Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 Reviews
A timely overhaul that should take a great game to new heights - though it's not quite on peak form this year.
The definitive PES on PC, if you can get a game online.
Whether playing online or off, there's a huge amount to do here and a huge amount to love about it. Put the effort in and you're repaid with a genuine sense of satisfaction and a feeling of real accomplishment. Once again, PES has set an incredibly high level of quality for other sports games to try and match.
Despite minor complaints, PES 2018 is undoubtedly top-of-the-table where it counts: the pitch. This is PES back on form.
The new gameplay changes and additions mean PES continues to be a great experience. The Master League, however, needs to take a similar step forward
The most satisfying football game ever, wrapped in a frustratingly ugly shell.
All in all, the line on the graph that is PES' progression as a series has gone up with Pro Evolution Soccer 2018.
PES 2018 is the silkiest and smoothest looking football game I've ever played, with textures and player animation integrated perfectly. The pitches are gorgeous – as are the stadiums, and the rate at which the game moves, and blends player reactions after a shot or goal celebration is seamless.
A lot has gone into changing how the game is played in PES 2018. The more measured approach is wonderful, as is Real Touch+. That's why the parts that need an upgrade stick out more than they have in years.
PES 2018 feels similar to previous iterations with a few modifications here and there, most notably slowing down the game's speed. On the field, the game succeeds in presenting its own gameplay style that relies on realism, planning, and strategizing rather than just a general advance towards the goal. The game suffers outside the field however, as its game modes are not as popular as those of its competitor especially the Ultimate Team mode, and it does not shine in terms of UI, commentating, or audience interaction. The biggest problem remains is the lack of licenses for some of the major international teams.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
PES 2018 almost reaches perfection in gameplay, but its offer of licenses and game modes is still not enough for an outstanding overall.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Were this review based purely on gameplay, the score would be much higher. As a complete package, PES 2018 is good, but still incomplete.
PES 2018 is almost a carbon copy of the 2017 edition... until the start of the match. Konami has improved the gameplay in every possible way. It's a pity that game modes and options at this point more than dated.
Review in Italian | Read full review
This is the best Pro Evolution Soccer of the last years and it guarantees hours and hours of entertainment online or with your friends. However, its wonderful graphics are not enough to compensate the lack of licenses and the lack of innovation in some game modes.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
PES 2018 is a great football game that delivers a fun experience across its various modes. The actual in match gameplay can be sublime and its hardly ever boring thanks to the lack of stoppages. Konami has created a real contender for this year's footballing crown, but issues like the simple nature of the commentary, and AI being a little silly at times hold it back from being proclaimed champion just yet. However, if you love your football then PES 18 is well worth picking up.
At times it seems indistinguishable from last year's game, but the slower play speed and improved controls work well and make this the best PES yet.
PES 2018 offers a fun and accessible game experience. The handling and the behavior of the players is impeccable, but the game modes and the technical aspects of the game have not varied significantly with respect to the previous entrance of the saga.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
You definitely can't go wrong buying Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, as it plays as good as ever, but those who bought last year's game might want to wait until next year's installment if they're waiting for that next evolution. That's not to say that there aren't improvements, as the subtle tweaks and additions do add up to a better game, but these are more quality of life fixes rather than changes that'll sweep the player off their feet. Ultimately, PES 2018 is yet another great football game from Konami, but that might not be enough when they're trailing a behemoth.
It's a solid jumping-on point if you're new to the series, but seasoned veterans may find too few improvements to justify the price.
When you reach a peak in performance, as Pro Evolution Soccer has done over the past few years, there is always the danger of diminishing returns.