PES 2015 is awful

[fatehasfans]

There have been quite a few statements bandied around in relation to describing this game, for example...."A genuine return to form" or "Launching the counter attack" (Sorry John) ...and so on.

But in reality…

.....no sorry it's not a return to this.... or that...

It's just bad, really bad - ok I think we can agree that PES 14 got it wrong on so many levels but at least there is an argument to suggest that there was something new, something to build on. Sadly however, PES 15 is just a big leap back.
After playing for 1 week here is a quick review of the game so far:

At a glance…

The animations are wooden and completely unrealistic, players have to actually micro-stop before turning and there is jittering, and inconsistent movement, the players move in such a slow, clunky manner and the animations simply don’t match what is happening plus the entire game is just so god-awful to look at.

Player movement and control feels like is has been practically removed, because for the most part it feels as though the computer is in charge – In game, response times are so slow that by the time your player reacts you have missed your chance and end up chasing the ball again. Online co-op play feels like this every game and practically every situation, you may as well put the controller down because the computer seems to be controlling 90% of what is going on meanwhile however many human players playing are fighting over the scraps (everyone seems to want to be a forward, funny that). The passing is a mess, the movement is a mess, the animations are a mess

Someone said before the pitches looked like a cement yard, I would have to agree.


What about the passing? Passing, supposedly revamped?

Through lobs tend to go straight up in the air like a balloon (practically every time - there is no low arc), the low passes are either straight to the player to just in front, doesn't matter which pass you execute, through-ball or normal they both do the same thing – oh I forgot the computer is in control. The shooting has no weight to it (perhaps a homage to the days of PlayStation PES?), and the actual player responsiveness is shocking, change cursor (like PES versions 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 and 14), particularly, but not exclusively, when playing defensively, seems to do nothing until the last third (pssst that would be the computer control). It always seems to miss the player I want to select until the moment has gone (…cc).

I really feel that a genuine opportunity to put things right has been sorely missed. Over more recent years there seems to have been an increasing level of mud throwing between both sets of football game supporters (that being PES and FIFA), however if both actually looked at their own game and demanded more by venting their frustration directly at the developers instead of rival fans they would probably see a greater increase in improvements.

At this point however, I'm rather fed up at how many times both companies (EA and Konami) have gotten it wrong. As I have been playing PES since 1995 (ISS deluxe), I have a soft spot for Konami, but still I feel they keep feeding us rehashed versions of the same game, it feels as though they just keep missing the point and then trying to cover over it with clever marketing ideas "The pitch is ours" etc. Or making claims that they have somehow 'put it right' with the next upcoming instalment. The reality is PES 2015 houses the same problems and same lack of intuitive development that all the previous versions did. Yes, there is developmental progress (graphics, interface, sounds and animations) but there is nothing here that is new, nothing that challenges or empowers the user. Thus, the core problems remain. It still feels like wooden dummies moving and kicking the ball around in an extremely dull and linear fashion. It's like a graphically superior PES 2008, minus the playability. If anything player control has dropped throughout the series with PES 2015 really sinking to an all-time low. Now I understand there are problems with balance and trying to allow all players to have a fair game, but these 'balancing issues' arise from inconsistent scripting that has plagued the series since its move to the PlayStation. Examples of poor scripting include, players not responding at crucial moments, player slowdown down or speeding up, unrealistic ball physics coupled with meaningless controls and overly favourable situational outcomes (ever make amazing consecutive tackles only to see the ball go straight back to the opposition each time making your efforts seem pointless?). So this begs the question, in current football games does gameplay balance and consistency come at the cost of player control and ability-related empowerment? It feels like it. For me that's not good enough, I want control over what I do - complete control. In this game it feels like I am being tunnelled now more than ever.

Looking around at the comments and reviews, I must mention that I am talking about the PC version, a lot are very positive so I say two things, that it's either: 1). The current state of the Gaming industry today (that being you can't actually get an honest review from a big title release), or 2). This is what people actually like these days, which if is the case then I believe standards overall have dropped, and if so then good luck to them.

So many reviews even here are talking about amazing play/passing and this and that about the gameplay. It just makes me wonder who is actually playing these games for if I am right and AI control has increased significantly then the game has simply been dumbed down to allow (oh I’ll just go ahead and say it) stupid people to play.
I don’t have the energy to talk about the Online system other than to say it’s a complete and utter diabolical shambles, a dark place where idiots dwell, game crash, nameless players pause and sit being indecisive with your time, a time vortex that consumes your life-force – trust me stay away.


Summary:


Gameplay – Poor, sluggish, ropey, and inconsistent, computer has too much control

Animations – AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH*cough*AAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAH

Presentation – This area doesn’t bother me, I prefer the rest but compared to some other games it is rather basic. Then again it’s always been basic.

Music – Not bad if you like current UK teen-pop teen-DJ stuff and/or strange Japanese FX music – I like neither

Affordability – Cost £30.00 here, normally I wouldn’t think that was bad. However, since this game has glaring issues abound not to mention the completely broken online time-consumption vortex then yes it’s very annoying that I paid that amount of what was received.


VERDICT: 6/10 ....Avoid

[Ba11y]

Thanks for giving us your opinion of the game . Only took you 21 hours to work out whether you like the game or not . If the game was as bad as you say , surely you would have stopped playing straight away

[rabomil]

Are you sure that the game runs like it supposed to do? I'm asking this, because I was also disappointed in how the game ran, even at a steady 60fps, but after a restart the game now runs very smooth. Making changes to my video card settings and using SweetFX made the game look much better. By default it looks very dull, certainly compared to the PS4 version, but SweetFX has different presets you can download or you can create ones yourself, to make the game look more to your liking.

[Lachinio]

Originally posted by Ba11y:

Thanks for giving us your opinion of the game . Only took you 21 hours to work out whether you like the game or not . If the game was as bad as you say , surely you would have stopped playing straight away

Ba11y, don't defend the game straight away as if it was a memorial. That kind of act makes me think of the "who's the ball d'Or" with everyone defending Ronaldo or Messi depending on who they like better.

I agree with fateasfans in some points, the PC version just looks like a port for ps2, with a 7gb download, while on the ps4, it's 17gb, just no words.
The pitch looks just terrible Sometimes, playing at San Siro in day time is just difficult to look at, very bright. Altough the people around it make the game much more appealing the crowd just looks like a synchronized swimming team as always. Like SEGA Crowds.
The gameplay tough i believe its very nice to play, but with some set backs on the switching of the player cursor, or sometimes players just run against the ball or dont shoot when commanded instantly. Its annoying.

I do also agree with the marketing concept, the game isn't that great as people are making it be. Tough i believe it's better than Fifa, with technology available these days should be able to make much better and consistent football games.

I would give it a 7/10 or maybe 8/10.

[Mojo]

You are talking about graphics and whatever but the worsts are the game's mod and AI.

Playing Become a Legend is the worst experience you can get with a soccer game...
Playing a center middielder, your own AI won't pass you the ball when all may pass by you even if your alone and well placed.
They'll just drop the ball forward or ignore you most of the time...
it's better in attack but only...

You just have to look at the stats, match or season to see this is nothing like Soccer;

Most of the time you have 0 or 1 yellow card per match cause AI doesn't do fouls.
Don't expect to have a lot of free kicks...................

I did a half season and all the first teams scored around 20 goals... yeah.

I've played a lot the 2014 and the 2015 brings quite nothing new but better dribbling.

Don't expect something of this game if you play it alone, do local multi with friends cause it's the only thing that save the game.

[BonnyDirt]

True, I agree this game is ♥♥♥♥, do not connect online, waiting for the match, disconnects all the time wtf Konami

[Edgar Lindner]

Well the PC port seems very poor. It is not the same game as it is on PS4. I used to love PES especially for PC and now we get a half-butt version.
Shame on you Konami!

[Mojo]

I'm pretty sure the game is as bad as pc on PS4 because of the AI.
Graphisms are something but they don't change the way the game plays and it plays bad this year again... At least for the people who knows the serie.

[[RIP] T-Jay72]

Sad to say that the OP makes alot of true calls here.

I want to like it. I really do.
It feels like its going in the right direction but the god awful scripting and terribal online experience pretty much ruins it.

At the moment 5/10. Hopefully konami will patch but from past ecperience they have their money now and are probably spending it on marketing lies for PES 2016 for nexy years gullible fans.

I did really want to like it :(

[Sambrowski]

fatehasfans - I'll agree with you about the sluggish player select when defending, that is annoying. And that's where i'll stop.

This is not a bad game. It's a bad port with some glaring omissions (hi-res textures/no cutscenes) but it's not a bad game.

The minute to minute gameplay is brilliant. The passing issues you have had are not something that i recognise - perhaps you need to lower your pass support or try it on manual. The shooting i've found to be really responsive and weighty.

What difficulty have you played the game on? I've found the AI to be brilliant and probably the most impressive part of the game. AI opponents are fair but on Superstar difficulty are a huge challenge.

Regarding your point about poor scripting; making great tackles but having the ball rebounding to the opposition is just part of football. Every collision contains an element of chance. Deflections, miscontrol, mistimed tackles, good saves, bad saves...they are all present in this game but at no point have I felt that the game was scripted in such a way to favour one team or the other. If I'm controlling a player with decent dribbling ability and I'm tackled then I'll know that either I've made a mistake or the defender has done a good job - I don't assume that the game is written poorly. You have eaten sour grapes and they have clouded your judgement.

[Groovy]

Originally posted by Ba11y:

Thanks for giving us your opinion of the game . Only took you 21 hours to work out whether you like the game or not . If the game was as bad as you say , surely you would have stopped playing straight away

The jaded opinion of the dirty scouse.......

I played this game a solid 20-25 hours, I changed my opinion of the game twice... Aspects of the game are brilliant (Master League is the complete package), however My Club is a shambles for many, many reasons.

[katzenkrimis]

Master League is great. Tested AI vs AI in coach mode.

On Top Player, you'll get a lot of 1 goal games and draws. Which are very exciting and often unpredictable.

On Superstar, however, it's really tough. You'd have to know what you're doing to succeed, as your team will struggle to defend against, and break down a very strong AI.

These are the best AI vs AI matches I've ever seen for PES. The only downside I've seen are the glaring lack of injuries, the glaring lack of fouls called, and the glaring issue of the broadcast camera man not being able to keep up with long balls.

Slo Mo Joe on camera, very annoying.

Lastly, there clearly aren't enough players trying to cross the ball from down the wing. Pretty much every single time they'll just try to go around the full backs and center backs, and then try to play a short pass to the front of the goal. The only thing you can do really, is bring in a player with the Early Crosser skill.

Few people want to simulate games in PES, understandably, but it's a great game for those who wish to do so. Obviously the game has other PvP faults and such.

[[RIP] T-Jay72]

Originally posted by fatehasfans:

4....Avoid

As another old player (ISS Pro Evo) I would say this is probably one of the most accurate, no BS reviews I've read.

My own personal hates mirror this especially with the really really poor scripting (or momentum, whatever) and the terrible online experience.

There is potential here and it could be realised by sorting both these issues which are most definately game breaking


Edit
LOL had to add - Just had an online game. Score is 1-1 and in dying seconds I am just running towards penalty area after beating all defence - All I have to do is shoot, I press shoot .....and whistle blows game over!!!!

EDIT 2

Well I'm done. If you look at my hours you will see I gave it a fair crack.
Myclub is the WORST online football experience ever.

May advise to any experienced Football gamer is keep as far away from this steaming pile as possible.
You have NO control over the outcome of the matches in Myclub whatsoever.

The scripting in the game is far far worse than FIFA. Konami have ruined this game totally.

[fatehasfans]

Originally posted by Tijai:

Originally posted by fatehasfans:

4....Avoid

As another old player (ISS Pro Evo) I would say this is probably one of the most accurate, no BS reviews I've read.

My own personal hates mirror this especially with the really really poor scripting (or momentum, whatever) and the terrible online experience.

There is potential here and it could be realised by sorting both these issues which are most definately game breaking


Edit
LOL had to add - Just had an online game. Score is 1-1 and in dying seconds I am just running towards penalty area after beating all defence - All I have to do is shoot, I press shoot .....and whistle blows game over!!!!

EDIT 2

Well I'm done. If you look at my hours you will see I gave it a fair crack.
Myclub is the WORST online football experience ever.

May advise to any experienced Football gamer is keep as far away from this steaming pile as possible.
You have NO control over the outcome of the matches in Myclub whatsoever.

The scripting in the game is far far worse than FIFA. Konami have ruined this game totally.

Finally, an ally in this struggle for truth. If I'm honest I don't think current games (incl PES) are aimed at the veteran players anymore. These days I think its about bending to the younger community and unfortunately for many of them they wouldn't have experienced most of what went before in the context of before. To add to that there is the desire with Gaming companies to try and get as many people playing/buying as possible, to do this you need to make your game accessible to everyone - within the world of football that means the computer having more control over what happens, a situation where the AI decides where to balance the play. I say screw that, I won't pay any more - but this does little because veterans like us are the minority. Just take a look around at how many good reviews this game got and you'll see just how far standards have dropped. I don't want some 23 year old, with a beard and glasses whose favourite genre of game is RPG, telling me that this game is brilliant, it's not so shut up!!! -- from now on I will not be buying anymore PES games. To get my own back I will be using my friend to get me the future titles *cough* for free. Konami doesn't deserve my money, I worked for my money and they should have worked for it too!!!

[Offsider]

Originally posted by fatehasfans:

Originally posted by Tijai:

As another old player (ISS Pro Evo) I would say this is probably one of the most accurate, no BS reviews I've read.

My own personal hates mirror this especially with the really really poor scripting (or momentum, whatever) and the terrible online experience.

There is potential here and it could be realised by sorting both these issues which are most definately game breaking


Edit
LOL had to add - Just had an online game. Score is 1-1 and in dying seconds I am just running towards penalty area after beating all defence - All I have to do is shoot, I press shoot .....and whistle blows game over!!!!

EDIT 2

Well I'm done. If you look at my hours you will see I gave it a fair crack.
Myclub is the WORST online football experience ever.

May advise to any experienced Football gamer is keep as far away from this steaming pile as possible.
You have NO control over the outcome of the matches in Myclub whatsoever.

The scripting in the game is far far worse than FIFA. Konami have ruined this game totally.

Finally, an ally in this struggle for truth. If I'm honest I don't think current games (incl PES) are aimed at the veteran players anymore. These days I think its about bending to the younger community and unfortunately for many of them they wouldn't have experienced most of what went before in the context of before. To add to that there is the desire with Gaming companies to try and get as many people playing/buying as possible, to do this you need to make your game accessible to everyone - within the world of football that means the computer having more control over what happens, a situation where the AI decides where to balance the play. I say screw that, I won't pay any more - but this does little because veterans like us are the minority. Just take a look around at how many good reviews this game got and you'll see just how far standards have dropped. I don't want some 23 year old, with a beard and glasses whose favourite genre of game is RPG, telling me that this game is brilliant, it's not so shut up!!! -- from now on I will not be buying anymore PES games. To get my own back I will be using my friend to get me the future titles *cough* for free. Konami doesn't deserve my money, I worked for my money and they should have worked for it too!!!

What is your favorite football videogame to date?

[fatehasfans]

Originally posted by His_Infernal_Majesty:

Originally posted by fatehasfans:

Finally, an ally in this struggle for truth. If I'm honest I don't think current games (incl PES) are aimed at the veteran players anymore. These days I think its about bending to the younger community and unfortunately for many of them they wouldn't have experienced most of what went before in the context of before. To add to that there is the desire with Gaming companies to try and get as many people playing/buying as possible, to do this you need to make your game accessible to everyone - within the world of football that means the computer having more control over what happens, a situation where the AI decides where to balance the play. I say screw that, I won't pay any more - but this does little because veterans like us are the minority. Just take a look around at how many good reviews this game got and you'll see just how far standards have dropped. I don't want some 23 year old, with a beard and glasses whose favourite genre of game is RPG, telling me that this game is brilliant, it's not so shut up!!! -- from now on I will not be buying anymore PES games. To get my own back I will be using my friend to get me the future titles *cough* for free. Konami doesn't deserve my money, I worked for my money and they should have worked for it too!!!

What is your favorite football videogame to date?

Depends on when I played.....
In the 1990s it was Sensible Soccer (Amiga), in 1997 it was ISS Superstar Soccer 64 (for N64), in 2000 it was ISS pro evo 1&2 (Playstation), I didn't really enjoy another football game really until PES 2008 for the PC (I had played all the previous, but it was this one that stuck most)....also I loved 2013 but, and don't laugh (as most will because they don't understand) I think the best current football game available at this moment is PES 2014.

The problem is, released it was rubbish and patched properly it was rubbish, this is where the problem lies - if you do a little bit of work and combine some patches and take bits n pieces you can take all of the best parts from each patch and make the best version. As I mentioned earlier, most people will most likely laugh at this they think the game is bad, and in it's current state yea, it is. If you saw anything in PES 14 that you liked I can share some of my combination patching with you. I drew up a list of criteria that my game had to contain, everything from animation consistency to passing accuracy and AI control, to tackling and fluidity of control - you see with each patch you may have gained something but then something else was taken away. With the right official support and feedback (I believed) PES 2014 could have been the game to change everything (I think it is) but it is impossible to get this unofficial information to the masses so the potential of the game has been lost when I thought it would have been a natural evolution to build from. Let me know if you want more information.