Gaming PES 21

V.O. · Sep 22, 2020

Speaking only for the online play, the changes are fairly subtle but add up to being a hell of a lot better than 20.

There's fewer 'car crashes' where two players collide and the ball flies off in a random direction. Likewise, the opposition's centrebacks or inevitable Vieira can't just barrel straight through the back of you like an unstoppable tank and take the ball somehow without it ever being a foul - it's actually possible to shield the ball without it feeling like there's a cointoss every time as to whether you'll be allowed to. These two things made online play feel like fecking pinball last year and it's great they've been toned down.

While it still does happen a bit, there's much less of the complete bollocks "Oh no! Where the feck has the ball gone?" confused animation that seemed to happen completely arbitrarily 20 times every game last year. Related to this, the game is better at giving you control over the closest player, but this occasionally feck you over as the game will now sometimes change the player again after the ball is initially loose and it 'realises' it's given you somebody a mile away when you're in the middle of manually changing it yourself. Does more good than harm generally, though.

They've also gotten rid of 4 x CB formations (and hopefully 3x CF formation managers) in MyClub. It's also now possible to get a penalty for something short of being scythed down with two feet.

Not sure how useful it is to anybody else as I rarely see anybody else attempt them, but it seems much easier on this year's version to work space for long range controlled shots. Beckham and Del Piero are good for at least one of these every other game.

amolbhatia50k · Sep 23, 2020

Gone back to manual passing. It's frustrating at times but so regarding

Redplane · Sep 23, 2020

Did they fix the pc never getting booked in 20?

amolbhatia50k · Sep 28, 2020

Now going to give Legend on pass assist 1 a go. Want to find the right difficulty before I start the Master League post transfer updates.

noodlehair · Sep 28, 2020

I was liking it more the more I played it. Then I played as France against Finland. Finland just tiki taka the ball around for the entire 90 minutes at 100mph, muscle every French player off the ball with ease. Boot the ball in from 30 yards repeatedly.

Why do Konami do stupid shit like this?

DatIrishFella · Sep 28, 2020

Transitioning to full time manual controls and its a treat. Up to superstar difficulty now and just had one of the most enjoyable games of football in any soccer sim in a long time.

It culminated in me scoring this absolute banger on the counter attack.

Mockney · Oct 1, 2020

Wait, so.... is this actually slightly different then? I thought it was just a basic skin update? S there an actual difference in the gameplay?

Ole90+3 · Oct 3, 2020

Mockney said:
Wait, so.... is this actually slightly different then? I thought it was just a basic skin update? S there an actual difference in the gameplay?

Would someone be able to shed some light on this? I was also of the opinion the update was purely cosmetic. Have they improved the gameplay at all? And if so, have they improved the off the ball AI?

The Don · Oct 3, 2020

Ole90+3 said:
Would someone be able to shed some light on this? I was also of the opinion the update was purely cosmetic. Have they improved the gameplay at all? And if so, have they improved the off the ball AI?

Definitely made changes to the gameplay, subtle tweaks that 'feel' drastically different. Is it a massive improvement? Well that is subjective. I'm certainly enjoying it a lot more.

noodlehair · Oct 14, 2020

Mockney said:
Wait, so.... is this actually slightly different then? I thought it was just a basic skin update? S there an actual difference in the gameplay?

I prefer it a lot to PES2020....although, it is basically the same game, just somehow less annoying. It's like when you get a new phone and everything just seems to work better even though it's basically exactly the same thing you had before. Still probably more difference between this and last year's version than there is between about the last 9 Fifas.

Although I'm confused why it's called a season update as the squads basically haven't been updated and United are still in the Europa League, and they have barely any kit licenses anyway. So basically they've updated everything except the season.

Nickosaur · Oct 14, 2020

As someone who doesn't really care too much about online play, I'm very tempted to get this over FIFA. Especially as I'm on PC, so can just plug in my xbox controller and download the option files with the correct names and kits.

Is master league any good these days? Or like everything I cherished during my childhood has it turned to shite.

The Don · Oct 15, 2020

Nickosaur said:
As someone who doesn't really care too much about online play, I'm very tempted to get this over FIFA. Especially as I'm on PC, so can just plug in my xbox controller and download the option files with the correct names and kits.

Is master league any good these days? Or like everything I cherished during my childhood has it turned to shite.

if you're going PC version, we're way, waaaaaaaaaayyyy past option files with correct names and kits. Master League hasn't really changed too much, apart from some graphics and cutscenes. There is one annoying thing, 'team spirit' which can cause scripting. It doesnt happen very often but when it does, you will break stuff.

Nickosaur · Oct 15, 2020

The Don said:
if you're going PC version, we're way, waaaaaaaaaayyyy past option files with correct names and kits. Master League hasn't really changed too much, apart from some graphics and cutscenes. There is one annoying thing, 'team spirit' which can cause scripting. It doesnt happen very often but when it does, you will break stuff.

Ah fair enough! So is it a pretty easy process to get everything correct?
To be honest I literally just want it so I can play a few random offline games. Might start a master league save but there's so many other games I want to play later this year.

GDaly95 · Oct 15, 2020

I'm actually loving it tbh. Haven't had a PES game for ages and I'm just really liking the way it plays compared to FIFA. Possibly largely because its so fresh to me.

I love the way the ball is like its own entity. You can experience any form of deflection, the ball really can go anywhere. In FIFA I always feel like the ball is on rails, or that its assigned to someone or has a predictable path.

There's a massive amount of long balls in the game from the AI which I actually like because Konami have nailed them. I'm actually playing Become a Legend and I'm a 6 foot 5 target man who's in and out of the starting line up for Hamilton Academical though so my idea of fun might be a bit weird :lol:

hubbuh · Oct 15, 2020

GDaly95 said:
I'm actually loving it tbh. Haven't had a PES game for ages and I'm just really liking the way it plays compared to FIFA. Possibly largely because its so fresh to me.

I love the way the ball is like its own entity. You can experience any form of deflection, the ball really can go anywhere. In FIFA I always feel like the ball is on rails, or that its assigned to someone or has a predictable path.

There's a massive amount of long balls in the game from the AI which I actually like because Konami have nailed them. I'm actually playing Become a Legend and I'm a 6 foot 5 target man who's in and out of the starting line up for Hamilton Academical though so my idea of fun might be a bit weird

That's one of the most aggravating things about FIFA. You can basically predict exactly what is going to happen when an online player starts attacking but for some reason it's almost impossible to stop!

Gringo · Oct 15, 2020

Never got to grips with the defending. Is it still the same ? Having to use super cancel to jockey your defender into position?

FrankDrebin · Oct 15, 2020

Always found defending one of the easiest aspects of PES.

amolbhatia50k · Oct 15, 2020

FrankDrebin said:
Always found defending one of the easiest aspects of PES.

True except on legend difficulty :nervous:

Waiting for the 22nd October so I can starts a ML. Actually I want to start two simultaneously. I'm thinking one in La Liga to topple the big 2 and one in either the Bundesliga or PL. Maybe a mid table PL team. If anyone has suggestions let me know! @Ish

Won't be going with United straight away this time.

Ish · Oct 15, 2020

amolbhatia50k said:
True except on legend difficulty

Waiting for the 22nd October so I can starts a ML. Actually I want to start two simultaneously. I'm thinking one in La Liga to topple the big 2 and one in either the Bundesliga or PL. Maybe a mid table PL team. If anyone has suggestions let me know! @Ish

Won't be going with United straight away this time.

Hey stranger! Hope you're well! I am not the one to currently be giving advice. Haven't played much of the last 2 editions of PES, but in the hope of progress with my studies, the plan is to get a PS5 early 2021 and see if I can catch up with some gaming again! And then I'll be reaching out to you for some tips and tricks!

Pexbo · Oct 15, 2020

One thing I really need to get better at is learning the patterns of play which are required to beat the different defensive tactics.

That’s one real strength of this game for me, the combinations of defensive tactics is what makes the games feel so different. People who play with a high line generally need to be much more cautious with their possession up the field otherwise you can pick them off with a good couple of passes and get countless one on one opportunities. People who have a deep defence with swarm the box are really tough to break down, I think pushing up to attack with tiki-taka on and lots of quick passes around the box and spreading the ball from left to right, waiting for a clear shot and a follow up is the best approach against them but you leave yourself exposed at the back if you do this.

It’s paper scissors stones stuff and they’ve executed it really well.

Cypriot · Oct 15, 2020

Thinking of buying this on PC to mod it up to realism. Bought FIFA21 and it's bang average as usual. Can someone please tell me what the difference is in all the 'editions' available to buy?

fergosaurus · Oct 15, 2020

First impressions are it's a good game and much more rewarding to play than FIFA, especially with manual passing. It has many flaws but for 20 quid I can't complain too much. Downloaded PES universe option file but don't see Cavani in the United squad. Is he not in the game?

FrankDrebin · Oct 15, 2020

fergosaurus said:
First impressions are it's a good game and much more rewarding to play than FIFA, especially with manual passing. It has many flaws but for 20 quid I can't complain too much. Downloaded PES universe option file but don't see Cavani in the United squad. Is he not in the game?

Check the national team. He should be featuring for Uruguay.

fergosaurus · Oct 15, 2020

FrankDrebin said:
Check the national team. He should be featuring for Uruguay.

Ah, cheers.

noodlehair · Oct 15, 2020

Gringo said:
Never got to grips with the defending. Is it still the same ? Having to use super cancel to jockey your defender into position?

Find it a lot easier than last year. Just seems to be much less awkward to take control of the correct player quickly. Although still seem to concede goals that I can basically do nothing about.

Pexbo said:
One thing I really need to get better at is learning the patterns of play which are required to beat the different defensive tactics.

That’s one real strength of this game for me, the combinations of defensive tactics is what makes the games feel so different. People who play with a high line generally need to be much more cautious with their possession up the field otherwise you can pick them off with a good couple of passes and get countless one on one opportunities. People who have a deep defence with swarm the box are really tough to break down, I think pushing up to attack with tiki-taka on and lots of quick passes around the box and spreading the ball from left to right, waiting for a clear shot and a follow up is the best approach against them but you leave yourself exposed at the back if you do this.

It’s paper scissors stones stuff and they’ve executed it really well.

The high pressing/tiki taka approach actually works this year. On last year's one I'd just lose every game but now I can actually create chances.

On the other hand I'm now completely shite at counter attacking which was my go to approach last year.

Pexbo · Oct 15, 2020

noodlehair said:
Find it a lot easier than last year. Just seems to be much less awkward to take control of the correct player quickly. Although still seem to concede goals that I can basically do nothing about.

The high pressing/tiki taka approach actually works this year. On last year's one I'd just lose every game but now I can actually create chances.

On the other hand I'm now completely shite at counter attacking which was my go to approach last year.

Who have you got as manager? I’m realising more and more how much of an effect the manager play styles have, especially the support level (whether players look to come close to your player in possession or if they look to make a run away from the player)

I think it works to get a manager with high support and possession as your defensive assistant and a manager with low support and counter attack as your attacking assistant with a more balanced manager as your main coach (or one with a natural bias to your style of play).

Ive only just realised how much of a difference all these things make, it’s almost an RPG mechanism they’ve employed.

One thing that is beyond ridiculous though is how much impact low team spirit has and how many games you have to go through with really shitty handling and even shittier scripting.

My absolute biggest gripe is how you take control of a player, they either

A. Stop running in the direction they were running even though you take over control directing them the same way.
B. Even worse, they are hell bent on chasing the ball and you have no control until they either reach the ball or the opposition player does. I had this in the 85+ minute of the last match of a 3/3 cup competition where I took control of Van Dijk as the last man with 1vs 2. My plan was to drop into the box and block the square pass angle forcing a long shot. Instead, completely out of my control Van Dijk started running 15 metres towards the ball, was easily beaten to it and a simple through ball left him score into an empty net as my keeper inexplicably came out to close the angle too. I would call it scripting but it was just the same lock on mechanism that annoys me in other areas of the pitch working thoroughly against me.

Renegade · Oct 15, 2020

Is there a reason or some sort of legality that prevents PES updating the transfers earlier than 20 days?

Surely a intern could do all the transfers/updates in a day after the window closes?
Waiting 4/6 weeks to start ML because the game isn’t complete is mental.

FrankDrebin · Oct 15, 2020

fergosaurus said:
Ah, cheers.

And if he's not there, you may want to check in the free agents section in editing.

FrankDrebin · Oct 15, 2020

Renegade said:
Is there a reason or some sort of legality that prevents PES updating the transfers earlier than 20 days?

Surely a intern could do all the transfers/updates in a day after the window closes?
Waiting 4/6 weeks to start ML because the game isn’t complete is mental.

This has long been a criticism of PES, though I think they're waiting for all transfer windows around the world to close.

Beachryan · Oct 15, 2020

There are definitely parts of PES 2020 I loved, but three main issues stopped it really being playable imo. Any of these 'fixed'?
1. The unstoppable CPU goal of midfielder shakes off your challenge/pings straight to feet of striker in the box/he moves opposite direction to the CB you've been switched to/scores
2. The difference between your players 'balance' and the CPU players' balance, particularly when they're behind you and you're running towards their goal (you stumble with any pressure, if reversed you could ride their coat tails all the way to the touch line)
3. Lack of responsiveness on crosses from your strikers - I had so many times I played a perfect cross to a striker at the back post, but the auto switch picked the wrong attacker, and by the time I'd switched manually it literally would just hit the back-post striker and go out of play

Most of the rest was really great, particularly tactics and in most cases, defending. Way better than FIFA.

FrankDrebin · Oct 15, 2020

There are still legitimate issues regarding PES, just like FIFA.

Still, all things considered both titles offer a decent take on the game. Would love it if there was a third genuine competitor though.

Moonwalker · Oct 15, 2020

I'm struggling to find the right manager this year. last year a lucked in on the first week of release and got some sporting coach that had everything I wanted in terms of tactics (high line, compact, 4213, max support range, counter attacking, attacking area center). This year, the closest I've found is this Bindewald coach, but he has possession game instead of counter attacking and it's really annoying - when they don't move as you'd like them to.

I've decided that my inability to get to 1k rating is solely down to this little detail.

Pexbo · Oct 15, 2020

Moonwalker said:
I'm struggling to find the right manager this year. last year a lucked in on the first week of release and got some sporting coach that had everything I wanted in terms of tactics (high line, compact, 4213, max support range, counter attacking, attacking area center). This year, the closest I've found is this Bindewald coach, but he has possession game instead of counter attacking and it's really annoying - when they don't move as you'd like them to.

Ive gone for Gasperini‘s 3-2-3-2 as I have no fullbacks yet but Beckenbauer, Van Dijk (featured), Vieira, Rijkard, Beckham and Iniesta. With Beckham and Iniesta as false wingers, they drop back into a 5 which is working really nicely. Mbappe and Lewendowski (both featured) as my striker partnership

Moonwalker · Oct 15, 2020

Pexbo said:
Ive gone for Gasperini‘s 3-2-3-2 as I have no fullbacks yet but Beckenbauer, Van Dijk (featured), Vieira, Rijkard, Beckham and Iniesta. With Beckham and Iniesta as false wingers, they drop back into a 5 which is working really nicely. Mbappe and Lewendowski (both featured) as my striker partnership

I've considered trying Gasperini. Never played with a back 3. Actually, I did yesterday in matchday, because Celtic have that as a default formation, but other than that never. I was always concerned I'd be very much vulnerable to attacks down the flanks, but if the opponent doesn't know how to use that space I imagine it can work like a charm. I also dislike the idea of not having any wingers of my own, but yeah Gasperini has like 8 in compactness and 9 defensive line and frontline pressure and aggressive, and I like all that.

I might just try him out when I get better CBs.

Shark · Oct 15, 2020

Absolutely zero regrets that I went with this on PC over Fifa. Gameplay is so rewarding when you can pull some nice goals off. Coop tournaments are also excellent with a friend

The Don · Oct 15, 2020

Nickosaur said:
Ah fair enough! So is it a pretty easy process to get everything correct?
To be honest I literally just want it so I can play a few random offline games. Might start a master league save but there's so many other games I want to play later this year.

It can be a tad more complicated but you can do so much more these days. There's a program called sider that can basically manipulate everything about the game. Check out evo-web editing section.

Pexbo · Oct 15, 2020

I think the most pleasing thing is not spending a penny to get an nice team, and simultaneously not needing an amazing team to win matches but also feeling the benefit of getting different players. I think it’s more down to their styles than their attributes.

All the coins you can earn throughout the week is enough to grab a couple of featured players and the devs feck something up on a regular basis and award 100 coins or a legendary scout.

fergosaurus · Oct 15, 2020

Created Pellistri and Diallo in the high 80's and started a master league with United. Also boosted Martial and Greenwood's stats. First game Pellistri scores a 93rd minute winner against Palace and the second Bruno got an 83rd minute winner away to Fulham.

FrankDrebin · Oct 20, 2020

Plays beautifully and looks amazing. Glad I purchased this.

Kearnkoff69 · Oct 23, 2020

FrankDrebin said:
Plays beautifully and looks amazing. Glad I purchased this.

Does it play better than 20? I demo'd PES20 and FIFA 20 and wasn't sold on either so skipped this gen. I'm hankering for an updated football game, though, and the lower price on '21 is intriguing.

Gaming PES 21

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