Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 Critic Reviews

This year's PES title won't change anyone's mind about the series. It hasn't gotten any less complex, but it also hasn't lost any of its brilliance. In that sense, its success is all its own.

On the pitch this is the best PES ever. It lacks a lot in the game modes though and Konami needs to pick up their ambitions for next year.

The mechanics that have made the series great in years past have made a return, while new additions like offensive off-ball control add an almost endless number of ways players can attack and score.

Is it better than FIFA? Will the Arse win the league? No and no.

Arguably less fluid and immediate than its rival FIFA 12, PES 2012's superior single-player game is nevertheless deep, challenging and often outright magical.

PES 2012 delivers better gameplay than its prequel: it's more fun and succeeds in satisfying the player. It's sad that the AI ruins all of this and there aren't any big major steps in the gameplay modes.

If you haven't played a soccer game for a few years, I would recommend that you check out PES 2012 because it offers both a sturdy single-player and multiplayer engine that has a considerably amount of longevity and replay value.

A polished evolution of what we saw last year, as if PES 2011 was midway to the goal PES 2012 has achieved. It changes some of the controls, and greatly enhances AI, although it still has its flaws, especially with the goalkeepers. But, above all, PES 2012 is a really engaging and fun football game, with much more variety and charm than previous entries.

PES 12 is a great soccer game that shouldn't be compared to FIFA 12. PES 2012 is different and is a lot better than other recent games in the franchise.

To put it frankly, unless you are some die-hard, old school fan of Pro Evolution Soccer, save your pennies and stick with FIFA. PES 2012 isn't a terrible game at all, but head-to-head, it's not the one controlling the ball; it puts on a show that your little brother might like.

PES 2012 is definitely a great game and deserves to be looked at by sports fans and soccer fans alike. Sure, the lack of an official FIFA license kind of sucks, but the solid visuals, good sound, and easy to pick up, but tough to master controls make this a virtual soccer game worth playing.

PES 2012 is more than just an update for the forgettable PES 2011. It's a huge step forward for the Konami series. The best Pro Evolution Soccer game this gen.

While the 2012 iteration of the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise is definitely better than its predecessors, it won't even get close to EA's contemporary FIFA masterpiece. The main reasons are the hideously bad AI, the ancient game modes and yet again the lack of proper licensing.

Back in good shape last year, PES now confirms that it is a very good football simulation again. Of course, there is still some flaws here, but we will above all retain its increased AI, its improved and fluid gameplay, its new modes... and the challenges of the training mode appear to be a really nice touch.

PES 2012 improves in several key aspects and fans will be pleased; but it still has many issues from previous entries. Control-wise, it's faster, but animations lack quality and goalkeepers are worse than ever. The Community mode and the online features are its main achievements.

It's the best PES so far, but in a match-up with FIFA 12, it can only lose. PES can't decide whether it's arcade or simulation, and so the crown goes to its opponent.

PES 12 may lack new modes, but substantial improvements to its AI, speed, and controls make it an exciting football game that's a lot of fun to play.

PES 2012 plays an extremely entertaining brand of football, largely sweeping away the complaints of the two previous versions in the process. There are problems for sure, but it's nice to know that whichever of the football titans you choose this year, you'll get a decent result.

As a long-term PES acolyte who has favoured FIFA for the last four seasons, I'm heartened to see Konami's series finally approaching something close to its best form – even if it's not the domineering force it was in its glory days of 2004/5.

PES 2012 is the game that fans have been seeking. There are things to evolve, but at least we were convinced that "Seabass" has found a path and a direction to this simulator.