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MONSTER

Pro Evolution Soccer 2018

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018
Item: Pro Evolution Soccer 2018
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresSimulation, Sports, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 12, 2017

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperKonami

Overview

'Where Legends Are Made' encapsulates the return of PES, with an unparalleled gameplay experience.

Elsewhere

6.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 for its positive aspects. Critics like Areajugones and Game Informer highlighted the exceptional gameplay with improved ball physics, player movements, and realistic player interactions. GameGrin appreciated the slower pace, cleaner passing, and sharper dribbling, offering players the freedom to play a style of football that suits them. Vandal also noted significant improvements in gameplay, focusing on passing, revamped goalkeepers, and AI enhancements. These positive aspects include enhanced player control, improved player-ball relationships, and a more realistic and immersive football simulation experience. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of PES 2018. Critics such as COGconnected and Sporting News mentioned issues with player switching, AI penalties, and lack of awareness from CPU-controlled players. Critical Hit pointed out minor differences from the previous edition, with small margins for error on sliding tackles and erratic matchmaking. GameStar criticized the overemphasis on flashy moves, neglect of midfield play, and defensive vulnerabilities, leading to frustrating moments. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment from the critics is that the gameplay of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 was very good, with some minor issues that did not significantly detract from the overall positive experience. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. The game was praised for its improvements in ball physics, player movements, and player interactions, providing a more realistic and immersive football experience. While there were some criticisms regarding issues like player switching, AI penalties, and defensive vulnerabilities, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be exceptional, offering increased control, realism, and enjoyment over its predecessor. Overall, Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 was well-received for its engaging gameplay that focused on perfecting player-ball relationships, diverse playing styles, and challenging opponent AI behaviors, making it a standout title in the football simulation genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics raved about Pro Evolution Soccer 2018's exceptional gameplay improvements, including better ball physics and player interactions. They praised the realistic experience and player control. Despite some minor criticisms like player switching issues and defensive vulnerabilities, the game was overwhelmingly praised for its engaging and immersive football simulation.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the game for its significant upgrade in graphics, with detailed player animations and textures. Areajugones highlighted the improved graphics, particularly commending the realism, while BaziCenter noted the significantly improved graphics with realistic lighting and vibrant colors. GameGrin described the visuals as stunning, with incredible player likenesses and realistic crowd animations, stating that the game is visually better than its predecessor. Impulsegamer also mentioned the major upgrade in visuals, offering authentic visuals thanks to the incorporation of the Fox Engine. On the flip side, some critics pointed out areas of improvement for the Graphics and Visual Design of PES 2018. Critical Hit criticized the outdated user interface, clunky menus, and robotic goalkeeper animations, stating that the presentation felt like an afterthought. Twinfinite mentioned lifeless menus and a lack of realism in the match-day atmosphere and crowd. Additionally, LevelUp highlighted some unrealistic behaviors in goalkeepers and a lack of substantial evolution in the overall visual experience. These criticisms suggest that while the game made strides in graphics, there were still areas that needed refinement to enhance the overall visual presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. Reviewers like Game Informer and Vgames appreciated the beautiful animations and realistic player movements, enhancing the immersion in the game. Multiplayer.it and GameStar praised the detailed stadiums, lifelike player animations, and impressive visuals, with the PC version being on par with the console versions. While there were some criticisms regarding UI design, licensing issues, and lack of realism in certain aspects, the general sentiment is that PES 2018 made significant improvements in graphics and visual fidelity, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 wows critics with upgraded graphics, stunning player animations, and realistic visuals, but faces criticism for outdated UI and some unrealistic elements. Despite some flaws, overall consensus is positive for its immersive and visually appealing gameplay.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the positive aspects of the Sound Design and Music in Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. COGconnected praised the stadium atmosphere, stating that it adds to the overall experience of the game. Critical Hit and GameGrin appreciated the soundtrack for offering catchy licensed songs that suit the game well, with GameGrin mentioning recognizable names like Clean Bandit and Bruno Mars. Multiplayer.it also commended the improved Italian commentary by Fabio Caressa and Luca Marchegiani, which added to the immersive experience of the game. On the negative side, the commentary in Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 received significant criticism from multiple reviewers. Critics such as BaziCenter, Forbes, Hardcore Gamer, and Vandal pointed out issues with the commentary being repetitive, poorly timed, lacking variety, and detracting from the immersion of the matches. Additionally, critics like Impulsegamer and Wccftech described the commentary as poorly written, artificial, and downright abysmal. The lack of variety in the soundtrack was also a point of criticism, as mentioned by Vgames, who highlighted the need for improvement in this aspect of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 leans towards the negative side. While there were some positive comments about the stadium atmosphere, licensed songs in the soundtrack, and improved Italian commentary, the overwhelming criticism focused on the repetitive, poorly timed, and disconnected nature of the commentary. Critics such as Forbes, Metro GameCentral, and Twinfinite described the commentary as abysmal, distracting, and lacking in quality. The lack of variety in the soundtrack and the overall inconsistency in the audio quality further contributed to the negative sentiment surrounding the Sound Design and Music of the game. Despite some positive aspects, the general consensus suggests that there is significant room for improvement in these areas to enhance the overall gaming experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praised some aspects of the Sound Design and Music in Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, like the stadium atmosphere and licensed songs, but heavily criticized the repetitive and poorly timed commentary. Overall, the consensus was negative, with many reviewers calling the commentary abysmal and lacking quality, highlighting the need for improvement in sound aspects to enhance the gaming experience.

Voice Acting

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Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, several critics highlighted positive aspects of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. Multiplayer.it praised the game for its top-notch detailed stadium reproductions and player face scanning technology, while Softpedia mentioned that the game felt more fluent and that players had a better understanding of their environment. Vandal also commended the solid online performance on the PS4, with fast connections and stable matches. Additionally, Wccftech noted that following a patch, the online mode actively promoted teamwork, enhancing the overall experience for players. On the other hand, there were notable negatives mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 on the PS4. Forbes pointed out long load times, while PlayStation Country reported noticeable lag in some online matches and scripting issues. Sporting News highlighted that online play lagged behind the competition and suffered from a low player base, impacting the overall enjoyment. Furthermore, Gameblog.fr and PlayStation Universe both mentioned concerns about matchmaking, loading times, and occasional disconnects in online play, affecting the overall stability of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 across all platforms leans towards a mixed reception. While there were positive remarks about the game's visuals, player scanning technology, and improved online stability on certain platforms, issues such as lag, connectivity problems, and inconsistent multiplayer experiences were commonly reported. Critics like Hardcore Gamer acknowledged some legacy issues affecting the gameplay but still found the core experience enjoyable and addictive. The general sentiment suggests that while there have been improvements in certain technical aspects of the game, there are still areas that need refinement to provide a more seamless and engaging gaming experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 on PS4 for its detailed stadiums and improved online performance post-patch. However, they also criticized long load times, lag in online matches, and matchmaking issues. Overall, opinions were mixed, with positive feedback on visuals and gameplay, but concerns about connectivity and multiplayer experiences. Refinements are needed for a smoother gaming experience across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several critics highlight the positive aspects of the Replay Value of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. Critics such as 3DJuegos, Areajugones, and GameGrin praise the game for offering a variety of modes like Master League, MyClub, Become a Legend, and online play options like Random Match Selection, 2v2, and 3v3 matches. The addition of features like online competitions, cooperative modes, and the return of the Random Selection Match mode, as noted by BaziCenter, COGconnected, and God is a Geek, contribute to the game's replayability. Additionally, the addictive gameplay, accessibility to players of different skill levels, and the joy of watching the game unfold, as highlighted by Hardcore Gamer, further enhance the overall positive sentiment towards the game's Replay Value. On the other hand, several critics point out certain drawbacks and limitations that affect the Replay Value of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. Issues such as limited licensing of teams, especially in major leagues, as mentioned by Areajugones, BaziCenter, and Vandal, hinder the full potential of the game. Critics like Forbes and PlayStation Country highlight shallow collectors' mode and lag in online play as factors that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, criticisms regarding outdated modes, lack of significant innovation, and repetitive gameplay, as noted by LevelUp and Twinfinite, contribute to the negative aspects affecting the game's Replay Value. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Replay Value of Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 leans towards a mixed reception. While the game is praised for its diverse game modes, addictive gameplay, and new features like the Random Selection mode, there are notable concerns about licensing limitations, lack of innovation in certain modes, and repetitive gameplay elements. Critics like Game Informer and PlayStation Universe appreciate the variety of modes and improvements but suggest that further enhancements could elevate the overall experience. Despite some criticisms, the game manages to offer an engaging experience for football fans, with the potential for hours of entertainment through its different gameplay modes and online play options.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 for its diverse game modes and addictive gameplay, but point out drawbacks like limited licensing, shallow collectors' mode, and repetitive gameplay. The game's replay value receives a mixed reception, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted by different critics. Overall, while the game offers engaging experiences for football fans, further enhancements could elevate the overall gameplay experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, it is evident that the game received praise for its exceptional gameplay, realistic visuals, and engaging football experience. Critics like GameGrin and IGN Spain highlighted the excellent gameplay, improved AI, goalkeepers, and immersive football experience that PES 2018 delivers. The game was commended for setting a high standard in football games with its refined gameplay mechanics and attention to detail on the pitch. Additionally, the slower pace and increased realism were seen as positive changes by GameStar, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. On the flip side, Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 faced criticism for its shortcomings in licensing, commentary, and game modes. Several critics, including Areajugones and Gameblog.fr, pointed out the lack of licenses for certain teams and kits as a notable drawback. Issues with sound design, commentary, and presentation were also mentioned by reviewers like God is a Geek and InsideGamer.nl. These aspects hindered the game from reaching its full potential and providing a comprehensive gaming experience, especially when compared to its competitors. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 leans towards it being a solid entry in the series that excels in gameplay but falls short in other areas. While the game was praised for its realistic football experience and engaging gameplay by various reviewers such as Vandal and We Got This Covered, the licensing issues and lack of innovation were recurring themes in the critiques. Despite its flaws, the game was recognized for its improvements over previous iterations and its ability to appeal to dedicated fans of the series. The general sentiment suggests that PES 2018 is a compelling choice for players seeking a refined football experience but may not offer enough to sway those looking for a more comprehensive and feature-rich gaming package, as noted by critics like Forbes and PlayStation LifeStyle.

TL;DR

Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 received praise for its exceptional gameplay and realistic visuals, setting a high standard in football games. Critics appreciated the refined mechanics and slower pace for increased realism. However, the game faced criticism for licensing issues, commentary, and game modes. Despite its flaws, PES 2018 is seen as a solid entry in the series that appeals to dedicated fans but falls short in innovation and comprehensive features when compared to competitors.

MONSTER

Reviews

104 reviews found

IGN Italia

PlayStation 4

Sep 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 as the best chapter in the recent history of the series, stating that it successfully captures the essence of football.

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Oct 23, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

PES 2018 lacks authenticity but excels in gameplay. It is a fantastic entry in the series.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Sep 11, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 sets the bar for football games with its excellent gameplay, improved AI and goalkeepers, added licenses, and amazing graphics. Minor presentation issues and potential improvements in game modes are minor drawbacks. PES excels in delivering a realistic and immersive football experience.

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Metro GameCentral

PlayStation 4

Sep 11, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as the best in the series and in video game football in general, but it is also mentioned that it is very similar to its predecessor.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Sep 28, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

PES has the best gameplay on the pitch bar none, falls short when the servers aren't as stable as they could be, and commentary still struggles to inspire

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Sep 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

PES 2018 is a refinement rather than a sea change, with lots of new parts and a couple of new modes that make it feel fresher. It's a brilliant game of football with a more stable online experience, but it still has some weaknesses.

GamePro

Sep 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Based on the review, Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 is praised for its impressive gameplay, realistic visuals, and improved PC version. The slower pace and increased realism are seen as positive changes. However, no specific overall score is mentioned in the review.

GameStar

Sep 14, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

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Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Sep 12, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer absolutely enjoys playing PES 2018 and highlights the gameplay as a strong aspect. However, there are still areas that need improvement, such as the Master League. The franchise has a great foundation but needs to continue building on it.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox One

Sep 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

PES 2018 is considered the best PES of the last decade and a strong contender against FIFA. It excels in on-field gameplay but is hindered by licensing issues. Despite this, it offers a total football experience on console.

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