PES 2017 vs FIFA 17: Which Game Comes out on Top?

Gameplay:
Let’s start with the most important feature in any football game, and the winner is PES, hands down. FIFA has certainly made strides in the right direction with the new Frostbite engine, as well as adding new set-piece styles, but the gameplay is still lacking in many areas. The new throw-ins, set-pieces and penalties have garnered mixed opinions to say the least. Some feel it replicates more of what you would see in real life football, whereas others feel it is an annoyance, and a minor addition when flaws are still not being rectified.

Meanwhile, PES continues to enjoy this NextGen renaissance. The gameplay is very smooth, precise and the closest I’ve ever experienced to watching or playing the beautiful game. The pace of the game could not be any more perfect, with the advanced tactics being a huge step forward for football games.

PES: 10
FIFA: 7

Presentation:
This one is closer than you may initially think. While PES misses out on licences for the Barclays Premier League, La Liga and the omission of the Bundesliga - the game does boast the Champions League, Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. The build-up to a big European with the glorious Champions League music adds a great touch of realism, but PES falls short elsewhere.

On the other hand, FIFA has had great presentation for many years, due in part to having more licences. The whole match day experience in league games cannot be matched by PES. Also, the menus are more slick and user friendly than in PES.

PES: 7
FIFA: 8

Innovation:
What does either game have to offer players that we may have not necessarily seen before? Well, obviously FIFA has The Journey - a gamemode where you take control of Alex Hunter, a grassroots footballer looking to make his way into the world of football. In principle, the game mode is a fantastic idea, although there are some rough edges that should be ironed out if the series is to return next year.

PES’ innovation comes by way of their top notch advanced tactics. Playing a Gegenpress style against a team playing with attacking full backs creates a real blend of styles that contributes to an unparalleled game of football. There are a number of options available, all of which creating a game that was different to the last.

PES: 8
FIFA: 8

Online:
FIFA wins this category, hands down. As much as Konami are trying with myClub, the lack of licensing and dedicated servers becomes apparent when compared to EA Sports’ Ultimate Team. Also, FIFA has the hugely popular Pro Clubs mode to fall back on, and this year a few small tweaks have made a difference to the overall game mode. In this year’s edition, players rank up in a better and faster way, while you can now create your own kit and club crest to make your club more unique.

PES’ myClub has certainly improved on last year, and for PlayStation 4 owners, a dedicated PES League option will be available from the menu screen. The sense of online competition is far greater than in FIFA, it's just a shame the servers don't always hold up.

PES: 6
FIFA: 8

Graphics:
Both have stunning close-up shots, no question. But this is FIFA’s first year with the Frostbite engine, while PES already had the advantage having used their Fox engine for an extra year. In terms of player faces, I believe PES comes out on top in this category. Even in-game, where the graphics really count, Pro Evolution Soccer has overall better and more vibrant visuals than FIFA. This isn’t to say FIFA has bad graphics, far from it, as both are stellar examples of what NextGen consoles can do - but for me,EA are behind Konami in this regard.

PES: 9
FIFA: 7

Master League or Career Mode:
A really tough call this one. If you can look beyond the lack of licenses, or choose to do the option file, then Master League is utterly brilliant.
The career mode in FIFA, although stagnant for a number of years, is a gamemode based around keeping close to the familiarity that made it a success in the first place. Both have made changes, but there are more changes noticeable changes in PES - as you don’t get much help with regards on how to impress the board in FIFA (some people saying you can be sacked for missing out on just one managerial target). Also, keeping UEFA’s official competitions was a major coup for Konami.

The new features in PES 2017 include:
A separate transfer and wage budget.
Selecting a ‘favourite player’ each season who can become a club legend.
A new training regime where stats can be worked on between gameweeks.
Advanced AI that alter their style of play to counter yours.

Some of FIFA’s new ideas include:
New criteria to be judged on, which are set out by the board. (Shirt sales, league finishes, and revenue)
Refined finances, where you get a greater breakdown on the financial side of the game - which certainly adds a touch of Football Manager to the product.
The Japanese league has been added to FIFA 17.
Manager faces and clothing - a nice idea in principle, but far too limited to get carried away with.

PES: 9
FIFA: 7

Soundtrack:
FIFA can boast over 40 tracks on their soundtrack, whereas PES has just 12 songs. Even though quality trumps quantity, (and there are some good tunes on offer) there are some songs on PES that feel a little downbeat for a football game. I do feel PES 2016 had a better soundtrack. Familiar faces of Bastille, Empire of the Sun and Two Door Cinema Club feature in FIFA 17’s soundtrack - and overall, the FIFA soundtrack comes out on top.

PES: 6
FIFA: 8

Commentary:
Peter Drury can be a little *ahem* dreary, with Jim Beglin’s analysis leaving a lot to be desired for a sports game in the current era. Although the PES commentary team were recorded in the same booth this, their phrases can become very repetitive, with little additions being added. Once again, Martin Tyler and Alan Smith add a real sense of occasion with their commentary, with many games feeling like a live broadcast. The little cut-offs to hear about scores from other games is still a nice feature in FIFA, and the commentary team are more likely to engage in the overall narrative of the game that is in play.

But I do really like the commentary when you score a goal on PES, because for right or wrong, the commentary team become quite excitable which adds a sense of importance to these moments.

PES: 7
FIFA: 9

Licences:
No doubt about it, PES’ lack of licences is still a major gripe with some gamers. With the PlayStation 4 option file, many of these irritations can be ironed out within a matter of minutes. PES lost licences for La Liga, as well as Bayern Munich being omitted from the game entirely.
The licences in FIFA are head and shoulders above PES - featuring many more stadiums, teams, kits, footballs, boots and most crucially, teams and leagues.

However, Konami managed to keep hold of their European licences for Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool - with all three stadiums being replicated (Signal Iduna Park and the newly renovated Anfield in a later update). It is a great touch to feature three of world football’s most recognisable and successful teams.

PES: 7
FIFA: 9

CPU:
As previously mentioned, the advanced AI that adapts to your style of play is a wonderful feature for PES. Every game against the CPU feels unique, due in large part to the individuality of players being captured magnificently. The CPU can sometimes feel like a human player, thanks to the fluidity and tactical nouse they can display.
With FIFA, I feel the CPU is still lacking in quality and depth, especially on Pro Clubs. Even on the highest difficulty, FIFA’s level of difficulty and enjoyment is below the standard compared to its rival. The CPU can feel clumsy and predictable, with a lack of tactical features holding the game back. The AI in PES is the most intuitive I've played against.

PES: 9
FIFA: 6

So, there you have it. In my opinion, PES comes out on top, narrowly. Even though the scores were close, many of PES’ points came from the gameplay and the overall in-game experience. FIFA’s points were more successful in areas of presentation and online.

For me, FIFA is a better game for online play and for those who prefer the realism of more stadiums and teams etc. I still believe PES 2017 is the best football game in terms of gameplay, and if they can iron out the issues with online connectivity and commentary, then 2018’s instalment could be very special. FIFA needs to carry on this upward curve, as the 2016 game was lacklustre - but strides has been made, no question. A refined ‘The Journey’ mode and more balanced gameplay would be very welcomed.

PES 78
FIFA 77