Pro Evolution Soccer 2019

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is a great entry in the franchise, even if it's held back by a few organization and licensing issues.

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.