Well I'm still loving the game guys. So much so that I'm still using one of the original option files I put on and have only bothered to download 1.01. Second season in ML and am fourth with Liverpool.
I've tried many combinations and each has a distinct feel about them with regards to how the game plays, but the last few days I've settled on Superstar, the default three bar passing, long cam and normal gamespeed at 15 minute games.
Taking all the side issues regarding league modes, boots etc etc out of the equation for a second, I can't honestly fault the gameplay. I'm hooked. Just reading over the various pages over the past few days and I just want to pick up on a few things that people have said and compare them to what I am experiencing.
1) Freedom. People are saying the game doesn't feel free. I can't disagree more. In my eyes, the game has absolutely nailed the balance between player movements being realistic and yet controllable. I feel it has gotten the perfect balance between perhaps too much rigidity in old gen PES', more freer than 2012, but isn't as fluid as the OTT FIFA in terms of turning and balance. So players feel - about perfect.
In terms of freedom with regards to the ball; again I can't see an issue. Depending on the teams and style of play the ball can just bounce anywhere. My modes of attack are hardly ever repetitive, the way the game breaks up is really realistic.
2) Game pace and flow. I have been a massive slower is better advocate over the years and even played 2011 and 2012 on -2 gamespeed. For some reason this year, I'm really feeling the game as it is, on gamespeed 0. It really does remind me of the feelings I had when I played PES 5/6. The way the ball can be pinged about, the way you can slow the game right down. For the first time in ages (and even though I learned to love 2011 and 2012) I'm actually looking forward to the game each and every time I fire up the PS3.
3) Enjoyment. Last year I spent more time messing with this, that, and the other, across a plethora of machines and on a thousand and one displays with a million gameplay patches and tweaks, that it just blew my mind in the end. This year I'm firing the game up, and actually ENJOYING IT, you know, like a video game should do. Genuine emotions when playing it this year.
4) Repetition, scripting and issues forom 2012. Been blasting this game since it came out, and I very rarely feel like the game has been played before. Each game honestly is just so diverse. Scripting? Okay, now and again there are elements that I feel are scripted. BUT - looking closer and looking at the bigger picture there is a definite logic most of the time. Like tired players, players in the wrong position, keepers off form, Crouch scoring two headed goals.
In 2012 I didn't feel the player had the tools to deal with the vast majority of the scripts. In 2013 you really do have the control to do almost everything to limit the scripting. Tackling works this year and is fair. Player positioning is better and player switching (after practicing your defensive play) is spot on. Players generally cut out balls and it's nowhere near as problematic as last year.
I've never been a dribbler, but this year I think has the perfect balance between passing and dribbling. With a dribbler, say like Suarez, you can really take people on, which brings me to my next point.
5) Player speed and taking people on. Seriously, what is people's problem with this this year? It's one of the most contextual football games ever in this respect. When Suarez is through, nobody catches him.....ever. There's just no 'catch up' bug. Am I missing something here. When a dribbler contextually is in a position to skin the defender I can do it all the time. Again, I can't see the issue?
6) People knocking player ID. Again can't see it personally. My favourite example is someone like Gerrard who is as strong as an ox and can just rebound off challenges. He has drive, a hard shot, isn't the fastest, but he's my play maker through and through. Lucas, enforcer he is. Suarez....just like Suarez. Carroll, slow, but powerful (hardly play him to be honest after this year headed goals have been toned down immensely).
I could go on with ID, but I'd just be convincing myself.
7) Shooting, passing, the games nuts and bolts. All near enough spot on.
8) The aerial game. Loving it. It's basically taken until now for me 'to get' the aerial game this year, but now I have the hang of it, I think it's top notch. Remember the button has to be pressed before you normally would as in getting the leverage to jump.
THINGS THAT ARE PISSING ME OFF - I don't know if it's me but the CPU is getting away with murder in terms of infringements in and around the box. Hardly any penalties get given. Player form. Simply totally and utterly illogical to the point of being a game breaker for me.
And that's about it.
GAMEPLAY alone, this game is a 9/10. Player movements offensively and defensively have been nailed in my eyes. The defensive game especially is just a complete joy. ENJOYMENT level of this game, it's like 9.5/10. Seriously when I'm playing this game I get fully amped, especially when the challenges are flying in left right and centre as both myself and the CPU are searching for that winner.
So anyway, just thought I'd give my two pennies worth to lift the gloom round here.
