Ok, so I've finally just managed to get a few more games in, the Copa Teams as usual, Zero Pass Assistance and all Assists Off.
Firstly Zee,
I understand the whole pride element with needing to play Top Player, but honest bud, there is no shame in trying Professional. That is my preferred level by a long way. I dont feel the need to have to prove myself to the CPU, or myself. I know my way around PES, and thats good enough for me. I play PES to have fun, thats the primary driver, but I also want realism. And for me, that's Professional level. As long as I'm getting a challenge, then I'm happy to remain on Pro. And I'm getting that, and some. I'm not ashamed to say I've been on the wrong end of a couple of 5-0 drubbings, all on Pro.
Anyway, I'll explain why it's better. I've just played 5 games, always with Inter v Americas. Scores were 0-1, 1-1, 2-2, 2-2. Those games were on Pro. I then played against Top Player, the game ended 2-2 again. But the match was totally different, and far less enjoyable. The stats showed Ameicas having 14(6) to my 6(4). In my games on Pro, average stats were more like 5(2)-6-(3). Top Player is alot more hectic, the CPU breaks it's neck to win back the ball and get forward as quick as possible, their organisation is alot tighter and their reading of the game alot more advanced, some would claim telepathic. I wouldnt go that far though. The game felt rushed, there was more space as the CPU committed more, leaving gaps to exploit. It wasnt fun though, I was made to play a way that was demanded, rather than on Pro were I could just play my game. Top Player Ai is coded to score as it's primary driver, and at all costs. Professional isnt, it's alot more composed and natural.
Also, this is a new philosophy that takes time to adapt, by playing Top Player to satisfy an ego, it's to your detriment in my book. You learn to play against a system, your restricted in learning the art of the game due to limited time restraints on the ball. Pro gives you time to try and experience everything, and learn what works at your own pace. Top Player in my opinion doesnt. The scores were the same on both levels, but Pro was bar far the most enjoyable. By a long, long way. Give it a whirl, and get that whole Top Player or nothing nonsense out of your head and remember what your playing PES for, to have fun, winning is just a bonus. You'll still get beat on Pro level, especially using the lesser teams, but I'll guarantee you this, you'll be smiling in defeat. Not pulling your hair out as you would with Top Player. Its a different mentality. Trust me.
Jimmy, i'm starting to love the demo, but i can't defend...how do i defend in this game????
I'm good at it but i can't defend and can't score (so i'm rubbish really...).
Scoring will come, i'm beginning to score the odd goal now and then, but defending...i really run around like a headless chicken...a litle help would be welcome...thanks in advance.
I'm finding the Defensive system to be highly complex the more I uncover. There is no easy fix here, and there is alot to learn. It's easier to break it down into the relevant defending techniques, of which there are many. I'm understanding most of them now, but the very tricky skill is combining them all, and using each technique at the right time. It's not one size fits all. To become a great defender in this game requires an awful lot of skill. Most of which comes from decision making.
Using X to pressure and tackle doesnt work anymore, or very rarely. It only works when your opponent has the ball out of his feet, when he shows you too much of it. Or, you get the artistic licence of a defender with high defensive stats that wins the ball cleanly with this tackle when others wouldnt.
Pressing X to advance towards the ball-carrier then holding R2 as well before you get to close will put you in jockey/contain mode. Pretty pointless in any other area bar your own initial 3rd of the pitch.
Use Semi-Assisted Cursor control, this is the most advanced for defending. You can switch between players with the right stick, and use your man to simply track the runner and show him away from goal or mark the passing channels and options. Tapping Circle will 2nd man Pressure the ball carrier. Dont hold it down constantly as it will more likely commit a rash foul, use sparingly to force an error.
Around your own box try hold X and Circle and R2. Use this as a last resort. This pressures the ball carrier with the 2nd man, and puts your controlled player into a retreat/jockey mode. If the ball-carrier beats the 2nd man, you can release R2 to put a foot in. Or, keep holding R2 and X until he comes so close your man will attempt either a tackle or block. The blocks work very well in this game.
Another option , the hardest one, is to hold R2 and retreat whilst pressing Circle for 2nd man pressure. This gives you a better option to release R2 and hold X for a timed foot-in. The reason this one is hard is because you also need to press sprint at times due to the fact you retreat at a certain pace. Holding R2 and X retreats with a measured space between you and the ball carrier, R2 on its own doesnt. It's more free, but alot harder to master.
Using all the above techniques is a lot to take in, but each one serves a purpose, but like real defending, decision making is everything. Sometimes I can get it all right, mostly I get confused with the options. It's so complex, and although practice wont make perfect, it will certainly help.
A few other observations. Zero passing is the one. It's raw and stripped down PES with stats, I love it. Every pass needs relevant weight, short lay-offs, 20 yard deck passes, lobbed though-balls, everything. And it's stat relevant wih the better passers able to take alot more liberties. A slight press of the lobbed through-ball with complete control of direction is amazing with the likes of D'Alessandro.
I love how composed play reaps benefits. The footballing philosophy is superb if adhered to. I'm getting alot of success just spraying cross-field balls to relieve congestion. This opens up a whole new outlook ahead. You have to use the Ai movement, but dont force it. We have a tendency to play short passes in enclosed areas whilst waiting for options. This can lead to forced errors due to congestion. Having a look on the map and spraying one to a wide option will alter everything in front of you as you build and start again looking for gaps and runners.
Also, using L2 and X gives a much harder zipped pass along the deck, perfect for drilling one in quick to feet over 15-20 yards. It reduces the chance of marking opponents anticipating and getting ahead of your ball-receiver.
High passes with circle a great to, space and time permitting, even over short distances. Less chance of blocked passes and it also gives you impetus with a flick on, injects a bit of speed as you change levels and gears.
I'm still finding the trigger run pass a little too effective, I hope that doesnt become an issue. Also, love the fact the keepers cannot be rounded like they also have been. They are alot quicker and narrow the angles very well. There is an issue with keepers saving longer distance shots though, and alot of that is down to their positioning, they are too flat on their goal-line. They need to be more advanced to reduce the angles. Thats a must.
Ok, that is all, need to get back to PES. And Pro level.
Individuality clearly becomes more evident.