Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 Review

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TSC Gaming’s Fred Richani reviews Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 on Xbox One! How does PES 2017 stack up to last year’s critically acclaimed version? Find out in our PES 2017 game review!

Written Review

Adapted from the video review above and edited for clarity and length.

I played Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 from Konami on Xbox One. It’s also available on PS4 and PC. The game is very similar to last year’s version, which means it’s pretty awesome throughout, but there are some pros and a few cons.

First, the pros. This game is a whole lot of fun once you get the hang of it. If you’ve played FIFA before, or haven’t played a soccer game at all, take the time to do the helpful tutorials over and over again. Like a great soccer player, practice makes perfect, and once you get pretty good, it’s rewarding when you finally score that elusive goal.

There’s a greater challenge playing the computer this year. Konami increased the toughness of the AI at all difficulty levels, so it’s not so easy to score or save goals. It’ll take some adjusting for anybody who found PES 2016 a little too easy, but I’m all for a challenge. I also noticed greater control switching between players while defending, and the keepers are a lot more fluid and a heck of a lot tougher to score against.

There’s a ton of content, just like last year. MyClub lets you build the ultimate club. In Become a Legend, you can customize your own player, or you could be like me, be somewhat of a cheater and just pick Leo Messi because he’s awesome. And there’s an improved Master League with skill and ability development and a new schedule.

But there are some issues. There’s a great stadium selection, but the stadiums look a bit generic. There are a lot of tournaments, but there’s a lack of pageantry. I want fireworks and excitement. Outside of the video packages at the start, there’s nothing to write home about, and it plays a lot like an exhibition.

The online experience was up and down. At times it was great, and at times it was laggy, which is a problem I didn’t run into last year, and I have pretty good internet. MyClub is largely the same as last year, though you can now acquire scouts. And while Become a Legend is fun, it lacks pizzazz. Maybe we’re spoiled by 2K’s MyCareer mode, but I’d like more showmanship and somewhat of a story. I don’t just want to play games and sign contracts. I want some drama.

So what’s the verdict? Graphics get a 9. It’s one of the nicer-looking games on Xbox One. Not the nicest, but pretty nice. Gameplay gets a 9, because once you get the hang of the controls and moves, it’s a whole lot of fun. Content also gets a 9. Yes, I have my complaints, but there’s a whole lot to do. Overall, TSC Gaming gives Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 a 9 out of 10.