PES 2014: A Detailed Review of Konami's Football Simulation

Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 (PES 2014) marked a significant step for the franchise, focusing heavily on gameplay enhancements and a new graphics engine. While it didn’t entirely dethrone FIFA, PES 2014 offered a compelling alternative, boasting improved controls, realistic animations, and a truly immersive stadium atmosphere. This review delves deep into the game’s various aspects, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses.

Gameplay Revolution: Enhanced Controls and Team Dynamics

PES 2014’s most significant improvement lies in its revamped gameplay mechanics. The introduction of “TrueBall Tech” revolutionized ball control, providing players with unprecedented freedom using the analog stick. This 360-degree control allowed for more nuanced ball manipulation, eliminating the frustrating “bowling ball” effect that plagued previous iterations. The change wasn’t just about individual skill; it fundamentally altered team play.

Gone were the abrupt, unrealistic direction changes of previous PES titles. Player movements became more fluid and natural, encouraging strategic positioning and teamwork. The game favored a slower, more tactical approach than its predecessors. Scoring became less about individual brilliance and more about exploiting space, timing passes precisely, and coordinating attacks effectively. This shift emphasized skillful passing and positional awareness over simply sprinting towards the goal. Stealing the ball required more finesse and tactical thinking; reckless challenges were less likely to yield positive results.

Tackling also received an overhaul. The improved physics engine made tackles more realistic, with the power and weight of players influencing the outcome of challenges. Shoulder-to-shoulder battles felt more impactful and less predictable, adding a level of physicality previously missing. Even crossing the ball felt more manual and deliberate, requiring careful consideration of the timing and trajectory.

The AI also received a substantial upgrade. CPU-controlled players displayed improved intelligence, moving with greater unpredictability and demonstrating superior teamwork. They made smart runs, exhibited realistic passing patterns, and executed shots that could surprise even seasoned players. The inclusion of six selectable difficulty levels allowed players of all skill levels to find a suitable challenge.

Game Modes: A Diverse Football Experience

PES 2014 offered a variety of game modes catering to different preferences. The core modes included:

• Match: A simple mode for quick single matches against the AI or a friend. This allowed for immediate gameplay without the complexities of other modes.

• Football Life (Master League & Become a Legend): This mode offered both online and offline play, combining management and player progression. In Master League, players could create and manage their own teams, negotiating contracts, buying and selling players, and striving for league glory. A new addition was the ability to manage a national team. The game’s structure was streamlined for improved usability, making the management aspects less cumbersome. In “Become a Legend” mode, players could develop a single player throughout a career, choosing their position (even goalkeeper) and influencing team tactics.

• Competition: PES 2014 brought back the championship mode, absent in PES 2013. Players could also compete in customizable cup modes and online tournaments. Officially licensed competitions included the Champions League, Europa League, Copa Libertadores, and, notably for this edition, the Asian Champions League. However, the lack of licensing agreements for several clubs, particularly English and German teams, was a significant drawback. Many teams appeared under generic names (like “London FC” for Chelsea).

• Training: A comprehensive tutorial mode split into five levels, introducing players to game mechanics, special moves, and strategic approaches. Players could practice various skills, including corner kicks, free kicks, and penalties. Helpful tips were also provided during loading screens, offering gameplay advice and strategies.

Graphics and Sound: An Immersive Football Experience

PES 2014 utilized the new Fox Engine, delivering a significant visual upgrade. The player models, especially those of well-known stars, bore a striking resemblance to their real-life counterparts. However, lesser-known players exhibited less detailed models, highlighting a slight inconsistency in visual fidelity. The stadiums themselves were meticulously recreated, showcasing impressive details, unique team banners, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Despite the improvements, the Fox Engine showed some limitations. Occasional frame rate drops were noticeable, though they generally didn’t significantly impact gameplay. The absence of weather effects like rain or snow was a noticeable omission, especially considering the level of detail in other areas.

The sound design was, however, arguably the best element of PES 2014. The crowd’s roar was incredibly immersive, adding to the tension of the game. Their reactions to key events, from cheers to jeers, created an engaging and dynamic atmosphere. This aural realism greatly enhanced the overall sense of immersion, creating a truly electrifying matchday experience.

Artificial Intelligence and Tactical Depth

While individual player control and animations saw huge improvements, the AI’s enhanced strategic depth greatly elevated the gameplay experience. The improved AI significantly impacted the way matches unfolded. Matches felt less scripted, more organically evolving, thanks to the unpredictable nature of the CPU-controlled teams. Their tactical awareness improved, utilizing formations and play styles based on player strengths. The increased difficulty levels tested players’ strategic thinking, demanding skillful passing and careful consideration of team formations.

Comparison with FIFA: Closing the Gap

While PES 2014 made substantial strides, it still couldn’t completely surpass FIFA’s dominance. EA Sports’ simulator retained its crown, but the gap significantly narrowed. PES 2014 presented a serious alternative, offering a distinct and compelling experience in its own right. The focus on simulation and teamwork appealed to a different segment of the gaming market, giving players a more nuanced and strategic experience.

The improved gameplay and enhanced atmosphere made PES 2014 a rewarding and enjoyable game. The immersive stadium environments were unparalleled in other football games at the time, providing an intense and memorable gaming experience.

The Fox Engine’s Promise: A New Beginning

The Fox Engine, though not yet fully polished, was pivotal in PES 2014’s revitalization. Konami demonstrated a clear commitment to enhancing the simulation aspect of the game, appealing directly to the purists of the football simulation genre. The improvements in animation, physics, and AI laid a strong foundation for future installments, setting the stage for the series’ subsequent evolution.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for PES

PES 2014 represented a significant step forward for the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise. While it didn’t topple FIFA, it provided a compelling alternative, offering improved gameplay, an immersive atmosphere, and enhanced tactical depth. The new Fox Engine, though showing some minor imperfections, laid the groundwork for future improvements, promising a bright future for the series. The game’s strengths lie in its emphasis on realistic simulations, teamwork, and strategic play, making it a truly enjoyable experience for fans seeking a more thoughtful and nuanced football game. However, the lack of licensing for some major teams remains a drawback for some players.