The Fight Goes On
Since the release of ISS Pro on Playstation in 1999, FIFA has had only one true competitor. When Konami moved forward and Pro evolution was born, fans have been divided and have shown loyalty to one side. EA and Konami have tried for many years to steal each others ‘floating’ fans. In 2011 it seems quite clear to me which side has finally put themselves ahead in too many ways that for the other to recover, the latter would have to make a terrible mistake to lose it position now.
1 – 0 Fifa
For much of the mid ‘naughties’ Pro Evolution fans relied on one strength. “So what if FIFA has more licensees, more teams, more players and seems more flashy. Ultimately Pro is more Realistic”. PES gameplay was what it boasted about and what it held over FIFA. But as we ended the decade, to many people’s disapointment, FIFA and PES seemed to be taking lessons from each other and morphing into almost the same game.
As online gaming was becoming the norm, PES seemed to slip up with constant problems with their online gameplay having to many glitches. Since then it has appears that FIFA has taken the lead and it even seems that PES’s gameplay is no longer a strength for the Konami game. This is never more evident than in the latest installation of Pro. Scared of being left behind by FIFA, Konami have completely redesigned their series.
The new (And Soon To Be Improved) Pro
The gameplay has gone through a major makeover. PES 11 is Konami’s attempt to regain it’s throne as the more realistic and the more sophisticated game for ‘true’ football fans. The game plays a lot slower than previous games and definitely needs more build up than in FIFA 11. This is due to a complete reworking and the new total control 360 passing system. Even seasoned PES players may take a while to adjust to this new system but I suggest that for those who are dedicated football game players, soon you will start to appreciate and enjoy the precise control this system allows a person to have. As this seems to be PES’s attempt to completely revamp itself, there is a lot of room for improvement and its fans will have to be patient.
2 – 0 Fifa
FIFA fans therefore can hold their hand up in victory for another year in my opinion. FIFA has become more realistic over the years and is no more lagging behind Pro, in fact some may argue it is even better. FIFA is more fun for all levels of interest and ability. It’s only real negatives are scoring from crossing is too easy and dribbling is actually a next to impossible skill. But overall all those who wait for the release of the two games before they decide which way to side, FIFA is probably going to win them over.

Click to purchase – Pro Evolution Soccer 2011


Click to Purchase – FIFA 11