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Why is PES Hard to Play? Unraveling the Challenges of eFootball (formerly PES)

PES, now rebranded as eFootball, has always been known for its more realistic and demanding gameplay compared to its rival, FIFA. But that realism comes at a price: a steeper learning curve. So, why is PES hard to play? The primary reason lies in its emphasis on strategic positioning, realistic physics, and precise controls. Unlike FIFA, which often prioritizes accessibility and flashy gameplay, PES demands patience, tactical awareness, and a deep understanding of football principles. The game replicates the intricacies of real-world football, forcing players to think strategically about positioning, passing angles, and player momentum. This focus on realism results in a more complex control scheme and a less forgiving gameplay experience, making it challenging for casual players or those accustomed to FIFA’s arcade-style approach. The game heavily penalizes mistakes, demanding careful planning and execution. Master League being gone adds to the difficulty of maintaining and playing a team with purpose.

Delving Deeper into the Difficulty

The core of PES’s difficulty stems from several key factors:

Realistic Physics Engine: PES’s physics engine aims to simulate the real-world behavior of the ball and players. This means momentum matters. Abrupt changes in direction are less responsive than FIFA. You need to consider a player’s weight, speed, and the angle of approach. This realism translates to a less forgiving gameplay experience where poor positioning and timing are heavily penalized.
Strategic Positioning and Tactical Depth: Unlike FIFA, PES rewards tactical planning and strategic player positioning. Success depends on anticipating opponent’s movements, creating passing lanes, and exploiting defensive weaknesses through intelligent player movement. This requires a deeper understanding of football tactics and formations.
Precise Controls and Passing System: PES boasts a more intricate control scheme that demands precision. Passing, for example, isn’t just about pressing a button. You need to consider the power, direction, and type of pass (through ball, lofted pass, ground pass). Mastering these nuances takes time and practice. Passing requires you to find a free play position and anticipate the speed of the ball arriving at a teammate.
Slower Pace and Build-Up Play: FIFA often encourages fast-paced, end-to-end action. PES, on the other hand, favors a slower, more deliberate build-up play. This requires patience and the ability to maintain possession while probing for openings. This approach can be frustrating for players who prefer a more direct and attacking style.
Defensive Complexity: Defending in PES requires more than just pressing the tackle button. You need to master positional defending, anticipate passes, and use tactical fouls effectively. The AI defending in PES is less forgiving, requiring players to actively control their defenders and make intelligent decisions.
The “Scripting” Debate: Many PES players have long debated the existence of “scripting,” which refers to perceived AI manipulation that alters the flow of the game to create dramatic moments or influence the outcome. While Konami denies manipulating game play on purpose, the perception persists that these elements can add an unpredictable and frustrating layer of difficulty.

Ultimately, PES’s difficulty is a result of its commitment to simulating real-world football. It demands patience, tactical awareness, and precise execution. While this may deter some players, it attracts those who appreciate a more challenging and rewarding football gaming experience. Understanding the nuances of its physics engine, control scheme, and tactical depth is key to overcoming the challenges and enjoying the unique gameplay that PES offers. Learning these aspects can be enhanced by research into educational games and their underlying principles, many of which are discussed on the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the challenges of PES and improve your gameplay:

1. Is PES more difficult than FIFA?

Yes, generally. PES is considered more difficult due to its realistic physics, strategic depth, and precise controls. FIFA is often more accessible and forgiving.

2. How can I improve my passing in PES?

Focus on finding open passing lanes, controlling the power and direction of your passes, and utilizing different pass types (through balls, lofted passes) effectively. Practice passing drills in training mode to refine your technique.

3. What formations work best in PES?

There is no “best” formation, as it depends on your play style and the strengths of your team. However, popular formations include 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 3-5-2. Experiment with different formations to find what suits you best.

4. How do I defend effectively in PES?

Master positional defending by anticipating passes, cutting off passing lanes, and using tactical fouls sparingly. Avoid reckless tackles and focus on maintaining your defensive shape.

5. What are the key differences between PES and FIFA?

PES emphasizes realism and tactical depth, while FIFA prioritizes accessibility and fast-paced gameplay. PES has a more complex physics engine and control scheme, while FIFA has better licensing and more game modes.

6. How important is player positioning in PES?

Player positioning is crucial in PES. Intelligent player movement and positioning are essential for creating passing lanes, exploiting defensive weaknesses, and maintaining a strong defensive shape.

7. What are some good attacking strategies in PES?

Focus on building up play patiently, utilizing quick passing combinations, and exploiting the flanks. Don’t be afraid to use through balls and lofted passes to unlock defenses.

8. Does PES have scripting?

Whether the code behind PES gameplay includes active scripting is a long debated topic. While some of what some call scripting can be the result of the game AI playing at a higher difficulty level, many players have said it’s noticeable and the AI changes certain aspects of gameplay such as pass accuracy, or opponent player speed.

9. How can I improve my dribbling skills in PES?

Practice dribbling in tight spaces, using skill moves sparingly but effectively, and maintaining close control of the ball. Don’t overuse sprint, as it can make you lose control of the ball.

10. Is PES more realistic than FIFA?

Many players consider PES to be more realistic in terms of physics, player movement, and tactical depth. However, FIFA often has more realistic player faces and stadiums due to its licensing agreements.

11. What is the Master League in PES?

The Master League is a single-player career mode where you take control of a team and guide them to glory over multiple seasons. You manage finances, scout players, and develop your squad to become the best in the world. Note that this popular mode is no longer included in the rebranded eFootball game.

12. How do I adjust the difficulty level in eFootball?

You can adjust the difficulty level in the game settings. Experiment with different difficulty levels to find the one that provides the right balance of challenge and enjoyment for you.

13. Why did PES change to eFootball?

Konami rebranded PES to eFootball to adopt a free-to-play model and focus on online multiplayer. This change also allowed them to overhaul the game engine and create a more unified experience across different platforms.

14. What are eFootball Points?

eFootball Points are a currency that can be earned by playing the game and participating in eSports events. They can be used to purchase items and players in the game.

15. Is eFootball worth playing?

Whether eFootball is worth playing depends on your preferences. It’s free-to-play, so you can try it out without any financial commitment. If you enjoy realistic football gameplay and are willing to overlook some of its limitations, you may find it enjoyable. However, if you prefer a more polished and feature-rich experience, you may be disappointed.

Hopefully, this guide has shed some light on the challenges of PES (eFootball) and provided you with valuable tips to improve your gameplay. Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering this rewarding and realistic football simulation.

Why is PES hard to play?