First of all, I'd like to give a massive thanks to evo-web for allowing me to test the beta code. Cannot thank you guys enough, and Lami you are an absolute legend.
Feels like football
My impressions after five matches...
Before I start, I should note the caveat here is that this is a beta code of an online mode, and nothing more. The point can’t really be overemphasised. It wouldn’t be fair to draw too many conclusions about the final game based on this one mode only.
I’ve never been an online player in PES. I’ve heard the horror stories of years past, and to be honest, playing someone that isn’t sitting right beside me never appealed all that much. That may change this year.
I’ve played a few really good competitive matches, and have not once in five games seen anyone spam a trick button or play in any way that would spoil the game. Each match has been better than the last, as I’ve developed my understanding of the controls and begin to appreciate the difference between last year’s game and this. The old tactics feel useless. I felt like my football brain was being tested more than my dexterity.
In my first match, I was being caught in possession relying on things that worked so well in PES2010. I quickly changed tact, adapted my style to hit on the break and play balls into space, making use of the channels. To this end, I made adjustments to my first choice eleven, and selected the appropriate formation. I felt like a Stoke City or Bolton, not playing the most stylish of football, but doing what was necessary with the players at my disposal.
In one match, I came up against a player with Aguero spearheading his attack. I dropped Stein (DM) into the middle and played him in a spoiler role, charged with man marking Aguero and leaving both centrebacks free to carry out their own duties. This tactic worked a treat, as my default master league players frustrated the Argentine, denying him space to impact the game. On the other side of things, I employed a very successful counter attack, with the big man-little man combo up front.
I could really feel the tactical side of the game coming to the fore.
The passing game is miles ahead of what we’ve seen in the previous games. It’s hard to say much more about the intricacies considering I haven’t tried it out with real life players, but it’s certainly a massive improvement. The game has changed so much.
The most noticeable issue with the AI at this point would be the awareness to loose balls. At times players haven’t reacted to a ball when they’re the closest man. I don’t know if this is down to them being master league default players, or a genuine AI issue. If the latter, I hope it’s sorted out before the full release as it would be my biggest gripe so far.
As I said, I've only played five matches, but right now I am very impressed by how the game plays.