Pro Evolution Soccer 2016

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The gameplay of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 received widespread acclaim for its refined mechanics, enhanced realism, and tactical depth. Critics consistently praised improvements in controls, animations, and physics, with many highlighting the game’s responsiveness and fluidity. GameStar noted that the "improved control, reduced delay, and enhanced 1v1 situations" made the gameplay feel more dynamic, while Atomix commended the "responsive controls, precise animations, and improved physics." The Master League mode was particularly lauded for its depth, with GameStar and Eurogamer Poland pointing to updates like better scouting systems and tactical flexibility. Additionally, IGN and GamesSpot emphasized the game’s strategic focus, noting how "improved player interactions" and "dynamic possession battles" created an authentic soccer experience. Many critics, including ZTGD and Vandal, also appreciated the learning curve and tutorial effectiveness, which made the gameplay accessible yet rewarding for players of all skill levels. Despite these positives, several critics pointed out persistent issues that detracted from the overall experience. Pure Xbox highlighted problems with "referees’ poor decision-making, inconsistent fouls, and AI flaws," while PC Invasion and Eurogamer Italy noted technical shortcomings like "poor goalkeeper AI" and "inconsistent collision detection." Some reviewers, such as Xbox Achievements and GamesRadar+, mentioned lingering issues with shooting mechanics and goalkeeping, which occasionally disrupted the game’s realism. Additionally, online play faced criticism, with PC Invasion pointing to "online input lag," and Eurogamer Italy noting "predictable AI behavior" in certain scenarios. While these flaws were acknowledged, they were often framed as minor blemishes rather than major drawbacks, with many critics emphasizing that the game’s strengths outweighed its shortcomings. The overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 delivered a significant improvement in gameplay. While some issues like referee inconsistencies and goalkeeper AI remained, these were frequently overshadowed by the game’s refined mechanics and strategic depth. Critics like GameSpot and IGN praised the "realistic and fluid soccer experience," while others, such as Gamer.no and GamesRadar+, highlighted the balance between arcade-style fun and simulation realism. Even reviewers who pointed out flaws, like Pure Xbox and PC Invasion, acknowledged that the game’s strengths—such as its improved AI, tactical options, and physics—made it a standout entry in the series. The collective sentiment was clear: PES 2016 was widely regarded as one of the best-playing soccer games of its time, with its innovations and refinements earning it high praise across the board.

The graphics and visual design of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 received mixed praise, particularly on console platforms. Critics like Brash Games highlighted the "gorgeous" Fox Engine, noting realistic player likenesses, detailed kits (e.g., Nike Dri-Fit holes), and lifelike football boot textures. GameSpot (PS4) praised improvements in lighting, textures, and weather effects, while Vandal commended dynamic camera work and enhanced animations. Eurogamer Italy and Multiplayer.it emphasized detailed player models, authentic stadium environments, and improved weather effects, such as rain, which added depth to the presentation. The game’s attention to small details—like moisture on players’ faces (The Digital Fix) or customizable goal celebrations (Riot Pixels)—was frequently noted as a step forward in visual authenticity. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws, particularly in the PC version and some console elements. PC Invasion and GRYOnline.pl criticized the PC port for "ugly" visuals, low-resolution crowds, and misleading marketing, with Ragequit.gr calling it a "port from older consoles." Xbox Achievements and GameCrate highlighted inconsistent character models on Xbox One, with some players resembling generic placeholders. On consoles, issues like "terrible crowd visuals" (God is a Geek) and "lifeless character models under poor lighting" (GameSpot) were recurring complaints. Push Square noted that while the PS4 version matched FIFA’s normal view quality, close-ups revealed flaws in player face scanning and faceless crowds. Additionally, Official Xbox Magazine UK criticized the lack of immersive stadium atmosphere compared to competitors. Overall, the consensus leans toward strong technical achievements on consoles, particularly with the Fox Engine’s improvements in animations, lighting, and weather effects, but significant shortcomings in the PC port and certain visual elements. While critics like IGN Spain and Game Informer acknowledged the game’s refined presentation, many emphasized that its graphics, though better than previous entries, still lagged behind FIFA in polish and consistency. The PS4/Xbox One versions were generally seen as competitive with FIFA 16, but the PC version faced widespread criticism for outdated visuals and poor optimization. Despite these issues, Brash Games and Digitally Downloaded celebrated PES 2016’s "gorgeous" engine and immersive atmospherics, suggesting that its visual design, while not flawless, represented a meaningful evolution for the series.

The sound design and music of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 received mixed but generally positive feedback, with several reviewers highlighting its strengths. The crowd sounds were frequently praised for their immersive quality, with Gamer.no noting that the Champions League anthem stood out as a standout musical element, while Impulsegamer appreciated the natural tone and emotional depth of commentators like Peter Drury and Marco Hagemann. Multiplayer.it lauded the inclusion of iconic tracks such as Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and a diverse soundtrack, which added energy to in-game moments. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy acknowledged improved commentary timing, and Hobby Consolas praised stadium chants and anthems for their authenticity. These elements collectively contributed to an engaging auditory experience, particularly during high-stakes matches or cinematic sequences. However, the review consensus also pointed to significant shortcomings, particularly in voice acting and musical variety. Multiple critics, including 3DJuegos, Digital Spy, and Hardcore Gamer, criticized the commentary for sounding robotic, stilted, or repetitive, with Gamer.no specifically calling out Peter Drury and Jim Beglin’s lack of chemistry. Vandal noted subpar audio quality due to compression issues, while Eurogamer Italy and XGN pointed to limited musical variety and weather effects that failed to fully integrate with visual cues. The repetitive nature of licensed tracks, such as the overused “We Will Rock You” mentioned by We Got This Covered, further diminished the experience. Additionally, PlayStation Universe and Push Square highlighted inconsistencies in commentary delivery, which detracted from immersion despite otherwise strong sound design elements. Overall, critics agreed that while Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 made strides in areas like crowd ambiance and licensed music, its audio shortcomings—particularly in voice acting and musical repetition—prevented it from achieving a truly immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack and commentary improvements were seen as positives by some, but the lack of polish in these areas overshadowed many of the strengths. Impulsegamer and Hobby Consolas noted that the audio still contributed to immersion despite flaws, while 3DJuegos and Digital Spy emphasized that the robotic tone of commentary remained a persistent issue. The mixed reception reflects a game that balanced technical progress with notable gaps, leaving its sound design as a polarizing but ultimately underwhelming aspect of the overall package.

The voice acting in Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 received some acknowledgment for incremental improvements, particularly in specific areas. PlaySense highlighted that commentators like Peter Drury and Jim Beglin delivered more energetic and timely coverage compared to previous iterations, though minor timing issues were noted. IGN praised Peter Drury’s enthusiastic style and Jim Beglin’s contrasting unimpressed tone, creating a dynamic contrast that added variety. Additionally, MondoXbox specifically commended the Italian voice commentary by Fabio Caressa and Luca Marchegiani as high-quality for the localized version. These positives suggest that while the overall voice acting had flaws, certain aspects—such as commentator personalities and regional localization—showed progress or competence. However, the majority of critiques focused on significant shortcomings. Critics like 3DJuegos and DarkZero criticized the commentary for lacking continuity, with robotic tones and poor synchronization between voices, making it one of the game’s weaker elements. Gameblog.fr and Gamer.no pointed to overly scripted lines and repetitive delivery, while Games.cz and Riot Pixels described the commentary as flat, unengaging, or unnecessarily dramatic. The issue of limited dialogue lines was also noted by LaPS4, and many reviewers, including PlaySense and PlayStation Universe, highlighted awkward phrasing, disjointed phrases, and a lack of spontaneity. These consistent criticisms underscore a widespread perception that the voice acting failed to meet expectations, detracting from immersion and overall enjoyment. The overall consensus among critics was largely negative, with most agreeing that the voice acting in Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 was a notable weakness. While a few reviewers acknowledged minor improvements—such as IGN’s recognition of Drury’s energy or MondoXbox’s praise for Italian commentary—the majority emphasized repetitive, poorly executed lines, mismatched timing, and a lack of authenticity. Critics like JeuxActu and Gameblog.fr specifically noted that the French commentary fell short, while others, including Games.cz and LevelUp, criticized the overall monotony and uninspired writing. Despite some positive remarks in isolated cases, the voice acting was widely seen as a critical flaw that undermined the game’s atmosphere, with many players opting to bypass it entirely. This collective sentiment reflects a clear disconnect between the developers’ efforts and the final product’s execution.

The technical performance of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On the PS4, many reviewers highlighted smoother gameplay and improved online stability. GameSpot praised the "refined collision system" and overall stability despite minor issues like inconsistent foul detection, while Eurogamer Italy noted decent online stability and progress in physics engines. Push Square emphasized no latency in online play, and IGN Spain suggested Konami addressed past mistakes, leading to a more polished release compared to earlier iterations. For Xbox One, Pure Xbox acknowledged the game runs smoothly at 60fps with rare frame drops, and MondoXbox noted resolved past online issues. On PC, while most critics panned the port, some positives emerged: GameStar mentioned no further technical bugs beyond server issues, and GRYOnline.pl pointed to lower system requirements, though this was overshadowed by broader flaws. However, the negatives across platforms were more pronounced. The PS4 faced criticism for connectivity issues (NZGamer), UI pop-ups, and flawed goalkeeper AI (LaPS4, God is a Geek). Online stability remained inconsistent, with PlayStation Universe noting lag and disconnections, while Eurogamer Italy highlighted occasional physics glitches. On Xbox One, GameCrate and games(TM) criticized severe lag, freezes, and outdated squads, while Pure Xbox noted AI inconsistencies. The PC version was the most problematic: Games.cz called it a "letdown" with outdated graphics and usability issues, PC Gamer lamented poor performance requiring speed adjustments, and Riot Pixels described a "long list of shortcomings." Critics like GRYOnline.pl and Ragequit.gr also cited graphical compromises and unstable multiplayer. Overall, the consensus was that PES 2016 showed incremental improvements but struggled with technical polish across all platforms. The PS4 received the most balanced feedback, with stable core mechanics despite AI and online quirks, while the Xbox One and PC versions faced more severe issues. Critics like GameSpot and IGN acknowledged minor flaws as acceptable given the game’s strengths, but PC reviewers overwhelmingly criticized its poor optimization and lack of support. Konami’s delayed patches and inconsistent updates exacerbated frustrations, particularly on PC, where technical shortcomings overshadowed gameplay improvements. Despite these challenges, the PS4’s stability and refined physics offered a more consistent experience, reflecting a mixed but generally improving trajectory for the franchise.

The majority of critics highlight the strong replay value of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 (PES 2016) due to its robust modes and engaging systems. Reviewers like LaPS4, Telegraph, and Gamestyle emphasize that features such as Master League, myClub, and Be a Legend provide deep management mechanics, career progression, and strategic depth, ensuring long-term engagement. Impulsegamer and Gamer.no note the variety of gameplay styles and modes, including online competitions and customizable strategies, which keep players invested. Additionally, The Digital Fix and Eurogamer Poland praise the game’s tactical flexibility, with dynamic match conditions and diverse leagues (e.g., Champions League, Copa Libertadores) adding to its appeal. The improved AI, organic gameplay, and varied challenges, as highlighted by GameSpot and God is a Geek, further contribute to sustained interest, making PES 2016 a compelling choice for soccer fans seeking longevity. However, several critics point out limitations that temper the game’s replayability. games(TM) and XGN argue that PES 2016 lacks the depth and polish of FIFA, with technical issues like poor netcode and monetization models in myClub (e.g., XGN) reducing long-term appeal. Multiplayer.it and Vandal note stability problems in online features and flawed mechanics, such as player fatigue or refereeing inconsistencies, which can frustrate players. NZGamer and GameStar also mention content stagnation in certain modes, while Brash Games acknowledges that some features, like transfer negotiations, feel underdeveloped. Additionally, PC Invasion points to the reliance on community-driven mods for sustained engagement, suggesting that the base game’s offerings may not fully satisfy all players without external additions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that PES 2016 offers solid replay value through its diverse modes, tactical depth, and progression systems, though it faces challenges in consistency and polish. IGN, GameSpot, and Eurogamer Poland praise its engaging gameplay and variety, while games(TM) and XGN caution that its shortcomings compared to FIFA may limit its appeal for some. Despite technical issues and content gaps, the game’s emphasis on strategy, customization, and online competition—highlighted by Impulsegamer, God is a Geek, and Push Square—positions it as a strong contender for long-term play, even if not without flaws. The mixed reception reflects a balance between its strengths in engagement and areas needing improvement.