PES 2010 ? how could I ever have doubted you? | Technology | guardian.co.uk
PES 2010 – how could I ever have doubted you?
Impressions of PES 2010
PES 2010
Better than FIFA?
Maybe it was the continued innovation of the online play, particularly the 10vs10, or the vastly improved feel of the action. Or perhaps it was the dubious pleasure in playing as Southampton - but FIFA 10 has certainly seduced me recently. And as a total package FIFA 10 is hard to beat. But after a weekend playing PES 2010 it has quickly became obvious that on the pitch – ultimately where it matters most, of course – PES simply plays the more satisfying and entertaining game of football.
The caveat here is that I haven't played online yet. Online play isn't live yet and probably won't be until the week of launch. For me this is crucial. Last year's appallingly convoluted offering – want to play 2vs2 with a friend on the same team? Good luck – really killed the game for me. Have Konami fixed it this year? We'll find out very soon. But if it is the same menu-ridden and laggy mess of last year then FIFA's siren call will become too much.
But on the pitch things are looking very very good indeed. Regular players will know how satisfying PES feels and 2010 is as blissfully expressive as ever. Aerial through balls are a particular delight but first time passes and accurately weighted crosses are all a joy. Le Tissier style 40-yard cross field passes are possible too and the game encourages and rewards you to try out new moves.
The 360 degree control – less heavily marketed here than it is with FIFA but a first for the series – makes a difference too. Initial discomfort soon gives way to a greater feel on the pitch, with plenty of room to improvise as you create space for a cross or shot.
The action feels slightly slower than 2009 but is still much faster than FIFA. A typical PES game is more akin to the recent 4-3 Manchester derby than the continentally paced FIFA. Yes, this is almost a complete reversal of historical trends. But FIFA 2001 – or whenever – goalfests were never this entertaining.
The game feels slightly easier though. I played on regular settings and won the Champions League easily – an 8-0 aggregate win over Man United was a highlight – by using simple tactics of through-balls and double-tap crosses. Whether this is ease is intentional – or maybe I'm better than I thought? - remains to be seen but regular players would be better off starting on at least professional level.
So what else? Well finally – finally! – Konami seems to have got the in-game presentation right. Licensed music and well designed and legible menu screens? Yup, it's a world away from PES of the past. The Champions League licence is central to the game and the menus give you all the encouragement you need to get started on your campaign. Maybe next year we'll get the Johnstones Paint Trophy too? Another nice touch is the muted celebrations from the crowd when you score away from home. The crowd noise generally seems more realistic too – I'm sure they cheered when I cleared a header off the line.
Then there is the Community mode, a new addition to the series. It is essentially a long term record of your results against friends. Great. But currently it is offline only and pointless for anyone old enough to live away from their mates.
So, 48 hours in and I'm thoroughly enjoying PES 2010. Yes, I'm crossing fingers that online is finally sorted, but when it comes to the basic on-pitch action there looks to be a clear winner. I ended my FIFA 10 review by saying PES had it all to do. Well, after a weekend with PES 2010 I'm very confident it has succeeded. Sorry to have doubted you old friend.
Internet & Gaming Zone 
Re: The Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Thread 
