I’LL ADMIT, I have fallen out of love with football in the last few years.
I’ve grown tired of the game, the magic has gone, the spark that was once there as a child has flickered out, as club greed takes over. I don’t want to hate it, I just do.
When it’s just 22 men on the pitch, fighting it out, without all the guff and rubbish that comes with it like overpaid stars and high-ticket prices, it’s still the beautiful game.
But that’s not the world we live in, and I have to suck it up. THAT is the reason I love Pro Evolution Soccer 2018.
There’s none of the circus, I can just play the game I love, in a realistic, fun, and enjoyable setting, like the good old days.
During my review of last year’s installment, I described it as the best footie title ever created, but 2018’s version has topped it.
Small, but significant improvements, have catapulted this franchise above and beyond FIFA yet again.
Konami know what Pro Evo is, they stick to an identity and never strafe to be something they are not, it’s still so raw.
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They're done a masterful job this time around of enhancing the feel of each player, even if some of the footballers facial graphics are questionable.
During my Master League season as Real Madrid, I instantly noticed how each individual star had attributes similar to the real world.
Luka Modric has guile while running with the ball, gliding across the pitch, picking out passes with the outside of his boot with either foot.
Cristiano Ronaldo has power, pace, movement and an eye for goal, while Sergio Ramos is strong in the tackle and brutal in the air.
It's these characteristics that make Pro Evo 2018 special, it's a near-perfect simulator with an arcade-style that doesn't have a superiority complex.
There's so much diversity to challenge yourself with as well, game modes such as Master League, myClub and tournament modes having been tweaked and enhanced.
A dedicated PES League E-Sports mode is also a huge step forward to helping keep the title competitive and relevant for as long as possible.
It's not perfect, there are some floors, including the odd frame-rate issue, and it still being too easy to score from crossing.
And unfortunately, they still don't have all the licenses, which is frustrating, even if it is a minor thing.
But you look past this when everything else is so excellently detailed, and more importantly fun.
Thanks Konami, for helping me fall back in love with football again.
5/5
PS4, Xbox One; £49.99; PEGII 3
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