eFootball PES 2021

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 246 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 100 out of 246
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 246
  3. Negative: 103 out of 246
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  1. DeSelle77
    Oct 3, 2020
    4
    Having played every single entry in this series since the PS1 days, I can say this is one of the worst entries to date and most certainly the worst release of the past 5 years.

    First of all, it's a season update so if you own PES 2020, stick to it. The changes in gameplay have made the game worse than the previous vesion that was already a bit of a scripted mess after the last patches.    Having played every single entry in this series since the PS1 days, I can say this is one of the worst entries to date and most certainly the worst release of the past 5 years.

    First of all, it's a season update so if you own PES 2020, stick to it. The changes in gameplay have made the game worse than the previous vesion that was already a bit of a scripted mess after the last patches.

    The "update" itself is a joke. Most teams and leagues have not been updated at all. Certainly if you play a smaller league team, the roster will be unchanged from the starting roster of PES2020. I understood this will be patched at some point but what is the use of launching an update if the update has not been done? There are no cosmetic changes worth mentioning compared to the 2020 version.

    Most game modes are unchanged and remain as unsupported as they have been for years.
    My club is more or less the only mode that receives attention.

    The my club gameplay however is held back by the total lack of defensive AI and heavy scripted gameplay. A lot of players just spam lofted through balls from deep - hope you get Beckham from the Legends - and often these simple over the top balls will create a one on one with the keeper as your defender sometimes turns into a dummy doll that trips or just decides he will run in the opposite direction the attacker is running. I've played over 100 online games since launch and I think 90 of them started a kickoff passing back to long pass specialist that then kicked the ball with a long through ball hoping AI would grant him a goal.

    Switching players also often results in the newly controlled player to react like somebody who just woke up and doesn't realise he was in a football match doing things like stopping mid-run, take a step in the wrong direction creating space for your opponent,...

    And what I find very disappointing, as this has been great in the past, is the individual feel of players. Some players with high acceleration scores feel sluggish. Strong players sometimes feel weak.

    Just to be clear. I'm a fan of the series and FIFA has dropped the ball so bad over the last few years so this is most likely still the best option if you want to play a game of football. But if that's what you're after, stick to PES2020 or pick up the free version that will no doubt release around the start of the year. Maybe future patches will improve the game but at this point, this feels like a half-finished game and KONAMI grabbing some money from what is left of their fanbase.    … Expand
  2. Johnbfc27
    Sep 27, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Imagine charging people for a late update? You have to wait a month from launch to have the updated squads. The offline gameplay is what Pes 20 should have been so you're getting robbed there too. The online game is an absolute shambles, it's very slow and irresponsive.… Expand
  3. TakezoBcn
    Jan 22, 2021
    4
    A lot of problems again playing this garbage. Seriously, this is best football game simulator???. Wtf.
  4. Tonuzgod
    Jul 18, 2021
    4
    Scripted as Always, good features but players are like robots. Soo much to improbe, but still Better than fifa
  5. Maestrojo
    Oct 22, 2020
    4
    Not good enough, still clunky ball control, not enough variety in shooting and passing, foul system/referee is a joke, scripted CPU goals... still no improvement on player career mode (become a legend).
    Still a lot of frustration, hope someday they will fix these issues
  6. clanky9
    Nov 14, 2020
    4
    the gameplay is really slow and boring only good thing in this game is become a legend and also they ruined master league at least its still better than fifa
  7. laulau
    Mar 23, 2021
    3
    Konami had an opportunity to take the lead in football game genre. Sadly they were more interested in manipulating and frustrating players for a quick buck (myclub). The engine is pretty good and when the game just let's you play (without the insane scripting/handicapping/momentum/whatever) it can be a lot of fun. I just can't bring myself to play it anymore. It literally feels whenKonami had an opportunity to take the lead in football game genre. Sadly they were more interested in manipulating and frustrating players for a quick buck (myclub). The engine is pretty good and when the game just let's you play (without the insane scripting/handicapping/momentum/whatever) it can be a lot of fun. I just can't bring myself to play it anymore. It literally feels when playing pes2021 like there is a little troll in the playstation that's trying to get you as frustrated and miserable as possible, just to get you to spend some cash to strengthen your team. Which are useless since the pes troll decides whether your players will do anything right on the pitch.
    We need an indy football game    … Expand
  8. carnesaasa
    Dec 4, 2020
    3
    Really really bad. I've been a fan of the series from PS1 era and it has just gotten worse. 2020 just made the cut for me, but 2021 is a joke. Starting a new team is a pain, you get confronted in the beginning with teams much more developed than yours, making it impossible to win any matches losing all your exp immediately. There are no sacrifices trying to get better players, they justReally really bad. I've been a fan of the series from PS1 era and it has just gotten worse. 2020 just made the cut for me, but 2021 is a joke. Starting a new team is a pain, you get confronted in the beginning with teams much more developed than yours, making it impossible to win any matches losing all your exp immediately. There are no sacrifices trying to get better players, they just give them away, so by a month layer everyone has Ronaldo, Messi and a lot of legends in their teams. Also now the game seems to have a random screw ups engine like FIFA, where you can be playing the best game of your life and suddenly your players do stupid things. A shame, nothing new and the rush and emotion of the old consoles era has been lost.… Expand
  9. fulemule
    Oct 5, 2020
    3
    This year’s edition is even worse than last year. It would be better to skip one or even two years and make one step further, than come out with something so bad. If you want to make really good game, you should first understand It and second, love it. I used this game as an example how human civilization is inferior to the nature and where we actually are in the development process. IThis year’s edition is even worse than last year. It would be better to skip one or even two years and make one step further, than come out with something so bad. If you want to make really good game, you should first understand It and second, love it. I used this game as an example how human civilization is inferior to the nature and where we actually are in the development process. I play only online games, never FIFA and I am an active football player. Ping pong and breaking legs of the opposite players is winning formula what really makes you cry....

    Crucial problems of the game (also decisive):

    - Speed of the players is completely unrealistic. It throws all the gameplay out of the balance. It destroys the creativity and force most of the gamers into playing ping pong. Simply because they do not have any time to think before the opposition player destroys their legs.
    - Again this year ping pong. Ping pong. Ping pong. If you do not play ping pong, you lose. So simple. And why not? You just have to keep the pass button all the time down and you can expect flawless and precise passes until the opposite goal. Even two players between, can not disrupt them. So FRUSTRATING. Gameplay killer.
    - All kind of player’s contacts in general. When I first saw It, I could not believe my eyes. 90 % of all the contacts including “tackling” are actually fouls. Sometimes is so bad that just blood is missing. It looks more like street fighter. Common guys, we deserve better. There is also one special subcategory called the “retackling”. Defensive player successfully tackles the offensive player, but the offensive player immediately tackles back and scores. It is very often game situation and decision maker which NEVER happens in reality.

    Less decisive flaws:

    - The scoring rate from the distance is higher than from “alone against the keeper” situations.
    - No need to call the foul when our own team is in the possession.
    - When attacking my attacking co-fellow suddenly stops.

    Suggestion: introduce error rate. Every player, even the best can make errors (passing, shooting...).    … Expand
  10. DoneBone
    Nov 29, 2021
    3
    Manipulated game. Konami let bad players win, cause they want thier coins. It not only about skills and luck. When coins come in the game, game affects manipulation. Coop is good, but single game, my club is verry corrupted.
  11. JonHulton
    Sep 20, 2020
    3
    I cant believe theyve managed to make the gameplay worse than before. Yes it may be an improvement on the abomination of the latter data packs but its still not as good as previous iterations of the Pes series.

    Massive disappointment to return to the smaller clubs turninginto barcelona in the 85th minute to get their 1st shot on hoal and usually to win tbe game. Pad smashingly frustrating    I cant believe theyve managed to make the gameplay worse than before. Yes it may be an improvement on the abomination of the latter data packs but its still not as good as previous iterations of the Pes series.

    Massive disappointment to return to the smaller clubs turninginto barcelona in the 85th minute to get their 1st shot on hoal and usually to win tbe game. Pad smashingly frustrating response times are still prevalent. Seriously hire some proper programmers. Avoid.    … Expand
  12. Pieromou
    Sep 29, 2020
    3
    I am a huge fan of PES and I just feel like this year's game just doesn't have any longevity to it. I've had it since release and I'm so over it already. Not worth buying if you have PES 20, I'm the most disappointed with the sad attempt of a game that Konami released this year.
  13. Naiiv
    Nov 9, 2020
    3
    The gameplay experience is ruined by the scripted matches. Anyone playing for the long run will experience frustration on not being able to control their own teams, as the game forces momentum shifts and the AI screws everything. Shame, would be an awsome game otherwise..
  14. Noffica
    Jun 3, 2021
    2
    - Inexplicably misplaced passes
    - Passes often are hit straight at the opponent’s legs
    - Half the normal double-tap tackles are fouls even when the ball is won but instances when a player is shoved to ground are legal - When a user switches to a defender chasing an opposition player, the user’s defender will pause for a split-second, break his momentum and thus allow the opposition    - Inexplicably misplaced passes
    - Passes often are hit straight at the opponent’s legs
    - Half the normal double-tap tackles are fouls even when the ball is won but instances when a player is shoved to ground are legal
    - When a user switches to a defender chasing an opposition player, the user’s defender will pause for a split-second, break his momentum and thus allow the opposition attacker to run ahead
    - Supporting (AI-controlled) players will stand around gazing instead of moving in the direction of the ball
    - Players that lose the ball will stand and watch instead of moving in the direction of the ball to try to recover it - Players with high stats like Ronaldo will slip when taking a straightforward shot
    - Players with high stats will fail to shoot on target even without pressure    … Expand
  15. I3ordo
    May 23, 2021
    2
    Pvp in this game,so awful! it cant NOT be coincidence... Frustrating on purpose.

    This game is like a Curse! It is crafted for the morons and you become just a laughing stock for trying some actual football. I would list twenty things to be solved for a better PES and but i have zero belief that the devs actually tried and failed. It is evident that is intentional and for the average    Pvp in this game,so awful! it cant NOT be coincidence... Frustrating on purpose.

    This game is like a Curse! It is crafted for the morons and you become just a laughing stock for trying some actual football.

    I would list twenty things to be solved for a better PES and but i have zero belief that the devs actually tried and failed. It is evident that is intentional and for the average audience.Game does not care if you are doing the correct things or not, it will find every possible was to make things not count while trying to make everything work for the other side.

    Their only intention can be to keep the user base at the game but it goes out of his was to insane lenghts to try to make sure you fail.

    ı have witnessed players refusing to intercept, refusing to obey to supercancel driven runs, well prepared key shots.

    It like a playing a guitar but the tunes and chords never come out as intended unless you paid for big dlc and constanty.

    I curse all of those responsible for this manipulative crowd pleasing shovelware.

    God damn the people and their families that are responsible for making such a "accessible" game that rewards ignorance in expense of skill and perception.    … Expand
  16. Alvokun
    Dec 19, 2021
    2
    Honestly, one of the worst football games I have ever played. It is no surprise that the franchise is going to be free from now onwards: there is no comparison with FIFA. I guess eFootball is an option for casual gamers who do not want to pay too much for a football game, but, in my opinion, it is no longer a decent football game; gameplay is simply awful, in many senses: the movements ofHonestly, one of the worst football games I have ever played. It is no surprise that the franchise is going to be free from now onwards: there is no comparison with FIFA. I guess eFootball is an option for casual gamers who do not want to pay too much for a football game, but, in my opinion, it is no longer a decent football game; gameplay is simply awful, in many senses: the movements of the players, refereeing... It is just too random and not even strictly skill-based.… Expand
  17. JONIS1234
    Sep 18, 2020
    2
    No No y No, pagar por un parche? solo un fan descerebrado lo haría, no llego a ese nivel por suerte mía.
  18. FootieGamer
    Oct 8, 2020
    2
    Unresponsive and clunky. Game of mistakes and superman saves. Comes down to luck and best Internet connection who wins
  19. Dimitris31
    Sep 20, 2020
    2
    My club is terrible. Script is there and is ugly. It will make you lose tet a tet with mesi(95 rating )and make a 70 enemy rated player score easily. Stay away from on line.if you like off line master league its enjoyable.
  20. johnshortland
    Oct 14, 2020
    2
    Made the switch from Fifa a week ago, I prefer the gameplay of PES but my god the online is frustrating, my team chem is 99 but plays like -99, my players can hardly play a pass ended not winning in twenty games so deleted the game, my club is garbage and is worse than FUT, back to Fifa i go, sigh
  21. DemonPancio
    Nov 17, 2020
    2
    PES 2020 was better. In 2021 season update gameplay in on-line games is worse than even before. Still playing offline is pretty nice, but most od players (including me) buy this game for myclub.
  22. JCBBFC27
    Dec 5, 2020
    2
    This is game is goodish but I can't give it a good score because this should of how Pes 20 should of been, ridiculous what gaming companies get away with these days....
  23. mac_1990
    Dec 24, 2020
    2
    What are the game developers doing all year? The gameplay just isn't good enough, how hard can it be to make a decent football game? Neither PES or Fifa have come far enough in the last 5-10 years in my opinion. Give us a decent detailed career mode.
  24. ChinoRayRayGun
    Jul 14, 2021
    2
    There’s too much scripting at the 45th, 60th, 75 and 90th minutes on both sides to be anything near realistic. I mainly score league record early or at any of those minutes I pointed out. OR the other team scores.

    This exist, even online, to appease children who won’t play if there’s a skill gap. But if there’s no skill gap, and everything is scripted, then this isn’t a game. It’s a    There’s too much scripting at the 45th, 60th, 75 and 90th minutes on both sides to be anything near realistic. I mainly score league record early or at any of those minutes I pointed out. OR the other team scores.

    This exist, even online, to appease children who won’t play if there’s a skill gap. But if there’s no skill gap, and everything is scripted, then this isn’t a game. It’s a graphic simulation with a pre-determined outcome each match day. But it’s been that way since 17.

    FIFA is Arcady and whatever but at least it’s playable and… fun. Yeah fun. That thing Konami left behind with their skill gap. It’s gonna be worse on Unreal since the Unreal engine has a notoriously horrendous workflow and updates from PES will be way fewer.

    Straight fail if it didn’t look pretty. And that’s what it is, a pretty red Cadillac with no engine.

    Unplayable.    … Expand
  25. Gangstawillie
    Dec 24, 2020
    1
    If Fifa 21 is bad, then PES 21 is downright abysmal. I had hopes of enjoying this game, especially its MyTeam mode however joy was non existent. The graphics are really good and the player animations are nice however the gameplay itself is absolutely broken. When you try to select a player closest to the ball it usually fails to do that and selects a different player that you need at thatIf Fifa 21 is bad, then PES 21 is downright abysmal. I had hopes of enjoying this game, especially its MyTeam mode however joy was non existent. The graphics are really good and the player animations are nice however the gameplay itself is absolutely broken. When you try to select a player closest to the ball it usually fails to do that and selects a different player that you need at that time. If a ball being passed is going near your player its a 90 percent chance he will not intercept it. Often the player kicks the ball too far when dribbling and the opposing player easily intercepts it. What i am trying to say that the AI is absolutely garbage, which makes the gameplay really awkward with lots of crazy unlifelike situations where you just lose the ball for no reason or not intercept it which does not happen in real life. The players often bump into each other and fall down thus losing the ball which is a joke.As for the MyTeam - there is literally nothing to do there, a few challenges and thats it. And in addition to that when you start the mode it only takes around 10-15 games to have Messi, Ronaldo and all of the cool players because they are giving them for free. There is no incentive to play the mode when you have all the best players but dont have any challenges or tournaments to enjoy the mode. To me, this looks as if it is a PES 2008 back in PSP which i really enjoyed, but this is 2021, which means it only deteriorated in that time. I have to admit - i am really happy that they make this as a Lite versinio on December so i do not have to waste money on such a bad football game. And this is the only reason i am giving it a 1.… Expand
  26. SUPERFLO
    Apr 23, 2021
    1
    Bad programing algorithms, you can see, feel scripting... JUST AS BAD AS FIFA..........& Another main problem of the game is the stats of the players, the are way to big differences betwen power of a 2*,3*, 4* and a 5* star team players.. You never see this kind of differences betwen players in a real footbal game... I understand the better players have better abilites, but this isBad programing algorithms, you can see, feel scripting... JUST AS BAD AS FIFA..........& Another main problem of the game is the stats of the players, the are way to big differences betwen power of a 2*,3*, 4* and a 5* star team players.. You never see this kind of differences betwen players in a real footbal game... I understand the better players have better abilites, but this is crazy,they are not superhumans with insane speed, stamina, power, perfect shots. The ability to protect the ball is unnatural, it is just to much ... you never see this kind of differences betwen players... even when division 3, 4 teams plays against Barcelona , Liverpool, Real Madrid in (copa del rey etc.) broadcast matches... Creating this kind of differences between the stats of players there will be no more skill gap between users when play agains a better team, and why play against others if ther is no more real competition ?!
    Another problem is the matchmaking in online divisions, i want to play against teams similiar to my teams stats- Online Seasons Matchmaking needs to be fixed....this is crazy,i play with a 3* star team against a 5* team, there is no competition , my players barely can touch the ball because the speed of the better players is insane.....    … Expand
  27. Nikodrako
    Nov 3, 2020
    1
    It's not only the same game, it actually has exactly the same bugs, errors and handicap. Not worth it
  28. MiguelI0Messi
    Sep 18, 2020
    1
    Dou esta porque é uma atualização simplesmente. Um jogo que perde licenças e não ganha nenhuma liga nova. Não tem modos de jogo novos como o concorrente. O online não funciona, é travado, bonecos que não respondem aos comandos que se dá. E o assunto dos OPTION Files não resolve nada. Apenas são imagens em PNG. Não é possível adicionar estádios nem SCOREBOARD. Os comentaristas não falamDou esta porque é uma atualização simplesmente. Um jogo que perde licenças e não ganha nenhuma liga nova. Não tem modos de jogo novos como o concorrente. O online não funciona, é travado, bonecos que não respondem aos comandos que se dá. E o assunto dos OPTION Files não resolve nada. Apenas são imagens em PNG. Não é possível adicionar estádios nem SCOREBOARD. Os comentaristas não falam sequer os nomes das equipas licenciadas quanto mais as criadas...

    Acho que 30€ é um roubo! nota    … Expand
  29. ColdSummer20
    Jan 7, 2021
    1
    Very unresponsive. No ability to dribble. Players all the same height. Keeper animations i think are odd. Generic faces are still arse after all these years. Free kicks still way too easy. Boring after a week of play honestly
  30. Costa31
    Jan 29, 2021
    1
    Best gameplay ever, worst online experience ever. Lagging, cheats, connection issue, unfair rate given per game, but the most annoying it's definitely the slow response when playing you could be 1000 ranking, if the server it's full you can lose badly Vs anyone even 2-300 rating with no skills or ability. Shame
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34
#34 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. LaPS4
    Nov 3, 2020
    77
    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.
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  2. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 8, 2020
    70
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 1, 2020
    78
    eFootball PES 2021 is still the best football simulation, but its Season Update isn't yet what you were waiting for.
    Read full review
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