Pro Evolution Soccer 2017

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The gameplay of Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 received widespread acclaim for its realism, refined mechanics, and strategic depth. Critics praised its improved player movement, physics, and AI adaptability, with many highlighting the "fluidity" and "natural control" of the game. GameGrin noted that while the "Control Reality" system was criticized for being slow, others like Eurogamer Italy celebrated advancements in first-touch control, expanded animations, and dynamic AI that adapted to match situations. The "Real Touch" and "Precise Pass" systems were frequently lauded for offering greater player agency, as did the balanced blend of simulation and arcade elements. GameStar emphasized realistic collisions, while Vandal highlighted intuitive handling and tactical depth. Reviews from Eurogamer Poland and GRYOnline.pl underscored the game’s unpredictability and AI adaptability, creating a lifelike football experience. Even critics like USgamer and GameSpew praised its "authenticity" and "deep strategic options," with many calling it the franchise’s strongest gameplay iteration yet. Despite these positives, several critics pointed to flaws that detracted from the experience. GameGrin criticized the game as "joyless" and "plodding," while Eurogamer Italy noted occasional awkward animations and less responsive online controls. TrueAchievements mentioned that the complexity of maneuvers could overwhelm new players, and Ragequit.gr highlighted over-aggressive defending. Other issues included inconsistent defending in congested areas (GameSpot), referee leniency (Gamer.nl), and minor clipping errors during physical interactions (GameStar). PC Gamer and Games.cz also noted frustrations with animation quirks and set-piece mechanics, while Hobby Consolas observed that the gameplay felt "nearly identical" to its predecessor, lacking significant innovation. These critiques, though varied, generally pointed to areas where PES 2017 fell short of perfection despite its overall strengths. The majority of critics viewed PES 2017 as a strong, if imperfect, entry in the football game genre. While some found the pacing slow or the mechanics overly complex, the consensus leaned heavily toward praise for its realistic physics, AI adaptability, and tactical depth. Reviewers like GameGrin and Eurogamer Italy acknowledged flaws but emphasized that the game’s improvements—such as refined goalkeeping, dynamic player behavior, and strategic customization—far outweighed its shortcomings. The game was frequently compared favorably to FIFA 17, with critics like Hardcore Gamer and IGN Denmark highlighting its authenticity and simulation-like experience. Even those who noted minor issues, such as Gameplay.com’s observation of "slightly slower" mechanics, acknowledged the game’s overall polish and engagement. Ultimately, PES 2017 was seen as a significant step forward for the franchise, balancing accessibility with depth in a way that resonated with both casual and hardcore fans.

The graphics and visual design of Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 received a mix of praise, particularly for its improvements in player modeling, animations, and environmental details. Critics like IGN (PS4) highlighted accurate facial models for stars such as Manuel Neuer and Sergio Agüero, while InsideGamer.nl praised lifelike players and camera work that enhanced realism. The Fox Engine delivered notable advancements, with PlayStation Country noting smooth animations, dynamic lighting, and detailed stadium visuals. LevelUp compared the game’s graphics favorably to NBA 2K17, emphasizing improved grass textures, crowd realism, and fluid player movements. IGN Italia lauded clean 1080p resolution and accurate player likenesses, while GameCrate praised realistic sweat effects and jersey dynamics in rain. These positives underscored the game’s commitment to visual authenticity, particularly for licensed teams like Barcelona and Liverpool. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks, especially regarding technical limitations and inconsistencies. The PC version faced harsh criticism, with Twinfinite calling it "outdated" due to poor lighting, low-resolution textures, and a lack of 21:9 support, while Riot Pixels noted the PC lagged behind PS4’s improved animations and lighting. GameGrin criticized players for resembling "subbuteo" figures and described jerky goalkeeper movements, while Vandal highlighted basic textures, robotic animations, and an unimpressive UI despite stable 60fps. TrueAchievements pointed to licensing issues, such as incorrect team kits and generic names for clubs like Tottenham, and Guardian noted that player models, though recognizable, lacked the convincing detail of FIFA’s visuals. These critiques revealed a disconnect between the game’s ambitious design goals and its execution, particularly on PC. Overall, critics acknowledged incremental progress in PES 2017’s visual design but emphasized that it remained a mixed bag. While IGN (PS4) and Vandal noted minor improvements in animations and lighting, many felt the game prioritized gameplay over graphical innovation, as highlighted by IGN (Xbox One) and GameGrin. The PS4 version generally fared better than the PC release, with PlayStation Country and LevelUp praising its polish, though even console versions had flaws like inconsistent player likenesses (IGN Italia) and underdeveloped weather effects (LaPS4). Despite these shortcomings, the game’s visuals were seen as a step forward from previous entries, even if they fell short of rival titles like FIFA 17. The consensus was that while PES 2017 offered compelling details for licensed teams and improved animations, its technical limitations and platform-specific issues prevented it from achieving true visual excellence.

The sound design and music of Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 received mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its efforts to enhance immersion through varied licensed tracks and improved stadium ambiance. 3DJuegos noted the inclusion of artists like Miike Snow and Ellie Goulding, which added variety compared to previous entries, while Everyeye.it praised the presence of official chants, anthems, and crowd noise that enriched the atmosphere. MondoXbox highlighted a dynamic soundtrack featuring artists such as Twenty One Pilots and Ellie Goulding, with music adapting during career modes. Additionally, some reviewers, like GameSpew and GamesRadar+, acknowledged the commentary’s contextual naturalness, though this was more of an exception than a consistent strength. The ambient soundscape also saw improvements, with Hobby Consolas noting realistic stadium chants and crowd reactions that contributed to immersion. However, the majority of critics panned the game’s audio elements for their lack of cohesion and repetition. Areajugones and EGM criticized the soundtrack for being repetitive and limited in variety, while Vandal described it as "pírrica" (meager), lacking the budget for popular tracks. The commentary faced widespread criticism, with multiple reviewers—such as Forbes, Gaming Age, and Hardcore Gamer—calling it lifeless, monotonous, and poorly executed. Issues like awkward translations (Hobby Consolas) and inconsistent delivery (3DJuegos) further undermined its impact. Even when praised, the commentary often fell short of matching the game’s visual or gameplay improvements, as noted by IGN and GamesRadar+, which acknowledged minor fluidity but emphasized lingering flaws. The absence of licensed team sounds and limited audio depth also detracted from immersion, according to EGM and others. Overall, while Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 made strides in areas like stadium ambiance and licensed music, its audio design was overshadowed by repetitive commentary and technical shortcomings. Critics like 3DJuegos and MondoXbox acknowledged incremental improvements, but the consensus leaned heavily toward disappointment, particularly regarding the commentary’s lack of passion and variety. The game’s sound design was seen as a missed opportunity to match the polish of competitors like FIFA, with reviewers such as IGN and GamesRadar+ noting that while some elements were better than before, they failed to elevate the overall experience significantly. The mixed reception underscores a disconnect between the game’s technical ambitions and its execution in audio, leaving many critics underwhelmed despite occasional positive notes.

The voice acting in Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 received mixed but generally cautious praise, with some reviewers noting incremental improvements over previous entries. Critics like 3DJuegos highlighted that the commentary team (Carlos Martínez and Julio Maldonado) showcased better recording quality compared to past iterations, though this was tempered by inconsistencies in tone and delivery. Similarly, Everyeye.it praised Caressa’s dynamic presence, while MondoXbox acknowledged the Italian commentary of Fabio Caressa and Luca Marchegiani as a rare positive, even if it felt somewhat mechanical. Additionally, Atomix pointed out that returning commentators like Luis García and Christian Martinoli maintained consistency, offering a sense of familiarity despite lacking significant evolution. These positives suggest that while the voice acting was not groundbreaking, it at least avoided major regression in technical quality. However, the majority of critics were critical of the voice acting’s lack of engagement and repetitive nature. Areajugones and EGM both condemned the commentators for robotic delivery, clichéd lines, and a failure to match the excitement of real matches, while Gameblog.fr found the French duo (Grégoire Margotton and Darren Tulett) “annoying” and criticized their delivery. Gamer.nl described the commentary as monotonous and overly clichéd, with exaggerated language that detracted from immersion, and Hardcore Gamer dismissed Peter Drury and Jim Beglin as unengaging and overused. Hobby Consolas also highlighted poor translation and awkward phrasing, while Telegraph called the commentary “clichéd, stilted, and irrelevant.” These critiques collectively underscore a widespread perception that the voice acting failed to elevate the game’s atmosphere or match the expectations of a top-tier sports title. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Pro Evolution Soccer 2017’s voice acting fell short of its potential, with only minor positives overshadowed by repetitive, uninspired delivery. While some reviewers acknowledged slight improvements in technical quality (e.g., 3DJuegos and Atomix) or specific praise for regional commentary (e.g., Everyeye.it and MondoXbox), the majority viewed the voice acting as a significant weakness. The repeated complaints about monotony, lack of emotional engagement, and outdated lines—echoed by GamesRadar+, GameStar, and LaPS4—suggest that Konami’s commentary team failed to deliver a compelling or immersive experience. Despite some regional variations in quality, the overall sentiment was clear: the voice acting was a notable letdown for a game aiming to compete with its rivals.

The technical performance of Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 varies across platforms, with notable positives for PS4 and PC. On PS4, critics like Push Square praised the improved Live Update system and smoother gameplay at 60fps, while GameSpew highlighted the "rock-solid" Fox Engine ensuring stable performance. TheSixthAxis and Impulsegamer noted stable local multiplayer and minimal lag in online modes, despite some issues. For PC, GRYOnline.pl acknowledged smoother gameplay compared to previous iterations, and PC Gamer praised its potential to match console polish if optimized. On Xbox One, Windows Central highlighted solid technical performance with minor graphical limitations, while Xbox Achievements noted stable online play with rare glitches. Overall, the game’s core mechanics ran smoothly on all platforms, with incremental improvements in stability and netcode. However, technical shortcomings plagued multiple platforms. On PS4, critics like Areajugones and GameSpot criticized severe online lag, unstable servers, and outdated graphics resembling PlayStation 3-era visuals. The Digital Fix and Trusted Reviews highlighted persistent UI issues, AI inconsistencies, and server dependency, while Hobby Consolas and Guardian mentioned glitches like missing spray cans or repetitive commentary. For PC, Twinfinite and PC Gamer lamented awkward control sensitivity, sluggish CGI sequences, and a "stagnant" feel akin to older systems. GameStar noted clipping errors during collisions, and Games.cz pointed to regional restrictions hindering online play. On Xbox One, while Xbox Achievements praised stability, some critics like Windows Central acknowledged graphical compromises, and LevelUp cited physics inconsistencies and animation glitches. These issues collectively underscored a lack of technical innovation across platforms. The overall consensus among critics was that PES 2017 suffered from persistent online instability and technical stagnation, particularly on PS4 and PC. While some improvements in netcode (e.g., Push Square’s Live Update) and performance (GameSpew’s Fox Engine) were noted, the game’s reliance on outdated engines and lack of post-launch polish—such as delayed roster updates or missing day-one patches (Critical Hit)—detracted from its appeal. Critics like GRYOnline.pl and GameStar emphasized that the PC version felt "stuck" at a 2-3 year-old standard, while Vandal acknowledged graphical shortcomings despite smooth gameplay. Despite these flaws, many reviewers (e.g., Hobby Consolas, XGN) conceded that the game was stable overall, with minor technical issues overshadowed by its refined mechanics and improved AI. The lack of universal fixes for online connectivity and platform-specific quirks left a mixed legacy, balancing incremental progress against unresolved technical shortcomings.

The overall sentiment toward Pro Evolution Soccer 2017’s replay value is mixed but leans positively, with many critics highlighting its depth and variety in core modes. Reviewers like GameSpew, MondoXbox, and We Got This Covered praise the game’s robust career modes—such as Master League, MyClub, and Become a Legend—for offering substantial long-term engagement through tactical customization, dynamic AI, and strategic challenges. IGN Denmark and God is a Geek emphasize the complexity of gameplay mechanics and the ability to create unique narratives, while PlayStation LifeStyle notes the engaging loop of Master League and adjustable difficulty levels. Additionally, Xbox Achievements and Push Square commend the polish and depth of modes like MyClub, which allow for custom team management and persistent progression. These elements collectively suggest that PES 2017 provides a rewarding experience for football enthusiasts seeking tactical depth and variety. However, several critics point to significant limitations in replayability due to repetition and lack of innovation. Ragequit.gr and Hobby Consolas argue that the game feels like a minor iteration of PES 2016, with unchanged modes and online flaws reducing long-term appeal. Areajugones and TrueAchievements note that modes like MyClub lack depth, while Twinfinite and EGM criticize technical issues and tedious AI-driven sequences in campaigns like Become a Legend. GRYOnline.pl and LevelUp highlight the PC version’s technical shortcomings and repetitive content, respectively, while Eurogamer Italy and GameOver.gr mention that even engaging modes like Master League can feel formulaic over time. The absence of groundbreaking features compared to FIFA 17’s story mode and the persistence of microtransactions further dampen enthusiasm for repeated play. Despite these criticisms, there is a general consensus that PES 2017 offers enough depth and variety to justify its replay value, particularly for fans of tactical football simulations. While Hardcore Gamer acknowledges limited innovation in core modes, they praise the game’s exceptional mechanics for long-term appeal. Similarly, Vandal and XGN note that dynamic AI and strategic customization enhance longevity, even if some features feel underdeveloped. Critics like IGN and USgamer highlight the organic progression of Master League and the unpredictability of online play as key strengths, while Games.cz acknowledges that tactical complexity compensates for repetitive single-player elements. Ultimately, the game’s replayability is seen as strong but uneven—dependent on players’ tolerance for repetition and their appreciation for its nuanced gameplay systems.