Okay guys, this is going to be a huge post, it may even be taken off here for being so long BUT I wanted to make something that shows just how good PES is, as the general consensus is that FIFA is the bees knees, and this PES is just a big ball of shit, whilst also taking people through some aspects that PES gets under-rated for.
Firstly, let's get the fundamentals out of the way and my opinion to lay a base for proceedings -
Demo 1 (PS3) - loved the demo, played it non stop, the keepers were a bit shit, but gameplay was excellent
Demo 2 (PS3) - loved it too, plenty of action, nice and free can't really remember now if it was better or worse than demo 1
Retail game (PS3) - Loved it out of the box, loved 1.01 less so, and thought 1.02 was a grind. Keepers were a problem in demo 1, KONAMI tried to pull the wool over our eyes with 1.01 by making all the shots go centrally, and demo 2 is just park the bus mode.
I then played the PC version, much like the PS3, but felt more responsive. THEN THE PATCHES....they have transformed the game immeasurably. Jenkey's latest patch with 1.02 is just excellent and played the game and loved it with his stuff on together with PESEDIT for teams and kits.
But today, I have been experimenting with Fire Patch Vietnam, and the gameplay is stunning.
So to highlight how PES can actually work I have recorded an entire game, at random because it takes so long, and have commented on what makes PES so great. Much greater than FIFA. This is a warts and all game, I could have spent all day just picking the best match, but this is the game I recorded and this is how it panned out.
Here's the backdrop -
Played four games prior to this on Football Life, won three, lost one. Won two games 1-0, won another 2-1, lost one 1-0, and this is the fifth. In all games the MAXIMUM possession I had was 56%, I was outshot in all but one of those games, and the games were perfectly realistic. Stats wise, the games were superbly realistic reflecting true football. The keepers were brilliant, and everything was sturdy.
I'm Liverpool by the way, I play on 15 minutes, Superstar mode.
Now I understand the reviews of people about PES out of the box, and I concur in part. But this is to show what can be delivered by PES after patching. I know the arguments that the game should be like this anyway delivered by KONAMI, but PES has so much more potential than its rival, that when the minds get together PES is truly awesome.
So here goes doubters, how about this for a simulation of football!!
Now this is not an exercise in me saying 'ooh look how good I am at the game', I really don't care about that, my aim for PES, is to get it playing like a real game of football on the tele. This is why FIFA will never match PES until it changes the engine, because there are just so many lifeless elements to FIFA that I cannot seriously be called a simulation, you can 6 games and not have a foul, finesse shot glitches, everyone plays a passing game, no inertia/momentum, just no life to the ball it doesn't feel random, etc etc.
My aim is to try and talk you through why I think this game is great, or at least why this version that I am playing is great, from attack to defence, to everything in between.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8fKidng9rY
Minute - 0.00 - 0.30
As you can see from the gameplan, my team are coming into this game with great confidence. Three wins and a loss, and now I'm home to Newcastle.
Minute - 1.10
My first mistake, Kelly (who hasn't got the dribbling ability) gets dis-possessed cheaply on the halfway line, will there be repercussions?
Minute - 1.13
Yep, a pass inside from the left wing to the centre midfield and a pass in behind the defence (where Kelly should have been) is exploited. I'm in trouble already!
Minute - 1.18
Kelly gets back and makes amends
Minute 1.45 - Brilliant stuff from the CPU, deceptive no pressure when my CB gets the ball, leaving the pass into midfield open, a second later after the pass into midfield and my man is in trouble being pressurised hugely, great defensive system from PES. Adam struggles with possession, but shrugs his man off before I just about get away with it.
Minute - 2.24-2.30
The first half chance of the game. Steven Gerrard marrauds into the gap after giving the ball to Aurelio, Aurelio comes inside and waits just enough to give Gerrard time to run. PES' AI at it's best. After the slight delay, the ball is on and Gerrard receives it, firing off a left foot drive.
Minute - 2.46
The little things, that go unnoticed with PES but just add to it being the realistic package. Goal kick goes into play, and players jostling for it, the ball then rebounds anywhere, freely.
Minute - 3.21 - 3.25
Brilliant AI pressing from the CPU, totally lifelike, defending in units, pressing me to make a decision and try and pass my way out of trouble
Minute - 3.33
I tried to be clever with a header inside, Newcastle steal possession in the centre and I am in big trouble even at this early stage. Two Newcastle passes later, in they are in on goal, their player takes it slightly wide, I defend very well, although he gets the dink in, it's just too high and I clear the danger.
Minute - 5.51 - 5.57
Newcastle play a lovely bit of keep ball, but I defend brilliantly. Jockeying three players, the ball then gets passed into central midfield, where they have a second of space, before I once again defend well, using my player to use his momentum to get goalside, the Newcastle player HAS to pass it back to his CB. Again, brilliant AI, totally lifelike.
Minute - 6.28
Disaster for the CPU!! An own goal, after a well crafted move, the keeper saves, but the Newcastle defender put the ball into his own net, one-nil to Liverpool.
NOTE - you may jump on the bandwagon here, but own goals are part of football, in the context, this own goal was understandable.
Minute - 7.00
To all those that say you can't tackle...well Lucas just makes a tackle, in the centre of the park
Minute - 7.04
Newcastle don't realise it but they are in trouble, a simple pass up the pitch and then Gerrard has possession. But I hold onto possession a fraction too long, and Newcastle get away with their high line, their CB, brilliantly playing Suarez offside. Great stuff.
Minute - 7.28
Defensive indecision from me, my fault
Minute - 8.05
The ball comes to Adam, and it's on his left foot, I know he's not the quickest so I opt to have a crack, it's a decent attempt, but the keeper gobbles it comfortably.
Minute - 9.13
Another impressive thing which PES aces FIFA, just the unpredictability, simply brilliant. Gerrard has free kick, hits it and the ball rebounds into the area, I have just enough time to gain control and impulsively head goalwards, the keeper just about gets there from the ensuing flick. A nice touch - Carroll ends up in the net after jumping over the keeper, then clings onto the net into frustration.
Minute - 10.26
Ball gets onto Adam's left peg again, worth a pop, but the pressure sees the shot go high wide and handsome. In hindsight, a finesse left foot curler would have been ideal.
Minute - 10.54
Newcastle may not know it yet, but that gifting of possession to me may cost them big time, Newcastle committed many men for this attack just before the half and that definitely wasn't a good place to gift possession away. From there they really are in trouble as my two play makers are looming, first Adam gets it and shifts it onto Gerrard, now the chance is on - I'm in the centre of the park with my main man, in the corner of my eye I see Carroll is just about to start his forward burst (superb AI), everything is on place, a run, my main ball passer in possession, with no pressure.....a pinpoint pass sees Carroll with the last chance of the half, he gets the ball onto his left, steadies himself, but oh just over the bar, Newcastle just did enough to put him off.
HALF TIME - Synopsis is that I dominated this half more than any other before it. I deserved my lead, and Newcastle would have to pull their socks up for the second half. 62% possession for me, I'm in control.
Minute - 12.18 - 12.30
Nothing spectacular in itself, but this 12 second clip shows just how PES is alive and feels real. You have a Newcastle pass back, and then a diagonal clip into the danger area, you then have men competing and there's a real scramble, then an offside. Great reality.
Minute - 12.40
Total football, FIFA simply hasn't got this. A long ball up to my player, and he heads it down to his team-mate, 12.43, Aurelio then pings one up to the target man Carroll, Carroll wins his tussle and the ball breaks to Suarez, simply brilliant. FIFA is pass, pass, pass along the floor all day, totally unrealistic, totally non variety. This little clip shows the variation in play that can be used in PES.
Minute - 13.02
Brilliant defending again by me, jockeying, positioning, snuffing out the attack.
Minute - 13.16
Another long ball as Newcastle pressed quite well here, where's my target man again? Here he is, Carroll, lovely header again!
Minute 13.41
Newcastle have committed again, if the ball in is weak then the counter is on. The clip is a poor one, Reina comes and collects it no problem, from here he distributes it brilliantly, the counter is on. The ball goes to Bellamy who steadies himself, then hits a superb diagonal ball ala Beckham style, Suarez takes it in his stride he pulls it back, but the danger is cleared.
Minute - 14.53
A lovely jockey tackle sees the ball break away, Guittierez picks the ball up and decides to have a shot, the shot is going wide but deflects and sends Reina up the creak, 1-1!
Minute - 16.19
Again brilliant PES. A clip from the back to the midfield, where the ball is flicked on, the aerial game on PES is truly rewarding.
Minute - 16.44
Briefly in trouble, but I just about get away with it, some last ditch toe-pokery and the ball gets cleared.
Minute - 18.22
Can't tackle? Again? Adam totally dis-possesses their man in the centre of the park after successful positioning and jockeying.
Minute - 18.39
Brilliant passage of play to highlight all PES strengths - I stupidly give the ball away when under no pressure whatsoever with Aurelio, the ball breaks to Newcastle, the guy is isolated though so he waits a few seconds, draws my two players, then lays the ball off backwards nicely, the ball is then passed back to the centre where the attack is now on; brilliant AI. Smith then shuffles the ball on one more time, where they get a shot off, although misplaced.
Minute - 19.05
Simply stunning stuff again from PES, this kind of thing is just so small, and yet to me it is integral to intertwining with reality. Aurelio picks the ball up and offloads to Suarez 19.07, Aurelio continues his run (no trigger just AI), Suarez comes back inside and with Aurelio taking his man with him on the run, Gerrard offers himself laterally for the simple pass, just incredible AI, totally lifelike.
Minute - 19.16
All game Gerrard has had players around him like flies to poop, again he gets the ball here and straight away two Newcastle players are hunting, he uses his strength to lay the ball off to Lucas, Lucas to Adam, then Adam just makes enough angle to give Gerrard that yard of space FINALLY. 19.23, and Gerrard draws two men, he uses his positioning to draw a further two more by 19.24, it was wonderful use of the body, Newcastle gambled that they would dis-possess him, but by drawing these guys it's now game on, as he slides a ball into Bellamy, danger for Newcastle. 19.25 and Newcastle are in big danger, not only has Gerrard taken out four players, but Bellamy has turned himself, and he's now facing goal, the defender has got a big decision to make, Bellamy is on his left foot....but it's too late, a brilliant swivel and he says bye bye to the defender, he's now got a clear shot on goal, and it's up to the gods...he hits it, hard and right footed, the ball canons off the guy in the way and into the goal, 2-1 Liverpool.
Minute - 19.56
I'm dozing and fail to close down their midfielder adequately, he delivers a nice ball into the path of the winger and the move goes on, they find a way into the box, and then it's a Newcastle shot, but Reina holds firm near post and saves the day.
Minute - 21.39
It's all over, and it's two one to me. The stats are superb. Brilliantly balanced, and actually Newcastle won the second half possession battle quite comfortably.
General notes -
I hope you can see from this game what PES has to offer, that FIFA can't touch. A general list -
1) Fouls, 7 fouls resulting in free kicks in the game, part of everyday real football. I can go five games in FIFA and not get a free kick!
2) General lifelike - the game is just so open and realistic, did you see me or the CPU repeat the same dull, boring pattern of attack in the game? No, because there isn't one, there's hardly an exploit in PES, it just plays and unfolds.
3) The Aerial game - non existent on FIFA simply because PES has the long ball trajectory nailed, in that the arc of the ball in the air is lifelike giving you time to get under it and challenge.
4) Variety in goals - leading up to this there were around 10 goals scored in four games, ranging from free kicks, corners, a penalty and general goals. In this game we had an own goal and two deflected goals!!
5) The AI - we don't have to touch too long on this, just the subtle little interchanges are just soo good!!
There are many more points I could raise why PES is just life and soul and FIFA just so dull by comparison, but my fingers are hurting now so I'm going to stop! Needless to say, in five games I haven't experienced any cheap programming, cheap tricks and scripts (like FIFA), there's no easy exploits for you or the CPU, there's no set pattern to games, and there's real life unpredictability. Anyway, it's my two pennies worth, a from start to finish guide. I hope people would have picked up some defending tips to, it is possible to tackle, and the game relies so much on positional sense and jockeying. In this entire match and the previous four games, there was none of this cheap CPU tricks like FIFA, where they get you one on one on the corner of the box, no same patterns of play, no repetition, no same goals, everything in this game of PES and the previous games I had was purely contextual.
Firstly, let's get the fundamentals out of the way and my opinion to lay a base for proceedings -
Demo 1 (PS3) - loved the demo, played it non stop, the keepers were a bit shit, but gameplay was excellent
Demo 2 (PS3) - loved it too, plenty of action, nice and free can't really remember now if it was better or worse than demo 1
Retail game (PS3) - Loved it out of the box, loved 1.01 less so, and thought 1.02 was a grind. Keepers were a problem in demo 1, KONAMI tried to pull the wool over our eyes with 1.01 by making all the shots go centrally, and demo 2 is just park the bus mode.
I then played the PC version, much like the PS3, but felt more responsive. THEN THE PATCHES....they have transformed the game immeasurably. Jenkey's latest patch with 1.02 is just excellent and played the game and loved it with his stuff on together with PESEDIT for teams and kits.
But today, I have been experimenting with Fire Patch Vietnam, and the gameplay is stunning.
So to highlight how PES can actually work I have recorded an entire game, at random because it takes so long, and have commented on what makes PES so great. Much greater than FIFA. This is a warts and all game, I could have spent all day just picking the best match, but this is the game I recorded and this is how it panned out.
Here's the backdrop -
Played four games prior to this on Football Life, won three, lost one. Won two games 1-0, won another 2-1, lost one 1-0, and this is the fifth. In all games the MAXIMUM possession I had was 56%, I was outshot in all but one of those games, and the games were perfectly realistic. Stats wise, the games were superbly realistic reflecting true football. The keepers were brilliant, and everything was sturdy.
I'm Liverpool by the way, I play on 15 minutes, Superstar mode.
Now I understand the reviews of people about PES out of the box, and I concur in part. But this is to show what can be delivered by PES after patching. I know the arguments that the game should be like this anyway delivered by KONAMI, but PES has so much more potential than its rival, that when the minds get together PES is truly awesome.
So here goes doubters, how about this for a simulation of football!!
Now this is not an exercise in me saying 'ooh look how good I am at the game', I really don't care about that, my aim for PES, is to get it playing like a real game of football on the tele. This is why FIFA will never match PES until it changes the engine, because there are just so many lifeless elements to FIFA that I cannot seriously be called a simulation, you can 6 games and not have a foul, finesse shot glitches, everyone plays a passing game, no inertia/momentum, just no life to the ball it doesn't feel random, etc etc.
My aim is to try and talk you through why I think this game is great, or at least why this version that I am playing is great, from attack to defence, to everything in between.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8fKidng9rY
Minute - 0.00 - 0.30
As you can see from the gameplan, my team are coming into this game with great confidence. Three wins and a loss, and now I'm home to Newcastle.
Minute - 1.10
My first mistake, Kelly (who hasn't got the dribbling ability) gets dis-possessed cheaply on the halfway line, will there be repercussions?
Minute - 1.13
Yep, a pass inside from the left wing to the centre midfield and a pass in behind the defence (where Kelly should have been) is exploited. I'm in trouble already!
Minute - 1.18
Kelly gets back and makes amends
Minute 1.45 - Brilliant stuff from the CPU, deceptive no pressure when my CB gets the ball, leaving the pass into midfield open, a second later after the pass into midfield and my man is in trouble being pressurised hugely, great defensive system from PES. Adam struggles with possession, but shrugs his man off before I just about get away with it.
Minute - 2.24-2.30
The first half chance of the game. Steven Gerrard marrauds into the gap after giving the ball to Aurelio, Aurelio comes inside and waits just enough to give Gerrard time to run. PES' AI at it's best. After the slight delay, the ball is on and Gerrard receives it, firing off a left foot drive.
Minute - 2.46
The little things, that go unnoticed with PES but just add to it being the realistic package. Goal kick goes into play, and players jostling for it, the ball then rebounds anywhere, freely.
Minute - 3.21 - 3.25
Brilliant AI pressing from the CPU, totally lifelike, defending in units, pressing me to make a decision and try and pass my way out of trouble
Minute - 3.33
I tried to be clever with a header inside, Newcastle steal possession in the centre and I am in big trouble even at this early stage. Two Newcastle passes later, in they are in on goal, their player takes it slightly wide, I defend very well, although he gets the dink in, it's just too high and I clear the danger.
Minute - 5.51 - 5.57
Newcastle play a lovely bit of keep ball, but I defend brilliantly. Jockeying three players, the ball then gets passed into central midfield, where they have a second of space, before I once again defend well, using my player to use his momentum to get goalside, the Newcastle player HAS to pass it back to his CB. Again, brilliant AI, totally lifelike.
Minute - 6.28
Disaster for the CPU!! An own goal, after a well crafted move, the keeper saves, but the Newcastle defender put the ball into his own net, one-nil to Liverpool.
NOTE - you may jump on the bandwagon here, but own goals are part of football, in the context, this own goal was understandable.
Minute - 7.00
To all those that say you can't tackle...well Lucas just makes a tackle, in the centre of the park
Minute - 7.04
Newcastle don't realise it but they are in trouble, a simple pass up the pitch and then Gerrard has possession. But I hold onto possession a fraction too long, and Newcastle get away with their high line, their CB, brilliantly playing Suarez offside. Great stuff.
Minute - 7.28
Defensive indecision from me, my fault
Minute - 8.05
The ball comes to Adam, and it's on his left foot, I know he's not the quickest so I opt to have a crack, it's a decent attempt, but the keeper gobbles it comfortably.
Minute - 9.13
Another impressive thing which PES aces FIFA, just the unpredictability, simply brilliant. Gerrard has free kick, hits it and the ball rebounds into the area, I have just enough time to gain control and impulsively head goalwards, the keeper just about gets there from the ensuing flick. A nice touch - Carroll ends up in the net after jumping over the keeper, then clings onto the net into frustration.
Minute - 10.26
Ball gets onto Adam's left peg again, worth a pop, but the pressure sees the shot go high wide and handsome. In hindsight, a finesse left foot curler would have been ideal.
Minute - 10.54
Newcastle may not know it yet, but that gifting of possession to me may cost them big time, Newcastle committed many men for this attack just before the half and that definitely wasn't a good place to gift possession away. From there they really are in trouble as my two play makers are looming, first Adam gets it and shifts it onto Gerrard, now the chance is on - I'm in the centre of the park with my main man, in the corner of my eye I see Carroll is just about to start his forward burst (superb AI), everything is on place, a run, my main ball passer in possession, with no pressure.....a pinpoint pass sees Carroll with the last chance of the half, he gets the ball onto his left, steadies himself, but oh just over the bar, Newcastle just did enough to put him off.
HALF TIME - Synopsis is that I dominated this half more than any other before it. I deserved my lead, and Newcastle would have to pull their socks up for the second half. 62% possession for me, I'm in control.
Minute - 12.18 - 12.30
Nothing spectacular in itself, but this 12 second clip shows just how PES is alive and feels real. You have a Newcastle pass back, and then a diagonal clip into the danger area, you then have men competing and there's a real scramble, then an offside. Great reality.
Minute - 12.40
Total football, FIFA simply hasn't got this. A long ball up to my player, and he heads it down to his team-mate, 12.43, Aurelio then pings one up to the target man Carroll, Carroll wins his tussle and the ball breaks to Suarez, simply brilliant. FIFA is pass, pass, pass along the floor all day, totally unrealistic, totally non variety. This little clip shows the variation in play that can be used in PES.
Minute - 13.02
Brilliant defending again by me, jockeying, positioning, snuffing out the attack.
Minute - 13.16
Another long ball as Newcastle pressed quite well here, where's my target man again? Here he is, Carroll, lovely header again!
Minute 13.41
Newcastle have committed again, if the ball in is weak then the counter is on. The clip is a poor one, Reina comes and collects it no problem, from here he distributes it brilliantly, the counter is on. The ball goes to Bellamy who steadies himself, then hits a superb diagonal ball ala Beckham style, Suarez takes it in his stride he pulls it back, but the danger is cleared.
Minute - 14.53
A lovely jockey tackle sees the ball break away, Guittierez picks the ball up and decides to have a shot, the shot is going wide but deflects and sends Reina up the creak, 1-1!
Minute - 16.19
Again brilliant PES. A clip from the back to the midfield, where the ball is flicked on, the aerial game on PES is truly rewarding.
Minute - 16.44
Briefly in trouble, but I just about get away with it, some last ditch toe-pokery and the ball gets cleared.
Minute - 18.22
Can't tackle? Again? Adam totally dis-possesses their man in the centre of the park after successful positioning and jockeying.
Minute - 18.39
Brilliant passage of play to highlight all PES strengths - I stupidly give the ball away when under no pressure whatsoever with Aurelio, the ball breaks to Newcastle, the guy is isolated though so he waits a few seconds, draws my two players, then lays the ball off backwards nicely, the ball is then passed back to the centre where the attack is now on; brilliant AI. Smith then shuffles the ball on one more time, where they get a shot off, although misplaced.
Minute - 19.05
Simply stunning stuff again from PES, this kind of thing is just so small, and yet to me it is integral to intertwining with reality. Aurelio picks the ball up and offloads to Suarez 19.07, Aurelio continues his run (no trigger just AI), Suarez comes back inside and with Aurelio taking his man with him on the run, Gerrard offers himself laterally for the simple pass, just incredible AI, totally lifelike.
Minute - 19.16
All game Gerrard has had players around him like flies to poop, again he gets the ball here and straight away two Newcastle players are hunting, he uses his strength to lay the ball off to Lucas, Lucas to Adam, then Adam just makes enough angle to give Gerrard that yard of space FINALLY. 19.23, and Gerrard draws two men, he uses his positioning to draw a further two more by 19.24, it was wonderful use of the body, Newcastle gambled that they would dis-possess him, but by drawing these guys it's now game on, as he slides a ball into Bellamy, danger for Newcastle. 19.25 and Newcastle are in big danger, not only has Gerrard taken out four players, but Bellamy has turned himself, and he's now facing goal, the defender has got a big decision to make, Bellamy is on his left foot....but it's too late, a brilliant swivel and he says bye bye to the defender, he's now got a clear shot on goal, and it's up to the gods...he hits it, hard and right footed, the ball canons off the guy in the way and into the goal, 2-1 Liverpool.
Minute - 19.56
I'm dozing and fail to close down their midfielder adequately, he delivers a nice ball into the path of the winger and the move goes on, they find a way into the box, and then it's a Newcastle shot, but Reina holds firm near post and saves the day.
Minute - 21.39
It's all over, and it's two one to me. The stats are superb. Brilliantly balanced, and actually Newcastle won the second half possession battle quite comfortably.
General notes -
I hope you can see from this game what PES has to offer, that FIFA can't touch. A general list -
1) Fouls, 7 fouls resulting in free kicks in the game, part of everyday real football. I can go five games in FIFA and not get a free kick!
2) General lifelike - the game is just so open and realistic, did you see me or the CPU repeat the same dull, boring pattern of attack in the game? No, because there isn't one, there's hardly an exploit in PES, it just plays and unfolds.
3) The Aerial game - non existent on FIFA simply because PES has the long ball trajectory nailed, in that the arc of the ball in the air is lifelike giving you time to get under it and challenge.
4) Variety in goals - leading up to this there were around 10 goals scored in four games, ranging from free kicks, corners, a penalty and general goals. In this game we had an own goal and two deflected goals!!
5) The AI - we don't have to touch too long on this, just the subtle little interchanges are just soo good!!
There are many more points I could raise why PES is just life and soul and FIFA just so dull by comparison, but my fingers are hurting now so I'm going to stop! Needless to say, in five games I haven't experienced any cheap programming, cheap tricks and scripts (like FIFA), there's no easy exploits for you or the CPU, there's no set pattern to games, and there's real life unpredictability. Anyway, it's my two pennies worth, a from start to finish guide. I hope people would have picked up some defending tips to, it is possible to tackle, and the game relies so much on positional sense and jockeying. In this entire match and the previous four games, there was none of this cheap CPU tricks like FIFA, where they get you one on one on the corner of the box, no same patterns of play, no repetition, no same goals, everything in this game of PES and the previous games I had was purely contextual.
