Developers Konami have leaned on all the experience from their long-running Pro Evolution Soccer franchise to bring this summer’s competition to life on PlayStation4, XboxOne, PlayStation3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC.
The timing couldn’t be better for fans of the series, after its stunning return to form with its 2016 edition.
Indeed, if you already own PES 2016 then you’ll be able to play this game as a free download.
Slick gameplay is a given and it is in this department where you don’t feel let down. Be it the feeling of exhilaration when Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is in possession, or the intuitive passing from Spain’s metronomic midfield.
PES has always been played at 100 miles per hour and it is no different this time.
It is fun, fast and beautiful to watch. From the movement of the ball, to the way it vividly brings to life all the fanfare in the stands as flags are patriotically waved and the attention to detail on the kits.
Hours of work have also gone into creating the likenesses for the roster of players. There is no way you’ll be mistaking Harry Kane for Wayne Rooney on this title.
Regrettably, this is where the sense of reality starts to fade. For an offiially-licenced product, it seems unforgivable only 15 of the 24 teams taking part have their actual kits.
You would also expect to see every stadium which is hosting matches in France to be represented. This is anything but the case.
Only the Stade de France makes it in. The ground admittedly looks gorgeous, but what about all theothers?
This is a long-term weakness of PES when compared to FIFA. No such problems existed for EA Sports’ World Cup updates.
This isn’t a perfect representation, but at just Dh149, football fans can’t go too far wrong.
We rate it: 7 out of 10: The responsive play is great, but the lack of licences really detract from it.
Where to Buy: Virgin Megastore, Dubai Mall is one of many places to pick up your copy in the UAE
Price: Dh149
