PES 2017

PES 2017 came out at a time when Konami had already found a good balance between arcade style and authenticity, and this part is considered one of the pinnacles of the series. Each match here is like a balanced game: the players move taking into account fatigue, motivation, weather and the quality of the lawn, and the flight of the ball depends on how exactly it was received and how it was hit. The usual scripts break down - the goalkeeper can take a hopeless shot and immediately score a goal with a ridiculous rebound. The pass has become softer, the shot has become sharper and more dynamic, and most importantly, the sense of weight has returned: the defender does not slide across the field, but turns with inertia, and from this, playing defense turns into a separate science. Goalkeepers act more intelligently, make interceptions more often and are less likely to let the ball come under their hand at the near post. Improved touch animations allow you to handle complex passes in awkward positions. The design is also top-notch: licensed championships, recognizable stands, lively reaction from fans and the atmosphere of the stadium, which can be felt even without commentary. Traditional modes are in place - Master League with full club management, Become a Legend for those who want to go the single-player route, and myClub for collectors. Matches against live opponents worked especially well in this part: the selection of players works quickly, and online meetings do not turn into rolling the ball across the field. For single-player play, there is a flexible difficulty setting and small tasks for which they give currency to strengthen the squad. Fans of the series still call PES 2017 one of the last parts where the same character of the game was felt - dense, demanding and honest. The PES 2017 is often recommended for those who are tired of the scripted scenarios of big competitors. Here the match goes the way both teams play it, and the victory feels like one’s own merit, and not a gift from the algorithm.