PES 2016 was a step forwards, but I dunno, it just didnt feel quite there for me. But 2017 feels bang on the money. Been playing it quite a bit for the last few days and its novelty STILL hasnt wore off, when most games tend to right about now for me.
I'm still stunned by new stuff all the time, a different animation or phase of play. The ball itself is still amazing me, how it looks and moves. The individual blades of grass being flattened as the ball rolls across it.
Players themselves look real, lifelike even, FIFA looks like a cartoon in comparison, not just how they look in appearance but how certain players move, pass or shoot. Their emotions aswell even.
For instance playing as Liverpool everyplayer feels and plays like they do in reality. Matip and Lovren step forward and look to pinch the ball before strikers can get a touch. Clyne bombs forward always offering you that width and outlet, Firmino floats around and does clever little flicks and passes round the corner, Moreno is reckless and nearly always out of position, Coutinho cuts in and shoots just like he does in real life when you hold R2. The animation is just spot-the-fuck-on. I was watching Liverpool-Hull earlier thinking "I can do that on PES" and when Coutinho scored that beaut in the 2nd half, I was itching to play Pro Evo.
You can press just like they do. Play the football just like they do. This goes for most teams aswell. That individuality and personality of teams and individual players can be replicated in the game. Its scary good at times.
Its amazing. FIFA dont come anywhere near close to this in terms of replicating how teams play in game. Different gravy entirely.
No hype, fanboy or flavor of the month about it. It doesnt matter what I think or say about the game really. Its just an opinion, a worthless opinion. The game speaks for itself just fine if you understand football and how the game plays. Its actually quite special. No hype whatsoever. It is what it is.