@Emroth and I started a Champions League this afternoon, the way I used to play ISS Pro Evo (and every other football game) over TWENTY YEARS ago (wish I hadn't looked up the release date).
We play online using "online friendlies". A random number generator picks one current UEFA CL team each, then we play as the other teams in the group to try and knock each other's team out.
We can lock controls to semi (for me) or manual (for him), and even set the game speed to "slow" (though it felt better at "normal" speed when using less assists and when not playing the AI).
Honestly, I had the best time I've had with a football game for a very long time.
I can't really put that into words properly - because I've spent the majority of the last twenty years trying to find a decent football experience ... and ending up back on the PS2 PES's.
It took me right back to being sat in the family living room, doing FA Cups and World Cups every other weekend with friends and family.
The speed felt right, attributes really stood out, I managed to dribble right to the six yard box with Mo Salah and then MISS THE TARGET.
@Emroth managed to dink the ball over my goalkeeper's head (who came rushing out and dived low), and also hit a wicked dipping shot from 30 yards nobody expected and the keeper just watched it float in.
My team (Young Boys) felt like controlling players in mud after the electric pace and precision of Liverpool - but two particularly skilful players stood out through the controller in your hand. There were barely any issues I felt, or saw, in comparison to playing against the AI - and it felt like a different world from playing something like FUT.
This game is something really special. I don't even want to say "far from perfect" or "it's still FIFA" because... As
@Emroth already said. Based on today's session, I honestly wouldn't change a thing. I would against the AI, but the games we had today... I can't tell you what a joy they were.