eFootball PES 2021

eFootball PES 2021 Season Update is a good way to extend the life of the game by changing bits of the gameplay at improving the online experience, but the content still feels limited.

At the cheaper price and all the updates, this is the definitive version of PES for the current-gen, and a great way to move into the next game.

All things considered, PES 2021 is a perfect point of entry for those who missed out on PES 2020 and a valuable update to the game for those who already own it, but it's not different enough to cover up its flaws in the same way its predecessor did, making it an arguable tier lower than FIFA as sports fans turn their eyes towards what next-gen simulations can offer.

Theoretically, the idea of ​​turning this edition of PES into a simple update is a good idea. Last year’s football season went totally crazy, the two tournament seasons almost overlapped and the pandemic stopped or slowed down videogame development for a long time. Focusing on next year’s game still seems a good choice, and it would be even better if Konami tried to dedicate the least amount of commitment to this update, which it didn’t. The absence of even a partial roster update update on day one is unacceptable, as is the ugliness of the Inter and Milan uniforms, even for a game that is still the best option for any football lover.

A new approach for the sports genre, with welcome results: this offers more than a roster update, and at a very appealing price.

eFootball PES 2021 does exactly what it says. Well, not exactly, as it took some time to refine a few gameplay elements of its predecessor to become even more enjoyable on the pitch - even online.

eFootball PES 2021 is still the best football simulation, but its Season Update isn't yet what you were waiting for.

Konami's production remains a fun football experience, but it is permissible for each user to make their own personal budget. For our part, the company's strategy seemed so virtuous, but imperfect and hasty, and this element necessarily influences our judgment.

eFootball PES 2021 Season Update is a title that impresses us in gameplay and at the same time disappoints us in innovation. We expected much more from the great Konami in this installment.

eFootball PES 2021 Season Update feels incomplete even as a simple update, however it retains the golden standard set by PES 2020 and makes some slight improvements.

Konami decided to release an updated version of last year (excellent) game. So we find the same game modes (added UEFA 2020 National Teams) and great controls, and we also find the same problems with teams, stadiums and players licenses.

PES 2021 retains the same qualities and defects as its predecessor while waiting for the new generation of consoles.

It is appreciated that Konami releases PES 2021 as an update rather than releasing the same game every year.

The word ''update'' perfectly describes not only this edition of the game but probably the last five titles in a row. Then again, PES remains to be a good, license lacking simulation. The price is fair but the wait is real, as we are already looking forward to the new installment that will shake things up a bit, after a long wait.

If you’ve already got PES 2020 and have found other means to update the squads and kits, there’s very little of note here. The changes are minimal and this edition is likely just for those who decided against picking up the previous entry. But if a cheaper version of PES has you interested this is a great starting point. Yes, there are plenty of issues with the modes, commentary and AI but most of that just fades into insignificance when you’re actually playing a game. Until the next-gen version arrives next year, this is the best representation of football you’ll find.

Nothing less or more than what was promised. Still the best football game around but its problems feel more glaring a year later.

eFootball PES 2021 Season Update offers a rather plain scenario. Returning fans will find nothing new here, except for rosters that still manage to be out of date, and thus present poor value for the purchase. But perhaps newcomers will use this opportunity to finally jump in at a reduced price and see what the franchise is all about.

With a name like eFootball PES 2021 Season Update, I was expecting last season's game with updated leagues and kits. Cosmetically, it's exactly that but the action on the pitch has seen some interesting changes. The matches are a touch more physical and new animations show that some work has gone into the engine. It plays differently from last year and is compelling to learn. Away from the pitch, things feel largely stationary and it's clear that's where the compromises lie. I enjoy it but it's clear this falls short of feeling like a fully-fledged sequel.

It's the same game from last year - for better or for worse. The fact that Konami is really upfront about it is great, but they do get only one shot next year to wow us with PES 2022. In the meantime, this is what we got - and it's good.

Aside from a handful of updates, PES 2021 is ultimately the same as last year's game. So if you already have it, it's not worth the upgrade. But this release asks an important question of us, as gamers and as consumers: are we prepared to tide ourselves over on off-years with packages like this while developers strive for bigger innovations between major releases? Even in normal life, and without new console hardware on the horizon? It certainly seems a more honest business practice to clearly delineate season updates from true new main releases. Ultimately, an evaluation of - deep breath - eFootball PES 2021 Season Update is a review of the IP's business model as much as the football itself. And for the promise of greater leaps forward to come, I’m cautiously in favour.

This is basically a small update while the series gets ready for the next generation. We can’t really recommend it you already have PES 2020, but if you don’t, it might be worth your money.

eFootball PES 2021 share the same core components as its predecessor, the 2020 version, and other than some minor improvements in gameplay, there is no point in upgrading to the new version. If you really care about new kits, faces and updated line-ups, this seasonal update might make sense, but if you don't care about all this then you wouldn't miss much if you stick with the 2020 version.

eFootball PES 2021 Season Update is last years game at a cut price with mostly up to date rosters. It's a beautiful game to play, marred by significant presentation issues and the lack of any killer game modes.

PES 2021: Season Update is a great football game if you’re new to the series, but veterans should just update their existing copies of PES 2020 with this season’s squads and kits.

Konami is effectively taking a year off because it knows it has the basis of something special here and it wants to ensure it makes an effective transition to the PlayStation 5; we can respect that. But with barely any changes and the abovementioned licensing shortcomings, we’d recommend you just pick up last year’s game for a couple o' quid instead.