You know what guys, I had more fun playing PES than FIFA this year, and I think it's because it's had all the right tweaks in just the right places. I do think the referee is a bit too lenient though - you can get away with some pretty crazy tackles! But I suppose that means less disruption to the fine flow of football. The controls have a depth that makes the game blossom as you learn its subtleties. Of course, PES still lacks the official club licenses that FIFA has in spades, and that commentary does get a bit repetitive, but the on-pitch action overcomes those flaws in time. Yeah, there's some nice attention to detail. Where FIFA can start to feel a bit samey, PES feels unpredictable.Ī small touch I noticed is that your goal celebrations will change depending on where you run on the pitch, like up to the corner flag, or behind the goal. I found I was seeing something different in every match I played. I agree, there's something really dynamic about it - it just feels next gen. PES 2016 has improvements all over the pitch, with smooth passing, lovely animations and really responsive player control. Now, this is a game which has really taken a step up from it's last installment.
The addition of women's teams is fantastic, and this is still a great package for football fans, but really, I don't know if it's a step forward technically and gameplay-wise for the series, so I'm giving it 3 and a half out of 5 rubber chickens.Īlright, let's check out FIFA's big rival, Pro Evolution Soccer 2016. Yes, I do think it is time for a complete overhaul. You can almost feel EA Sports just running out of ideas. This is the same engine they've been using for years, and it's starting to feel a little stale. All up though, I think FIFA's showing its age a bit. Well, yes, but everyone has to start somewhere Darren. This basically teaches you to play the game, highlighting the button or move you should use in any given moment - and I think this will be great for newcomers. One small change to FIFA 16 that I think is a nice idea, is the addition of an onscreen trainer. Yeah, if you would compare it to anything I guess it would be Hearthstone's Arena, but it still feels a bit cash hungry. And I don't like seeing such an emphasis on micro-payments. Now, you can use FIFA points which are a grind to earn, or you can pay real money. It's a fun spin on the already popular Ultimate Team mode, but Draft does require an "entrance fee" to play. You'll need to balance team chemistry with raw individual skill to find success. Draft challenges you to build your team based on random draws of five superstar players for each position. Another new feature is an ultimate team Draft mode.Īffirmative. The game doesn't let you pit a women's team against a men's one, but overall, it's a great addition to the FIFA package. And, I have to say, it's super cool to see the Matilda's finally get the recognition they deserve. Yeah, the women are a bit more nimble on their feet, and their passing seems really zippy. Well, one of the most dramatic new features is the inclusion of all twelve women's national teams - which is a first for the series!Īnd the women's teams definitely feel different to play don't they? The real question though, is whether the gameplay has evolved enough to warrant buying it again this year.
Yeah, from the menus to the flashy replays and commentary, it's all super slick. Thanks Goose! Get your boots on, dribblers, it's time for our annual football game showdown - Pro Evolution Soccer versus FIFA! Are you ready for kick off?Īlright guys, let's start with FIFA 16, and the tagline on the box this year is "play beautiful", and there's one thing you can't deny about FIFA, is that it's a beautifully presented game.