Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 56
  2. Negative: 0 out of 56
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  1. Sep 6, 2018
    90
    The lack of licences for top-tier leagues remains a disheartening sticking point, but PES continues to make brilliant strides on the pitch, building on what was already an incredibly satisfying game of football to produce one of the greatest playing football games of all time. It might be lacking off the pitch, but put it on the field against the competition and a famous giant killing wouldn't be all that surprising.
  2. Aug 31, 2018
    88
    PES 2019 is incredible when it comes to gameplay, being one of the best entries in the franchise ever, but it needs to evolve when it comes to offline modes and licenses.
  3. Aug 30, 2018
    88
    The season has already started for PES 2019 and it could not have set off in a better way. We are delighted to guarantee that we are in front of the best entry up until now regarding gameplay, as it leaves the impression of being the most realistic football simulator.
  4. Sep 5, 2018
    87
    Game modes still need something new, but with a great gameplay PES 2019 brings the Pro Evolution Soccer series back to glory.
  5. Sep 3, 2018
    87
    PES 2019 may be one of the best soccer simulators of all time. The matches are authentic and can be enjoyed with a realism that few titles have been able to transmit. The problem is that it is a Konami conformism when it comes to fighting for licenses, and it is a pity; otherwise it would be almost perfect.
  6. Sep 3, 2018
    87
    Gameplay novelties are appreciated, but they are not so important as to consider that they are more than a patch of PES 2018. Regarding game modes, it seems that we are facing a new déjà vu.
  7. Sep 3, 2018
    87
    On the pitch PES 2019 it really is the beautiful game. But it needs some serious improvements in the game modes and online options.
  8. Mar 11, 2019
    85
    Great new animations, magical moments, improved pass/receiving mechanics, and a lot more, makes for another great year of PES. It could have had more league licenses though.
  9. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2019
    85
    Almost perfect gameplay makes PES 2019 the best football simulation ever, but due to stagnation in terms of available modes and the usual scarcity of licences it’s “merely” a good game. [11/2018, p.82]
  10. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2019
    85
    Almost perfect gameplay makes PES 2019 the best football simulation ever, but due to stagnation in terms of available modes and the usual scarcity of licences it’s “merely” a good game. [11/2018, p.82]
  11. Sep 19, 2018
    85
    Ultimately, Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 comes with many improvements upon its predecessor. The game is even more realistic than 2018 and contains way more clubs. However, Konami is behind on the competition at other aspects, mostly with the online mode.
  12. Sep 18, 2018
    85
    After some setbacks in this generation, PES 2019 represents the moment in which the series has resumed the path and is aligned correctly to compete directly. In PES 2019 no match is the same and each encounter will give you experiences full of emotion, difficulty and satisfaction. Despite the presence of some specific details, in general the new installment of the series is very well delivered regarding previous editions and it is definitely an option that you should consider, because the challenge and fun are guaranteed for the entire season. Yes, Pro Evolution Soccer has returned and that is great news for all of us who are fans of football games.
  13. Sep 7, 2018
    85
    The latest iteration of Pro Evo mostly has subtle improvements and enhancements overall. Pacing is better. Players react more realistically. General gameplay is slightly improved. The way crowds react in realistically recreated stadiums immensely adds to the atmosphere. Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is an excellent footie sim which doesn't stray from previous games and offers exactly what you'd expect. The commentary is still horrible unfortunately.
  14. Aug 31, 2018
    85
    To make up for the lack of a prestigious UEFA license, as well as the presence of some exclusive partnerships, the development team decided to focus entirely on the evolution of the gameplay's strong points: pad in hand, PES 2019 gives a feeling of great realism, which is expressed both in animations and in the management of the ball derived from the First Touch Impact system and the miracles performed by the combination of the Fox Engine and Enlighten.
  15. 85
    PES 2019 is by far and away the best football sim money can buy, boasting an enviable level of depth and authenticity FIFA simply can’t hope to match. While the sheer variety of game modes ensures players will be enjoying Konami’s latest for months to come. The biggest drawback is clearly the lack of official licences. Which, unfortunately, will make it exceedingly difficult for PES to win over any but FIFA’s most lukewarm fans.
  16. Aug 31, 2018
    85
    PES 2019 continues polishing its gameplay experience to be as good as it gets, but its game modes are lazy and have not evolved at all.
  17. Aug 29, 2018
    85
    The franchise is steps away from greatness, which makes some of its foibles frustrating.
  18. Aug 28, 2018
    85
    PES 2019 doesn’t enjoy all the fancy official FIFA licences. But it has much more to offer. Its gameplay is sleek, pleasant, and well-balanced, turning PES into a addictive video game for every football lover.
  19. Aug 31, 2018
    83
    An impressive game in terms of visuals. The game mechanics combined with almost perfect physics, results in one of the best sports simulators ever made. For the fans it will be a delight to play; however, it lacks many licenses which is something that prevents it from reaching its peak.
  20. Aug 28, 2018
    82
    If you do opt in this year, it should be for the focus on player individuality that sets this iteration apart from all previous years.
  21. games(TM)
    Oct 4, 2018
    80
    Stunning on the field, awful everywhere else. [Issue#205, p.76]
  22. Sep 27, 2018
    80
    Improved lighting makes PES look even more stunning than last year. Dribbling and shooting motions are more varied and feel more authentic, resulting in a more exhilarating soccer match.
  23. Sep 25, 2018
    80
    PES 2019 feels as though it continues to tread water for the series. The gameplay experience is brilliant and that alone makes it worthwhile for any soccer fan, but the lackluster feature set and missing licenses complicate its approachability.
  24. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Sep 22, 2018
    80
    PES still plays fantastically but much of this year’s changes are slight and offline the game still struggles to find an identity. Online it’s great, as always, but the myClub changes could have gone further. [Issue#154, p.86]
  25. Sep 14, 2018
    80
    A true testament to the wild beauty of football, PES 2019 continues to emphasize on the unique, best in class gameplay that truly sets it apart. But even the eye-catching football can’t distract us anymore from the fact that its weak points are even weaker this year. With stale modes, missing licenses, ancient UI and menus, PES is in dire need of a dynamic upgrade.
  26. Sep 12, 2018
    80
    PES 2019 does make a progress in terms of gameplay details, and it successfully makes the game full of surprises. However, I still feel those improvements are too conservative or lacking in brand new ideas especially compared with recent year's FIFA series.
  27. Sep 11, 2018
    80
    PES 2019 is a good football game. It isn’t a major improvement over last year’s title, but despite the lack of the Champions League it isn’t worse either.
  28. Sep 11, 2018
    80
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is a good title, which would have deserved a much higher rating with more courage on the options and game-modes.
  29. Sep 7, 2018
    80
    PES 2019 is great at really understanding soccer and making it feel like a real game. The controls are tight, the unpredictability is amazing and it feels like a very solid experience. The only thing that is bothering us are the other players and referees.
  30. Sep 7, 2018
    80
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is the most real football simulator currently available on the market, and it offers a great football experience to both hardcore and arcade players. Nevertheless, the same old problems and issues such as teams and players licenses kick back in and prevent PES2019 from becoming the most complete football simulator too.
  31. Sep 5, 2018
    80
    Pro Evolution Soccer remains the best, most accurate representation of football you can play without suddenly realising you can play out from the back like Harry Maguire.
  32. 80
    The annual turnaround can't allow for a radical overhaul but the new licenses help give you a variety of new sides to play with. There's some welcome tweaks with MyClub and Master League for those in for the long haul. The on-pitch action remains competitive and tactical but the old baggage remains. Presentation remains a little stagnant and the editing suite will immediately be put to use to correct out of date squads. Still, it plays a compelling, compulsive game.
  33. Sep 4, 2018
    80
    A fantastic game. The on-field experience is one of the most authentic, impressive portrayals of football you are ever likely to see. It’s what happens when a team is finally completely comfortable with the engine and system. Every match feels like it offers something different and that adds to the whole experience. The on-field additions certainly make up for the lacklustre menus, the loss of licenses and the lack of innovation, but only just.
  34. Sep 4, 2018
    80
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is the most polished football game on the market. Full stop.
  35. Sep 3, 2018
    80
    I love the way PES 2019 plays. The gameplay is the biggest selling point, but not the only thing that matters–especially in the face of formidable competition. Konami can't escape the negative effect of losing the licensing battle, its shallow modes, and bland presentation...Those things keep a good game from being great.
  36. 80
    The perfect football sim for playing your mates or tackling online but major AI flaw renders the offline experience boring and uninspiring.
  37. Aug 28, 2018
    80
    With very well-crafted gameplay, PES 2019 is able to deliver some intense, gratifying, gorgeous looking soccer games. The fact is that it is as fantastic on the pitch (except for a referee who can forget to let the game play instead of whistling), that it's lame on the content side. Nothing really new in terms of content or UI, which is not harmful for soccer game evenings with friends but can start to annoy those who expect more from Konami.
  38. Aug 28, 2018
    80
    Light on features it may be, but PES 2019 shows the proof in the pudding is, and always will be, out on the (virtual) pitch.
  39. Sep 4, 2018
    78
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 seems to favour fixing most of what was there instead of changing the make-up of the game. While these smaller additions are all well and good, there is a feeling in the football sim community that both Pro Evo and FIFA are due for a generational leap in years to come. However, that starts with getting what’s already there right – and in that regard, PES 2019 passes with flying colors.
  40. Sep 19, 2018
    76
    It tends to be more realistic than its competitor FIFA.
  41. Nov 12, 2018
    75
    Even if the developers made great strides from 2018, they still don’t have enough time to fix all of the existing problems. And that’s too bad because, above all else, Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is really fun to play. If you can ignore some of the minor issues I laid out, I’m sure that any football fan will be more than happy to give it a go.
  42. Sep 12, 2018
    75
    This year's game feels like a transition year. Small changes make it better overall, but other issues drag it down with a bang.
  43. Sep 5, 2018
    75
    The gameplay seems real football, but online modes and contents in general are too stuck with the past.
  44. Sep 14, 2018
    74
    Konami sets the wrong focus, namely myClub etc.While the core gameplay is really good the Master League and career are stale and old-fashioned.
  45. Aug 31, 2018
    74
    PES 2019 makes minor tweaks to the formula, mostly for the better, and still strives to offer its own take on soccer simulation. However, that alone is not enough to overcome the obvious weak spots that seem to grow more noticeable year after year.
  46. Sep 24, 2018
    70
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2019, despite the issues mentioned previously, is by no means a bad game. In fact, this is a very good game. It is probably the single best representation of the sport of football that someone has created in the videogame medium. All of this is wonderful and just what a football title should be. The issue is that whilst people can appreciate this for a few years, standing still is not acceptable when charging full price for a new version every year. There are some glaring flaws that need real focus and attention in order to elevate PES back to the glory days as the king of football.
  47. Sep 10, 2018
    70
    Konami will be able to appease the PES fanbase with PES 2019. The improvements to the visuals brings the game to life at times. With over 400 teams and 10,000 players, the hardcore football fan has a lot to marvel over. While losing the Premier League license hurts, Konami hopes adding some other major regional leagues will help. Lacking the licenses makes the game less appealing, but the player selection makes myClub a good mode to go with, even if it’s currency-based. PES 2019 still plays a very good game of football, but needs a bit of modernization.
  48. Sep 10, 2018
    70
    PES 2019 is more about individuality and fluent gameplay than ever before. Especially when you play online it is noticeable, but it is a let-down when you play offline. And offline is what PES players love best.
  49. Sep 9, 2018
    70
    As an online and local multiplayer game, PES 19 is definitely worth playing thanks to the excellent gameplay. However, the AI problems are so bad that you probably shouldn’t even consider purchasing the game until these issues have been addressed. Football fans will need to wait for a patch or just wait a few weeks until FIFA 19 comes out.
  50. Sep 4, 2018
    70
    A mix between a great football experience and a collection of cheap game modes, PES 2019 doesn't succeed the keep the same pace of its rival.
  51. 70
    If you take a step back and look at the big picture, it’s hard to shake the feeling that Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 may actually be taking a step backwards this season. However, upon closer examination, a vast majority of the criticism consists of minor problems in an otherwise stellar football simulation.
  52. Aug 30, 2018
    70
    Rather than overhauling the experience, PES 2019: Pro Evolution Soccer continues to refine its gameplay loop with intricate features that fans will come to appreciate in the long term. With no major additions in terms of modes or licences, however, this 2019 edition feels a little light in terms of real talking points. What Pro Evolution Soccer is known for returns, but it’s not stocking many new bells or whistles.
  53. Aug 29, 2018
    70
    I can forgive its jankiness. The football, especially going forward, is just so good. Despite this, my admiration of the series will always be stained with a bit of disappointment, wondering what it could be with just a little more evolution.
  54. 70
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is a great entry in the franchise, even if it's held back by a few organization and licensing issues.
  55. Sep 6, 2018
    60
    PES is what it is: a hardcore alternative to FIFA designed to appeal to true soccer simulation nuts. Secure in this identity, PES 2019 has achieved a level of quality that eluded the series back in the bad old days of the late 2000s. But alas, the next step remains elusive.
  56. Sep 3, 2018
    60
    The most important aspects - how it looks and the feel of play - are top-drawer, but this only makes the surrounding drabness even more disappointing, and ensures that PES will remain the preferred choice of contrarians only.
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  1. Aug 28, 2018
    The football is as sublime as ever, but PES's lack of progress elsewhere pulls it back.
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 334 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Aug 28, 2018
    4
    Gameplay is hugely overrated. PES 2019 captures the feel and look of the game, and there's lots to love to be sure. But there's massive flawsGameplay is hugely overrated. PES 2019 captures the feel and look of the game, and there's lots to love to be sure. But there's massive flaws - and that's just with gameplay. Don't get me started on all the non gameplay stuff.

    But the AI is really poor at times, with players often not making the correct contextual choice, as if they're being dictated by their tactics. CPU teams plays mostly the same, and even horrible teams can tiki taka it around the box. I've now played 40+ matches of the full release and I'd say 75% of the CPU goals are low crosses from the wing or byline.

    Headers are essentially non existent. Keepers don't come off their line for 1-on-1s, equally easy goals. Refs are inconsistent, though for the most part pretty good with the exception of giving up soft penalties.

    Defending is terrible. On one hand the AI mark so loosely, it's tough to even get close to the CPU and they finish with super high passing stats every game. Tackling is terrible and will result in fouls 2/3 times.

    In addition, the responsiveness of the game is severely lacking, and sometimes it can feel like you're playing a turn based game as you wait for the AI to do it's thing.

    I'm a former PES hardcore fan but this just isn't good enough. And that's not even getting into the shambles off the pitch. Oh, and not to mention the game didn't even release with updated squads.
    Full Review »
  2. Aug 28, 2018
    10
    PES2019 is a coming back king of soccer game ! I have played over 25 years PES and also FIFA. PES2019 really let me surprise how good it is!
  3. Aug 30, 2018
    10
    Very Fluid and responsive, game play is top notch and enjoying and still gives you the same PES feeling. Graphics are much approved and gameVery Fluid and responsive, game play is top notch and enjoying and still gives you the same PES feeling. Graphics are much approved and game deserves a lot of credit. If you are looking to enjoy game play, this is the game to pick. If you want to enjoy looking at real teams kits, then FIFA is your type of game.

    Dont take the reviews by gaming website as your reference, most of them lower the score because of the missing kits in game (which you can upload by the way to PES). Try the game and judge yourself.
    Full Review »