It was just recently that I got my hands on the all new football game: PES 2012. Partly because, I wasn’t interested in such games and also, because of the lack of availability of such games in my country (Yes, I was lazy to do the searching).
Nevertheless, I did get it, and also tried playing various championships, over a two-month period.
Nevertheless, I did get it, and also tried playing various championships, over a two-month period.
First impression comes when you enter the main screen is that the game clearly focuses on Mr. Christiano Ronaldo (who I don’t quite like). Well, that was very much expected because of their decade long tradition to put someone's face up there. But overall, the menu is very user-friendly and smooth. Game modes in the menu include Exhibition, UEFA Champions League, Copa Santander Libertadors, Football Life, League/Cup and community.
The game captures the player, regardless of the mode selected, with its clear graphical presentation and neat AI. But technically speaking, there is no big change in the game from the previous editions. As usual, respective games can be started from the above mentioned menu.
And as I spoke earlier, I made a point that I was not very good with sports game on PC. But to be honest, it only took me 10 minutes to figure out the controls and begin my career in the game. One can operate the game with just 5 buttons excluding the arrow keys.
Its gameplay is primarily a refinement of its older brother, with fewer big changes than the previous iteration but many smaller improvements and changes in areas such as artificial intelligence, speed, animation, and physics.
Another new and impressive feature is the Teammate Control system, where a secondary player may be controlled, either during play, or at a set piece or throw-in. This allows players to be placed precisely, make runs, and shake off markers before calling for the ball.
Refereeing has been improved and includes a full implementation of the advantage rule, with the referee pulling back play for bookings after the ball goes out of play. The "catch-up bug", where defenders would catch dribbling attackers too easily, regardless of the attacker's pace, will be addressed. Gameplay is more fluid, with better response when controlling the ball, and goalkeepers have been improved with new animations and generally more reliable goalkeeping performances.
Artificial intelligence has been improved over previous versions, for example AI players will play more thoughtfully when defending rather than simply applying pressure, and AI teammates will make more intelligent movement decisions.
Stats aside, I really found the Football Life mode impressive. This is basically a career mode, which allows you to create a new player and lead him to the top level. And to be honest, it is the only part of the game that has a simulation feel. Otherwise it is all arcadey. That feel is further enhanced by the non-licensed clubs and teams and the stupid electronic genre music.
Irritatingly and rather noticeably, it is ridiculously simple to score, even in the ‘top player’ mode. But I still feel that it must have been my skills.
But overall, summing up, I would suggest this game to the readers, only if they have any experience with the PES franchise. There is certainly no extra complications, but the stand-out UI and the AI still focuses on arcade. FIFA fans will be better off sticking to their thing because it still rules in the simulation arena. And therefore it beats the PES fair and square. But, different people have different opinions. And that is why PES is still one of the best games in the market, and potentially the only game that has the rights to compete with FIFA.
The game captures the player, regardless of the mode selected, with its clear graphical presentation and neat AI. But technically speaking, there is no big change in the game from the previous editions. As usual, respective games can be started from the above mentioned menu.
And as I spoke earlier, I made a point that I was not very good with sports game on PC. But to be honest, it only took me 10 minutes to figure out the controls and begin my career in the game. One can operate the game with just 5 buttons excluding the arrow keys.
Its gameplay is primarily a refinement of its older brother, with fewer big changes than the previous iteration but many smaller improvements and changes in areas such as artificial intelligence, speed, animation, and physics.
Another new and impressive feature is the Teammate Control system, where a secondary player may be controlled, either during play, or at a set piece or throw-in. This allows players to be placed precisely, make runs, and shake off markers before calling for the ball.
Refereeing has been improved and includes a full implementation of the advantage rule, with the referee pulling back play for bookings after the ball goes out of play. The "catch-up bug", where defenders would catch dribbling attackers too easily, regardless of the attacker's pace, will be addressed. Gameplay is more fluid, with better response when controlling the ball, and goalkeepers have been improved with new animations and generally more reliable goalkeeping performances.
Artificial intelligence has been improved over previous versions, for example AI players will play more thoughtfully when defending rather than simply applying pressure, and AI teammates will make more intelligent movement decisions.
Stats aside, I really found the Football Life mode impressive. This is basically a career mode, which allows you to create a new player and lead him to the top level. And to be honest, it is the only part of the game that has a simulation feel. Otherwise it is all arcadey. That feel is further enhanced by the non-licensed clubs and teams and the stupid electronic genre music.
Irritatingly and rather noticeably, it is ridiculously simple to score, even in the ‘top player’ mode. But I still feel that it must have been my skills.
But overall, summing up, I would suggest this game to the readers, only if they have any experience with the PES franchise. There is certainly no extra complications, but the stand-out UI and the AI still focuses on arcade. FIFA fans will be better off sticking to their thing because it still rules in the simulation arena. And therefore it beats the PES fair and square. But, different people have different opinions. And that is why PES is still one of the best games in the market, and potentially the only game that has the rights to compete with FIFA.
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