eFootball PES 2020
For PES, the story is very much still the same. The new game shines in the ways it always has, but is let down by the same things too. Let’s gloss over the ridiculous new name that must just be a way to promote an esports focus, too.
As usual, PES 2020 features a more precise version of football. Players move realistically, using the part of their body that makes most sense when controlling the ball. There are some unnatural stutters in some shooting animations and in celebration, but the flow of the game is much better than FIFA’s, for the most part.
The new Finesse Dribbling mechanic should only make moving with the ball even better. Drafting in Andres Iniesta to help perfect how the ball and players move on the pitch, PES 2020 gives you immensely tight control over the ball.
Ball rolls, body faints, and close dribbling can all be done with precise movements of the right stick, opening up new passing lanes and attacking options.
I did notice in my time playing that one tactic, in particular, stood out as useful. Marauding full backs were a great out ball. Opposition defenses seem to play very narrowly, giving plenty of room for right and left backs to overlap to get a cross in.
The actual act of scoring from a cross is tricky, but getting into positions to get the chance was simple and might need tweaking as players get used to swinging the ball into the box accurately.
Passing definitely felt more impactful than dribbling too. I found breaking defensive lines with through ball significantly easier than dribbling through them, even with the likes of Messi, which isn’t as satisfying.
PES 2020 once again lacks that certain something that FIFA does, though. Something about FIFA keeps you engaged. There’s something in the arcadey feel or overall presentation quality that makes it more successful. Of course, the licensing and constant live content plays a big part in that, but FIFA’s gameplay feel more fun too.
PES 2020 will certainly be for some people due to its more realistic simulation of football and on-pitch visual superiority, but it still falls short in the all-encompassing experience that keep people engaged all season.
There will be some menu and UI changes that bring PES forward, and there are improvements coming to Master League and MyClub. There would need to be an overhaul of sorts to match what EA’s series does, though.
For me, PES 2020’s gameplay is a little mundane. If realistic first touches and precise shooting mechanics are your primary desire for a football game, PES will be your best option, but it’s not going to be the full package for those interested in all aspects of the sport.
