Fifa 09 vs Pro Evo 2009

[The Messiah]

Brilliant post.

I experienced this last week when I took my PS3 to a friend's house, and after playing a match or two with both Fifa 09 and PES 2009, people chose Fifa. Now, it's easy, as many would here, to dismiss them as suckers that are falling for eye candy, or something like that. But the truth is that as an overall experience, Fifa has easily surpassed PES. And yes, as you mentioned, going outside of the big leagues is, actually, a big deal.

I root for Sao Paulo, from Brazil, and it is represented with amazing accuracy in Fifa, even down to the teams chants from the supporters. The same is true for nearly all brazilian teams in the game. Sao Paulo was once in PES and it was really a joke. Uniforms, players, everything was completly wrong.

So Fifa has this going for it, but obviously still has its share of problems. The AI of the players can be infuariating at times and, as last year, teams still tend to play a lot like each other. The CPU team always puts an insane amount of pressure on you, regardless of the teams that are involved, rely too much on crosses or through balls, etc. We could go on and on, yes, it is far from perfect. But one can't help but get the feeling that EA/Fifa are really close to finding something special in their next versions, as PES once had. If they are able to solve some of their current problems, it will be no contest.

And I say this because, sadly, Konami/Seabass found a niche, a particular representation of football that is fun, and works well, and decided to simply sit on it. Taking absolutely no chances in the last five years, sometimes even coming up with "features" that nearly everybody doubted that they were actually in the game, as the "teamvision AI", or whatever it was called in PES 2008. It's intresting to see how the argument for PES, some years ago, was about how real it was, how closely it represented the game of football, while Fifa was a stupid pinball-like arcade game (which, actually, it was). When Fifa surpassed PES in the realism department, for PES fans suddenly, it was all about playability, responsiveness, etc.. Realism was no longer that important.

The worst of all this story is that, as is evident by some recent interviews, Seabass is quite happy with PES 2009, thinking that there is nothing wrong with it. Granted, there will always be a camp that will never switch to Fifa, simply because they are used to the PES way and somehow think that this is the "right" way.

I think this is, in a way, terrible. People who really like PES should be even more critical about it, not say... "it's allright that the ML plays the same for five years or that the online is still crap or the lack of licenses, the absolutely pathetic crowd chants, etc, etc". Going this way, appealing for a very small niche of fanatics, dismissing the necessary polish that attracts new and casual gamers, will only make this problems worse.

I own both games, and still play PES way more than Fifa, but I can see this changing in the near future. As much as I try, I can't say that I'm satisfied or that I would recommend the latest PES for a friend of mine. And this, in itself, should be a great cause of concern to Konami - a long time and loyal customer that is about to abandon the ship. But, apparently they don't seem to care. Oh well, good luck then Konami, I'm sure you will need it.

 

[Miggy]

On-line has once again really let me down. I'm going to rent FIFA sometime this week or on the weekend and really give it ago because I'm told the demo isn't the same.
The fact that my closest friends from England all play FIFA has led me to this decision too.

Is it possible to be good at both games? I'm worried if I start playing FIFA I'll be useless at Pro because I do still enjoy Pro off-line.

 

[Phatmann]

It seems my prediction was very wrong; Fifa have indeed outdone PES.
EDIT: Yes, it is possible to be good at both games Mig, just look at me.

 

[ProEvoISS]

Never mate. Fifa is the closest game to the real thing, in terms of looks and gameplay. And this is coming from a football and (former) Pro Evo obsessive. Give it a bit of time, learn the advanced controls and then come back to me and say "Trigglebeef, you were knob on mate, Fifa is actually pretty damn special".

Someone's been tooting the crack pipe havn't they hehe. Just kiddin fella but I can't see how anyone would prefer FIFA if they are a football fan. FIFA's graphics are cartoony ( not a word but stay with me ) at best whereas the gameplay is awful. Goalscoring is an absolute joke there is no simulation involved as you can score from almost anywhere on the pitch once you have learned how to do it once whereas with PES it takes a while to reproduce the same shot twice. The licenses don't bother me that much because they don't make football, it is about the gameplay and in my opinion PES still has the advantage. Plus a quick edited option file download and there is no difference. FIFA's BAL version is awful 4 seasons and you retire granted they have a manager option but if Im going to play a management game ill stick to games intended to be just that, Like Championship Manager ( love those games ).

Opinion's beautifull things arent they, I've been in love with football now for many long years and as soon as I tried a Pro Evolution Soccer game I knew which series I was going to fund in the future ( never played winning 11 unfortunately I was still playing FIFA games then ).

 

[ProMartin]

I'm going forth and back last days playing FIFA and PES trying to decide which is the better and deeper game. At first I thought FIFA was amazing and owned PES in every aspect. Smooth animations, nicely paced build up, sweet long balls, complex ball physics etc. As I continued playing FIFA started to show the lack of the "competitive" in game factor that makes PES so addictive. Once you start to play more seriously the game falls apart imo. Repeative goals, with lofted balls and 1 on 1 are the order of the day. While everything is rather hard in the game, through balls are ridicilously easy, to the point your brain leads you to play the same trick over and over again. Why bother with complex passing and random crossing when you can have a couple of clear chances with this tactic? Goals arent satisfying because they dont come out of careful build up but from defense mistakes or the freezing of CBs when a lobed through ball is overhead. You sometimes have to force yourslef not to revert to this tactic but, really, this shoul never happen in a serious and competive football game.

Off the ball is not to the levels of PES. Especially inside the box, when you have a winger cutting from the flanks, your mates have zero awareness and dont make flick on moves to recieve your pass or relieve you of the pressure. They idioticaly stay behind their markers.Forwards and wingers do some nicely timed straight runs but once they get in the box they run out of (scripted) ideas.

Perfect through balls can be executed casually by not very gifted players to the point that players like Pirlo are rendered useless in FIFA. In PES I constantly search for my playmaker for the final ball. I would like to have more control over it, especially power but not to the level of abuse like in FIFA.

Shooting doesnt feel quite right. Ball doesnt take down spin in strong shots, sometimes it feels weightless, others like a brick. It might need some practicing but still, most shots are not satisfying.

Dribbling should be simpler. R2 dribble, doesnt really work like in PES and agile players like Ribery for instance dont move sharp enough to evade
tall and slow CBs. Knock on on the trick stick? why? RB is so much simpler as in PES. Carrying the ball even with players like Messi seems like a waste of time so far. Lets play the through ball again..boring.

I like custom tactics option but FIFA's team management menus are slow and laggy. PES is so quick and easy in this aspect of the game.
Lastly..Dont you guys miss the random form feature of PES? Though frustrating sometimes, it made each match a tactical quiz and gave time to the bench warmers.

 

[Enitza]

PES 2009 still has upper hand in terms of addicive gameplay but it's the lack of it's new options that will probably put FIFA ahead in years to come. Failures like PES Champions League must not happen ever again! FIFA also has a nicer presentation though, due to that fact, menus are sometimes slow.

 

[raymondip]

I would agree with your opinion but not the last paragraph which refers to somewhat appeared to me racial discrimination on game playing for the Japanese.

I think football fans would definitley prefer FIFA. Most football fans wouldn't like the fake club names, nor the short master league campaign or the fact there are so few teams from the lower divisions (yes, lower divisions do exist for all those commercial fans). Also, I think football fans would appreciate the thought and attention brought into FIFA's stats as opposed to PES's stats (e.g. Torres, Reina).

PES much more appeals to my gaming side than my football fan side. I love the fact that Master League is addictive and I have a tonne of madeup players in my squad. The growth curve and layout is fantastic. I like the fact lots of players feel different... these kinds of things aren't that important to football fans as a whole. I also like the presentation and the fact I can easily compare and see stats of my players without any kind of lag between windows. This is much more appealing to the avid gamer IMO.

Also the simple fact is FIFA represents the modern game much better on the pitch than PES does. PES is very tactical which is brilliant this year but the tactics you see in PES, you won't really see in real life. Also, in PES you have very mechanical cutback mechanisms for lots of goals.. and turns are simply godly. On FIFA and IRL, this isn't the case.

TBH, PES reminds me of Japanese gaming as opposed to a football simulation nowadays.

 

[unclefredo]

I would agree with your opinion but not the last paragraph which refers to somewhat appeared to me racial discrimination on game playing for the Japanese.

Calm down mate. I don't think you can call that racist - I think it's a generalisation. There is no doubt that the Far East gaming market like DDR more than say the West. That's not being racist, that's just being real. Obviously, as is the nature of generalisation, it doesn't deal with specifics.

 

[Gaffa08]

I think football fans would definitley prefer FIFA. Most football fans wouldn't like the fake club names, nor the short master league campaign or the fact there are so few teams from the lower divisions (yes, lower divisions do exist for all those commercial fans). Also, I think football fans would appreciate the thought and attention brought into FIFA's stats as opposed to PES's stats (e.g. Torres, Reina).

PES much more appeals to my gaming side than my football fan side. I love the fact that Master League is addictive and I have a tonne of madeup players in my squad. The growth curve and layout is fantastic. I like the fact lots of players feel different... these kinds of things aren't that important to football fans as a whole. I also like the presentation and the fact I can easily compare and see stats of my players without any kind of lag between windows. This is much more appealing to the avid gamer IMO.

Also the simple fact is FIFA represents the modern game much better on the pitch than PES does. PES is very tactical which is brilliant this year but the tactics you see in PES, you won't really see in real life. Also, in PES you have very mechanical cutback mechanisms for lots of goals.. and turns are simply godly. On FIFA and IRL, this isn't the case.

TBH, PES reminds me of Japanese gaming as opposed to a football simulation nowadays.

I know this is your opinion and I respect that, I just feel the need to get something off my chest lol

You have two different types of football fans...

1) These football fans look at names not how football is played, they may think they understand football, maybe they do slightly. Someone says, "OMG Messi's in this game! I'm going to buy it..." or "I love Barcelona, even though I support ermmm Hull City, so I'd rather watch Barcelona play because they have all the best players".

Look at Hull City ffs... No-one would ever predict that, but I guaranty you, if Hull City win the league then Champions league next season, they will have most of the Chelsea and Man Utd supporters wearing their jerseys. Pfff

2) These football fans know the ins and outs of football, so names mean nothing. They will support their club through thick and thin. Does Gerrard really care about Messi? No... Its not a one man team, you play as a team. Just so people understand, what did Liverpool do twice to Barcelona? Made them look like nothing. What did Etoo do? What did Messi do? Nothing... What did Chelsea do to Liverpool on Sunday? Nothing. 86 matches unbeaten at home? Not any more... So your thinking what am I getting at? Well... Names on paper mean fuck all... Its how well you play.

OK, so most people go to FIFA because of the online features, fair enough... But allot of people don't make much sense when they say... "I'm a real football fan, I know everything about football" then say I've been playing PES/ISS for 10+ and PES09 is the last draw because it doesn't have good graphics or no licenses and the main cry, not enough features.

What has PES09 got?

- Champions league
- Master League
- Become A Legend
- Other league and cup matches you can do?

What has FIFA got?

Exactly the same but its LICENSED and done there own way.

OK with FIFA you can play in the "England League" and other European leagues... But again, its just licenses, they don't effect the overall gameplay.

So back to what I was saying, this is my opinion, and I've seen it many times on these forums...

Out of the two fans I've listed...

1 will go to FIFA
2 will go to PES

If you feel FIFA best suits your gameplay I'm happy for you. If you feel PES best suits your gameplay I'm even more happier for you. But don't judge a game like PES because it doesn't have features like licenses because that's just stupid, sorry. :fplm:

BTW, 81/65 tells you how people feel about PES and this ain't a official forum!

 

[raymondip]

Calm down mate. I don't think you can call that racist - I think it's a generalisation. There is no doubt that the Far East gaming market like DDR more than say the West. That's not being racist, that's just being real. Obviously, as is the nature of generalisation, it doesn't deal with specifics.

ok that's fine, I accept your view
take it easy

 

[shaun7]

Fifa 09 is not better than pes 09. Pes 09 won for me. It feels much better when you score.

 

[aoAaron]

idk. i scored a brilliant turn and shoot from outside the box with torres which hit off the bar in fifa. i then finished it off with my favorite celebration with the team going crazy.

that felt pretty good.

 

[raymondip]

I would say pes is still leading but the gap is much narrower than before
The trend is FIFA up but PES slow progress or no progress at all

Hope Konami can do their best to improve the engine and graphics

That all pes fans are looking for

 

[bongplayer]

Now I am an old school gamer ( dont play manager mode or be a pro/legend, just pure football) so bear with me here (I've got both FIFA and PES).

FIFA 08 was way waaay better than PES 08, no question, the later was basically a diahrea arcade fest. Now FIFA 09 comes along and what do I see? I just see a faster paced FIFA 08 with a little bit more responses in the control dept. Players are sluggish, they literally stager around the pitch and then there's the ball: jesus christ what in fock name's is that? Its a beach ball with helium! Granted the series has definetly progressed and thats a good thing (otherwise Seabass will be curling your balls with one hand and fondling your sister with the other).

PES 09 is amaazing in my opinion I would say its probably the 3rd best ever made (after 04 and 03). I am very very happy with the graphics (I dont like the glossy, cartoonish look of FIFA) and the entire game is just beautifully replicated, I just love how Messi tears down defenders with raw speed while Totti has this amazing balanced weight to him that provides optimum ball control. Just love it!

I was an avid footballer, I played for my high school and I played at varsity level when I went to uni in the states so I am not a pro by any means but I do understand the game. And I disagree with those of you here who say that FIFA is more realistic, no way, with that helium ball?! I for one feel that FIFA is made for gamers (when you take a corner, the entire camera perspective changes as it floats above, thats not realistic, thats a game!). Some prefer blondes, some prefer ass.. I prefer PES (over FIFA that is...not over ass or blondes)

 

[El Nino]

Its all about fuckin personal choice.Horses for courses lol

 

[Hunter]

Now I am an old school gamer ( dont play manager mode or be a pro/legend, just pure football) so bear with me here (I've got both FIFA and PES).

FIFA 08 was way waaay better than PES 08, no question, the later was basically a diahrea arcade fest. Now FIFA 09 comes along and what do I see? I just see a faster paced FIFA 08 with a little bit more responses in the control dept. Players are sluggish, they literally stager around the pitch and then there's the ball: jesus christ what in fock name's is that? Its a beach ball with helium! Granted the series has definetly progressed and thats a good thing (otherwise Seabass will be curling your balls with one hand and fondling your sister with the other).

PES 09 is amaazing in my opinion I would say its probably the 3rd best ever made (after 04 and 03). I am very very happy with the graphics (I dont like the glossy, cartoonish look of FIFA) and the entire game is just beautifully replicated, I just love how Messi tears down defenders with raw speed while Totti has this amazing balanced weight to him that provides optimum ball control. Just love it!

I was an avid footballer, I played for my high school and I played at varsity level when I went to uni in the states so I am not a pro by any means but I do understand the game. And I disagree with those of you here who say that FIFA is more realistic, no way, with that helium ball?! I for one feel that FIFA is made for gamers (when you take a corner, the entire camera perspective changes as it floats above, thats not realistic, thats a game!). Some prefer blondes, some prefer ass.. I prefer PES (over FIFA that is...not over ass or blondes)

Fair review there mate. With a nice finishing touch. :lol:

I have to agree with you with regards to FIFA's helium balloon, it does feel ridiculously wierd, and I just don't understand how they can't get ball physics right. Either way I'm loving PES 2009 as well, and would have to agree it's one of the best made in years for me, I wasn't expecting it to be this good so I guess that is the bonus for me, and probably us all.

 

[bongplayer]

Hunter and I fully agree with you!
Say you and I one day set up shop at your university?
We will play some proevo and then we shall HUNT for some
blondes with arses that have FIFA's ball physics? If me wife lets me...

 

[Gaffa08]

I would say pes is still leading but the gap is much narrower than before
The trend is FIFA up but PES slow progress or no progress at all

Hope Konami can do their best to improve the engine and graphics

That all pes fans are looking for

A true PES fan doesn't care about the licenses or graphics... PES09 has some licenses, and the graphics are very nice for me. If the gameplay ain't there, no-one will play it.

 

[shaun7]

^Well yes but graphics always adds something to say WOW.

 

[Gaffa08]

Yes I agree, but I can't see anything wrong with the graphics?

Maybe its just my monster PC? lol...