Pro Evolution Soccer 2010

PES may not be evolving at the same rate as its competition, but that makes it comfortable and familiar. [Holiday 2009, p.84]

We enjoyed PES 2010's slower pacing, but FIFA 10 is slightly better. Especially FIFA's extensive licenses are missing from PES 2010.

Pro Evo 2010's headline improvements outweigh those in FIFA 10, but EA's game was at a position of greater strength, and has arguably made a more significant leap, with lots of smaller refinements...We're cautiously proud to confirm PES is back on track. [Nov 2009, p.72]

Improved graphics, streamlined tactical options and a relatively robust take on the series' winning formula ensure that this is the best PES yet, though it's not quite enough to topple FIFA from its well-earned perch.

PES 2010 is certainly the best of its series that we have seen so far on the new generation, but it still misses something. Stunning graphics and realistic ball physics are opposed to some conservative choices still tied to its glorious past, including an incomplete 360° control system.

Only the missing licenses and the commentator will let you take notice in a negative way. Great graphics, great game!

It’s tough to say which is better, Pro Evolution or FIFA, given that the former has more depth while the latter comes off as the sexier experience.

It has more changes than last year's and it's on the right track, but still far from what we all desire.

After putting significant hours into both games we’re more than happy to give Konami a nod of encouragement and to say ‘hey, that is more like it. Now we are getting somewhere.’ But that doesn’t change the fact that FIFA 10 is a superior soccer experience in pretty much every component and in a two horse race if you’re not first, you’re last.

Last year Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 wasn’t really good. This year Pro Evolution Soccer is back as it’s meant to be. Nice gameplay in the great Master League and a lot of other playable options. One point that’s still missing, are all of the official licenses.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 provides a fun, straightforward experience that builds on last year's game and gets the franchise back on track.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 is immediate and playable. The problem is its attachment with its own past, leaving Konami's title many steps behind Fifa 10. The technical aspect is characterized by ups and downs, with great player realization against bad animations and ugly stadiums. Every fan will decide the winner of the challenge of football this season based on their experiences and their own tastes, but Konami with this new edition of its football title, finds himself sadly still behind its closest competitor, although an obvious first step in the right direction finally seems to have been taken.

Perfectly enjoyable - might be the best PES ever, in fact. But is that a bit of a hollow boast? [Dec 2009, p.73]

It's game on between the big two once again. [Dec 2009, p.114]

PES is far from perfect, but if the ball starts to roll and two players are competitive to each other, you start to believe in PES again. Konami is pushing this game in the right direction and let us hope that Konami stays on this path. PES stays PES, and FIFA stays FIFA. It’s a certain feeling that should be generated if you play one of the two games. If you’re willing to put some time in this game, you can play for hours with joy.

Though the mode on hand are all old hat, they've been greatly refined. The online experience in particular is vastly improved.

PES 2010 brings hope to Konami’s series with its new iteration. Nice gameplay and fantastic visuals for the actually first Next-Gen Pro Evolution Soccer game.

Even not beautiful as FIFA, PES 2010 is a good improvement in the series, a nice tribute to fans.

The latest edition of Pro Evolution Soccer tries to show something new but, in the end, there are no major improvements. The 'new engine' looks the same as the one of the past edition, while many animations that were to be fixed since ages are unfortunately still there. The only interesting options are the new 'sliding' tactics and the skill cards to apply to each player. In the end it's a good soccer game, but FIFA 10 is on an upper level.

Pro Evolution soccer is a good improvement since last year, and is more arcade based than previous years simulations. All you need to do is pick up the controller and enjoy the beautiful game.

PES 2010 is a fast paced and frantic football game and while it lacks the polish of FIFA it's still great fun to play.

If Konami can build upon 2010 and add a little innovation to the mix while fixing the online modes, then PES 2011 should be on to a winner. Better, but not the best.

Where PES trumps FIFA is in its tactical depth. This year it's bordering on ludicrous just how in-depth you can manipulate the way your team plays. [Dec 2009, p.80]

This was not the year of claim as the king of virtual football for Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, Konami will have to revise and create new moves, win more licenses and create more game modes to meet competition.

PES is slowly creeping back up and it might have a chance to fight back FIFA if it keeps up this way. The return of some serious simulation ensures this is one of the better editions of the past years.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 is heading back into the right direction, but there's not a lot of progress yet again. It still faces a few problems and its competition, Fifa, is running away. Fans will definitely enjoy this game, but the regular football lover will probably be better off with Fifa.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 is not the turning point everyone’s been waiting for over the past year. Yet again. The scarce number of novelties, and the low level of innovation and realism, opposite to a gameplay engine in desperate need for a rethinking, eventually have turned THE soccer simulation into something closer to an arcade game. Strangely enough, a game we may still like, though.

The gameplay is solid; it just isn’t able to keep pace with FIFA 10 in most regards.