Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 Critic Reviews

Konami has finally found what they were missing during the last years - the magnificent gameplay. This year the players are smarter, the passes have more freedom and a lot of the game modes has been tweaked to the better. PES is back.

Although PES 2011 can't yet be defined as the best football game on the market, Konami has done a great job in laying the foundations for what seems to be a new course for the franchise.

Some may prefer FIFA's more studied approach to football realism, but when it comes to pick-up-and-play fun and intensity, PES 2011 gets my vote this year.

PES 2011 marks the beginning of a serious comeback for Konami's soccer with many play modes, an improved gameplay and at last a flawless online multiplayer.

The Pro Evolution series was known as the franchise that is too old school, too hardcore, and a step behind. I think that's changed, and it's now in better position for itself and the sport as a whole.

PES 2011 continues the Pro Evolution Soccer revolution that started with last years instalment and delivers a playing experience that long term fans of the franchise are more accustomed to. With all the improvements it easy to say this is the best PES game in years.

The newest edition of the PES franchise is a great soccer simulation with a revamped and very realistic passing system. The defense AI is doing a better job now and goalkeepers are also acting smarter than they used to. However the new AI shows some flaws from time to time as well. The often too pedantic referee decisions were also getting on our nerves on a regular basis. As far as licensed teams are concerned PES 2011 is far behind its rival FIFA Soccer 11.

This year, Pro Evolution Soccer fans are being treated to the best entry the series has seen in quite some time. Ultimately though, the adjustable gameplay is still a bit too arcade-like for simulation fans to take seriously, and the lack of authentic clubs is a deal breaker for many.

It is not the best football game, but it is a great football game, and is on the right path to further improvements.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 is a reboot of the series: pace and reactions had toned down for a boost in realism and the "360 degrees pass" system does a great job in involving the player on the pitch. Unfortunately there's a consistent lack in animation quality that spoils the experience.

One glaring issue with PES is its lack of licensing.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 is a huge achievement over previous years. Konami's developers have seemed to have locked down a solid method to make a really good soccer game.

Is it fair to say PES is back? I guess so. One big push next year and this again could be the football title to beat.

Player likenesses, meanwhile, have received a significant bump in quality. In the more star-studded leagues, at least. Top stars such as Rooney and cover-star Messi measure up to anything FIFA can offer, though in truth, as with many sports titles, there is a touch of the grotesque about some of the models.

PES has the core experience down, and football purists shouldn't miss a re-creation of the beautiful game as well as it's done here. Unfortunately, everything surrounding the gameplay needs more work before PES can vie for the football gaming crown again.

In essence, it's a poor man's FIFA.

Putting some difficult years behind, the 2011 edition of PES has become attractive again. But if it's been able to catch up in any way, its more with what was expected from previous editions than with its competitor FIFA. On almost all fronts, except its interface, formation menus, and ball physics, EA's title seems superior. PES remains an excellent football game, and will be loved by many, but like the "Oranje" team of Holland, its latest performance isn't the best ever, especially when compared the other team.

A good first step for a brand that still needs a lot of improvement to stand by the competitors.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 is better than the 2010 edition, but it's clear that the formula is a bit dated and Konami is losing the match against EA Sports' FIFA.

Just like that, PES is a contender again. There's still a way to go before it gets back to the levels of addictive playability that kept us hooked half a decade ago but the series finally seems to be finding itself on the current-gen consoles. The identity crisis is over and now PES is well positioned to bring its trademark originality back to footie gaming.