenses, this is an uphill battle. 

I Can’t Help But Miss Having Authentic Clubs

The developers have done a great job opening the editing suite to fans in the PES community, but it is still difficult to look past all the clubs that aren’t authentically represented. As has been the case in the past, most of the clubs in the Barclays Premier League aren't entirely included with respect to name, logos, etc. 

Only Manchester United is completely represented with logos, roster and its real club name. Manchester City is still known as Manchester Blue and the rest of the clubs in the EPL are even less authentic. Long-time fans of the series know to expect this, but from an evaluation standpoint, I’d be remiss not to acknowledge it.

Commentating is in Need of Improvement

There simply isn’t a lot of dialog in PES 2014 matches. Aside from the commentators announcing the names of the players who have possession of the ball. It is one of the more bare bones examples of audio you’ll find in a new sports video game.

Game Modes and Options

image from PES 2014

If you’re familiar with the PES series, you’re well acquainted with the Master League option. While that career mode will largely allow you to do most of what you’ll want to do in a single-player experience, it is almost identical to last year’s version. 

Here’s a look at the game’s options and alternative gameplay beyond exhibition-style matches.

Still Missing a Signature Game Mode

The PES series needs a mode that is synonymous with its brand. The Master League is dated and lacks new additions. Even the interface is almost the same as it has been for years.

FIFA’s Ultimate Team and various season modes offers gamers a ton of options outside of the most traditional game modes. The ability to play the UEFA Champions League tournament and others is still present, but the thrill may not last long.

PES 2014 simply doesn’t carry a lot of replay value for those longing for an in-depth single-player experience.

Kudos for the Creation Suite

To combat the issues created by the lack of licensing, PES is again allowing gamers to edit and share their rosters and creations.

It certainly helps to fill the void left by the missing leagues, clubs and players. The developers deserve credit for attempting to bridge that gap.

The player creation tool is beyond deep and it also provides options to expand the rosters. The customization that can be done to existing and created players is extensive. This is perhaps the most-detailed create-a-player tool in any video game.

Overall

image from PES 2014

There are good and bad things associated with PES 2014. Depending on what you value, the extremes could push you in either direction. Here’s a look at the grades:

Graphics and Animation: Eight out of 10

Gameplay and Realism: 9.5

Sound and Presentation: 5.5

Game Modes and Options: Seven

Overall: 7.5

While the presentation issues and lack of options may be a deterrent for some, the awesome gameplay and animations stand out. Diehard fans of the series will be pleased with the gameplay improvements and look over the omissions, but this version isn’t likely to win a ton of new fans.

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