Well, after what has seemed like the longest 5 days in the history of mankind, I’ve made my way back to my hunting ground with a renewed vigour. I will never apologise for my passion for the Beautiful Game, or the consequential heart that adorns my respective sleeve. So, just a quick heads up. I have never been a fan of the classic ‘cringe worthy’ ‘I’m leaving the Forum’ threads, with the only exception being those rare occasions such a post holds relevance and credence. For those who were bothered, or had the insight to read between the lines, it’s essence had nothing to do with a member leaving, but more an open letter to a section of Evo-Web’s admin. Contrary to what may have been said, speaking direct and behind closed doors wasn’t an option. The intention was simple, to refresh the ideology, and instil the focus, beliefs and primary drivers that were paramount, and the forefront for Evo-Web’s inception. After speaking to a very respected member last night, his wise words certainly forced a change of heart. Communities like these, are not owned by one person, but more the collective members that occupy, it’s those that make the relevance.
Thanks to all the members that emailed me by the way, I certainly wasn’t expecting that, but your words were very much appreciated. And contrary to what certain detractors may wish to believe, it was a moral stance on my behalf, nothing more, and nothing less. I’ve come to the conclusion if certain people wish to ban me, then I’ll endeavour to make it as difficult as possible for them to find a valid reason. I must admit though, the real beauty of this website is it’s members, regardless of which side of the fence they sit. After sampling a different forum for the last few days, nothing touches Evo-Web for the intellect, humour and articulate nature of the majority of its posters. And many thanks to Tom for the lovely card and chocolates, but honestly, you really shouldn’t have bothered.
Anyway, I’d just like to offer my own opinion on this whole ‘Green Zone’ issue that has been brought to the fore in recent times. Firstly, I tried this last night and experienced exactly what people had mentioned, and it does just seem to be a minor glitch in the new defensive system. I really don’t see this as a major issue, and nothing that cannot be rectified with a relevant patch. I can honestly say that it isn’t anything that would affect me personally. For all the obvious reasons, it isn’t something that will have any bearing online or locally against a human player. I like to be creative in PES, I play football how I like it to be played out, and PES 2011 gives me personally the ability to be more creative on the field than ever before. This ‘Green Zone’ problem is only really an issue if you make it one. If someone feels the need to cheat the CPU Ai with this glitch, then that is his or her own prerogative. The bottom-line is that the only person your cheating is yourself as far as I’m concerned.
After more extensive play with the PES 2011 demo, I’m finding that the AI has been increased quite extensively compared to PES 2010, which in itself, was head and shoulders above anything previous in the series. This new Management Edit screen really does give you so much more control in every area. It also dictates quite dramatically how the CPU AI performs against you. It’s not only the individual nature of each teams respective players that has an influence on how a game pans out, the individual playing styles of each team via this preset tactical set-up has a huge bearing. Although I only have access to the four teams on the demo, it’s very clear to see by simply looking in the Management Edit screen, that each team has very unique preset tactical strategies that are set in motion during play dependant on circumstance.
This is very clever stuff from an AI perspective, and the reason why the matches produce this very clear ebb and flow. Matches can become stretched, as the CPU changes tactics at varying intervals throughout the match depending on whether or not they are behind, level or trailing. In PES 2010, we had the inclusion of Player Cards and the other strategies that were slider based, in PES 2011 Konami really have taken the tactical side of the game to a much higher level with this Management Edit. The individuality has always been the heart of PES, and in previous games (especially old gen) it was literally all about the players. It was in effect those players that made every team feel different with every consequential game different from the last. This new tactical side really does give all the teams a much greater level on individuality, and a lot of the strategies, if you look, are formation and player based. When people talk about game engines, for me this type of attention to detail combined with the limitless calculated variables, is makes Konami’s ‘engine’ very special indeed.
I have also read people having issues with getting their players to make runs. I have honestly never seen any issue whatsoever with this. I can only assume that it’s because I must play the game differently to those that are having the issues. Maybe people just expect to be able to pass the ball from one end of the pitch to the other in the quickest time possible. PES doesn’t promote this style of play; it promotes progressive build-up play, utilising your player’s strengths, and playing possession football, which is the name of the game. I personally don’t feel that pressing a button at any given time, to make your player make a run is in anyway realistic. And those of you, who have played competitive football in real-life, should know only too well the frustrations you feel as a player on the pitch in this regard. You rely on intelligent runs, but for the most part, you don’t get them handed on a plate. The very same principles apply for strikers making runs. Nothing is more frustrating than making a perfectly timed run alongside the defensive line only to find your team-mate has failed to see your run and missed the window of opportunity. There are so many options available in PES 2011, but you really need to see them, not instigate them. The plethora of tactical variations open to player is massive; it’s all about understanding them and using them effectively to compliment your intended style of play.
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