Pro Evolution Soccer 2016: Release Date, Top Player Ratings, Features and More

The 20th season of Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series will begin on Tuesday when PES 2016 hits stores for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Fresh off being named the best sports game at the 2015 Gamescom show in August (which it also won in 2014) PES 2016 has tremendous momentum.

The demo released a few weeks ago did nothing to slow the pace. The controls were responsive, customizable and intuitive. The graphics and animations were stellar, and the collision detection was a huge improvement from last year's game.

The Feature Set is Full

This game also looks to be ready to ship with a full compliment of features. Per the game's official site, PES 2016 will feature the following key improvements:

• Dynamic Weather: Weather can change mid-match.
• Goal Keeper ID: Each keeper will have a different personality and improved functionality
• Master League Overhaul: This legacy mode has thankfully been overhauled and features a new transfer system. The overly simplistic and blah flavor in this mode was a major drawback in PES 2015.
• Celebration Control: Finally, PES is allowing players the freedom to pick their celebrations after scoring a goal.

Another important addition/improvement is the fleshing out of the myClub feature. This was created to compete with FIFA's ultra-popular Ultimate Team option. Here's what the PES team wrote about the enhancements to the mode:

"

myClub will also come with some new and exciting improvements based on player feedback from PES 2015. These enhancements include the introduction of an all new player level system and even players exclusive to this game mode! Through either the use of in-game earned GP or myClub coins you will be able to choose your manager, consider coaches and build up your strategy based on what you aim to achieve with your team. Building your Team and creating your legacy will be even more engaging this time around!

"

This type of mode is essential moving forward for the PES series to gain popularity. All of the top-notch sports series have a feature that is similar, it was smart for Konami and the game's developers to put in the effort, time and money needed to develop the mode.

Another consistently smart inclusion is the ability to edit every player and club in the game. While there have been some gaming missteps over the last 10 years with PES, the biggest separation between it and FIFA has been licensing. The latter's exclusive licensing deals has left PES out in the cold in many important instances.

*Click here to see a full list of PES 2016 licenses.

The most notable missing license is the English Premier League and many of its teams. To combat that, PES' editor allows hardcore gamers to fill in the gaps the lack of licensing creates.

To augment that feature, PES 2016 is allowing gamers to import the edits and creations from PS3 to PS4. It's a nice move, but it does leave the Xbox users out of the loop.

Top Player Ratings

image provided by Konami

Neymar Jr. is the cover athlete, but with a 90 overall rating, he's not one of the three highest-rated current players in the game. That distinction belongs to the three stars listed below.

*Note: Legends such as Zidane are rated a bit higher. Click the link to see all of the PES 2016 player ratings from PESMaster.com.

Lionel Messi, 94, FC Barcelona

image provided by Konami

While Lionel Messi is the face of the rival FIFA series, even the folks in charge of PES recognize he's the best player in the world. His 94 overall rating is impressive, but it's the lowest he's been in the game in the last PES 5 (2005).

This looks to be more of a function of a new ratings philosophy rather than a hint at the decline of Messi's skills. In and around the penalty area, there's still no one better than Messi.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 92, Real Madrid

image provided by Konami

The former face of the PES franchise is still given his respect after a stellar season for Real Madrid. His rating is also down since he was a 91 overall in PES 5 (2005). 

Ronaldo still scores 97 in header, shot power and jump ratings. Need a cross or a shot from long range, Ronaldo is the man you want handling the crucial touches in those situations.

Arjen Robber, 92, FC Bayern Munchen

image provided by Konami

The Bayern Munchen star is still one of the most athletic and explosive players in the sport. His speed is a 96 and power a 97. Those physical attributes make him one of the toughest matchups in the game defensively and offensively.

He's the biggest reason Bayern Munchen are among the game's best clubs.

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Ratings history per PESMaster.com.

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