The final score
Commentary is still poor in both titles and while Fifa makes a slightly better at it, the removal of Mark Lawrenson from Pro Evo is a huge improvement. However, mistakes and sheer stupidity are still present. The developers must enjoy Private Eye's Colemanballs commentary cock-ups column. When you miss a shot and get told "not a lot more he could have done with that one", you have to roll your eyes - O could have hit the target for starters...
Ferdinand got Baled on
While Fifa has all the kit and team names intact, PES remains partially licensed - a serious downside. More teams are included this year but the only two from the EPL are Man U and Tottenham Hotspur, which is simply not good enough. Having correct kit and team names is part of the appeal and, although it boils down to finances and has no effect on gameplay, it does disappoint, especially when to play as my favourite team I have to settle for “North London”, dressed in a kit that looks closer to Man Utd.
Verdict
The heated debate will rage on even more than ever this year, with PES fans given a decent leg to stand on. Pro Evo 2011 is a fantastic game in its own right but while it’s fun to play and generates better action and goal chances, I can’t help think Fifa is still a superior game overall.
It depends, though, on what you look for in a football game. If you prefer realism then Fifa easily takes the honours. It's smoother, more of a challenge and has the full licensing. The difficulty takes a while to get used to and goals are harder to score, but when they come, there’s an added sense of satisfaction, especially when hammered in from a distance.
When they line up together, Fifa takes the trophy
If you prefer playability, with no care for official team names or realism, then Pro Evo is every ounce as good. It’s an entirely different game to Fifa, but just as fun. Goals are regular and players are harder to tackle – which opens up more space for greater action.
If I had to choose one, though, I’d go with Fifa - it’s the more professional and slicker of the two, and feels more of an overall challenge. However, I no longer need to squint back. PES has certainly bridged the gap and, who knows, next year I may switch teams again. ®
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Fifa 11 vs Pro Evolution Soccer 2011
COMMENTS
Fifa? Pah!
Have to say I've spent more time playing Sensible Soccer downloaded from Xbox Live than Fifa 2010 on my Xbox. The thing is, Sensi is fun. Remember fun? Quickly loading up a game and giving it a blast? Fifa might be "realistic" but it lacks any kind of fun factor and quickly becomes a chore.
"...I have found it impossible to score with Emile Heskey."
Maybe you should try charging him £1000?
fifa for me too
if you need PES licensing then just download the wenb option file and import it.
i have to say fifa has edged it again for me. fifa has lost a lot of room for movement tho - PES is much better this year than last, excelling in the strategy side of things. i hate the fixed camera angles tho.
i found scoring much easier on fifa this year. i can only suggest you use more real-life tactics to play tho - i guess you were a speed freak on the last years' version? ive scored many goals from all over the shop and plenty of crossed headers too. and ive only played about 20 games as i was on honeymoon when this was released.
EA still annoy me tho that many aspects and problems in previous versions are still there. poor player selection and reactions are 2 of the worst for me.
sorry this ins't realistic enough
if Heskey isn't falling on the floor very 5 minutes, how are we to respect these games?
ISS
I'm glad you mentioned ISS. That game (ISS '98, specifically) was an absolute classic and the cause of many a 4am gaming session.
