eFootball PES 2021 Season Update: PS4 Review

Developed by Konami / PES Productions

Released by Konami

Platform: PS4

The Pro-Evo football soccer simulator was one of the first sports simulators this reviewer ever experienced on the PlayStation console.

So to say there is an affection, is somewhat of an understatement.

The 2021 Season update pulls together the content of the 2019 release that scored game merits and plaudit from all over the place - and makes the title accessible enough to newcomers, but also worth investing in for those who already have the 2019 version of the game.

The thing with the Pro-Evo series is that it always has been about the gameplay.

Whereas the FIFA franchise was one which became more obsessed with story-led antics off the pitch and for gameplay to become secondary, the ProEvo series has never abandoned the basics. It may lack the sparkle of its rival, but it's still in the same league, even if more words are spent on the Fifa series.

Additions of big name players give the game the sheen it needs, and the pitch polish it deserves.

The game's AI feels human and the result means matches are a little more evenly led - they make for good playing and prove that when Pro Evo is solid, it remains a force to be reckoned with.

Depressingly Pro Evo Soccer simulators will always be drowned out by FIFA's more showy antics - but for the casual sports sim player, this solid update is more than worthy of a place in the gaming premiership.