Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 Reviews
PES 2018 is a solid football experience but realism on the pitch can't make up for the lack of added value, general innovation, licenses and design flaws forever. The clock is ticking and PES is evolving too slowly by today standards.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
PES 2018 is a highly refined package, offering plenty of incentive for the existing fanbase and new fans alike, especially through the introduction of three-vs-three and Random Selection mode. The visuals and animations are much improved, with less jarring transitions, more animated players, and a far greater level of detail in the crowds and stadiums. All this raises the general presentation standard significantly, putting it on the same level as FIFA or thereabouts. While the gameplay has mostly changed for the better through a host of minute changes that add up to something more than the sum of their parts, the only shame is that rebalancing always seems to put something else out of whack - in this case the keepers' quite dodgy behaviour, which can ruin the fun. It's very 'two steps forward and one step back,' but still represents a big pragmatic leap forward, since they have thought outside the box about how to attract more football fans. Three-vs-three is a huge success, and there's no doubt it will be responsible for many converts.
PES 2018 is Konami's classic back at its strongest on PC, and the small changes to the feel of the gameplay have genuine ramifications on the pitch. It might lack the big budget feel of FIFA, most keenly felt in the match atmosphere, commentary and the lack of TV-like production values, but it plays a damn fine game of football.
PES 2018 improve a lot gameplay, animations and feeling during the game. Despite for the squad licence and the single player experience, still less attractive than the other big football game.
Review in Italian | Read full review
All in all, the line on the graph that is PES' progression as a series has gone up with Pro Evolution Soccer 2018.
PES 2018 is not without its flaws, many of which will both frustrate and disappoint you, but its excellent on-pitch gameplay helps it overcome most of those hurdles and come out the other side an extremely enjoyable football sim.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 is the perfect football game on the pitch, but flounders off the pitch. It offers a lot of value to the franchise agnostic but might not be compelling enough to warrant the annual purchase.
While the list of off-field changes is more than limited, PES 2018 improves upon the in-match action of last year's title enough to get by and remain at the top of the footballing table.
While the same issues of bland presentation, a lack of in-game atmosphere, and licensing inconsistencies return once again in PES 2018, if you're looking for a football game that plays close to perfectly, offering you the control to be precise with every touch of the ball, Konami's game is comfortably the best option around.
Some notable adjustments make PES 2018 a lovely football game that feels comfortable to play and realistic from the very first match. New animations, better physics and responsiveness are, with the fact that it is quite challenging, what makes it a fun simulation that has to be considered for this season.
Review in French | Read full review
On the pitch, PES 2018 is almost perfect. But as always, the lack of licenses is a bit of a let down. If you can look past that, it is a must-buy.
Review in Swedish | Read full review
Unfortunately, a small number of licenses prevent the game from becoming truly perfect, but Pro Evolution Soccer is primarily loved and appreciated for its deep gameplay. And this aspect in PES 2018 is great.
Review in Russian | Read full review
It's a solid jumping-on point if you're new to the series, but seasoned veterans may find too few improvements to justify the price.
With its peppy presentation and new lick of paint, Konami has breathed even more life into PES with its latest instalment, a celebration of everything thrilling about football. Gameplay is exciting and technical, and the selection of modes varied and replayable to the point where it's hard to see where the franchise will go next - except for fixing some major flaws in Master League and adding some more licenses. Fans of the series need not Pjanic: PES 2018 continues the series' goal-den streak.
When you reach a peak in performance, as Pro Evolution Soccer has done over the past few years, there is always the danger of diminishing returns.
PES 2018 is a great football game that delivers a fun experience across its various modes. The actual in match gameplay can be sublime and its hardly ever boring thanks to the lack of stoppages. Konami has created a real contender for this year's footballing crown, but issues like the simple nature of the commentary, and AI being a little silly at times hold it back from being proclaimed champion just yet. However, if you love your football then PES 18 is well worth picking up.
The most satisfying football game ever, wrapped in a frustratingly ugly shell.
Despite minor complaints, PES 2018 is undoubtedly top-of-the-table where it counts: the pitch. This is PES back on form.
On the pitch, PES 2018 still delivers big with a footie game that remains the best around. Unfortunately a lack of anything truly innovative holds it back somewhat, as does the continuing shortage of licenses. Next year, PES needs to go big or go home.
PES 2018 offers a fun and accessible game experience. The handling and the behavior of the players is impeccable, but the game modes and the technical aspects of the game have not varied significantly with respect to the previous entrance of the saga.
Review in Spanish | Read full review