I stand here a frustrated figure, being the “Gaming Expert” of the CeltsAreHere staff which basically means I’m the only one under 30.
Pro Evolution Soccer had a real chance here to duel with their main counterparts after FIFA have had their worst year for gameplay in over 10 years, yet this game is found wanting.
Getting to play as the might Barcelona proved more complicated than I would have thought. The passing was a struggle and the defending and pressure system seems lacking. It wasn’t just wayward passes as such but you had Barcelona players passing to the feet of the opposition – even after a few games and getting used to the gameplay it would still frustratingly happen.
Growing up, there was nothing better than playing as the mighty Old firm Green, lead by the incomparable Neil Lemon – taking it past Frank De Mole in the last minute to beat your mate and take home bragging rights. Absolute bliss.
Fast forward to 2018 and everything I had ever wished for is there, Parkhead in all its glory to recreate the Saturday 3 PM kick off feel.
Our Celtic heroes are there with their exact likeness (We were told Broony’s nose would be fixed), as close to Keiran Tierney you could ever get. Compare this to Fifa, there is no contest, Fifa must’ve only scanned Leigh Griffiths because most of the Celtic players look like a thumb (I Joke).
Sadly this is the only comparison Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 will win in my eyes.
To me, they have spent most of the time trying to get into niche markets rather than focusing on what is important in the long run and that’s the gameplay.
It just doesn’t have the pickup and play appeal as even a lacklustre FIFA does.
Don’t get me wrong, with the technology they have at their disposal, visually it looks great but when it comes to replicating what can happen over 90 minutes on a pitch, it just doesn’t measure up.
It’s a shame, but with the money EA have at their disposal Pro Evolution will just be feeding off scraps and it shows. They have a long way to go before they’re seen as a major player again.
I may buy it when it comes down in price, just for the chance to hit at 40 yarder with Kieran Tierney and run to the Green Brigade end but other than the novelty of playing as your heroes, I don’t think this game will please the masses.
*We give this review with the caveat that we didn’t get to play or use the ‘updated’ features such as a new Master league system and club seasons and this is a review purely based on the gameplay.
