PES vs FIFA: A head to head match-up

The comparison between FIFA and PES is always a heated topic in the gaming world. Responsible for a lot of relationship problems around the world, both the games have been making soccer fans drool every time when a newer version is released. With EA releasing the FIFA 14 recently and Konami all set to answer them with PES 2014, there won’t be a better time to compare the two. Since the games differ upon various factors it would be naïve to do the comparison just on basis of one aspect. So if get into a debate saying that your favorite game is way better than its rival, then here are some points that are worth noting down.

Graphics

If there’s anything that is as important as the gameplay to a gamer, then it is the graphics of the game. And Konami blindly beats EA on this one. PES has been always known for its better graphics than FIFA and this year the better is going to get much better as Konami will introduce the new FOX engines. Most of the versions of FIFA look the same while PES has been modified with buttery animations and details to the players, crowds and stadiums. And one thing that the PES fans can say is that “If you want to see Cristiano Ronaldo as Cristiano Ronaldo rather than stale and bland clay like player, choose PES over FIFA,”

PES 1-0 FIFA

Graphics scores for PES.

Gameplay

Now how the appeal of gameplay of both games will depend solely on personal taste. The players who like to play simple passing or Tika-Taka as they call it, would love FIFA. The game offers quick passes and short tricks and peace with the controllers. PES on the other hand will not allow going that fast as the player will have to control the ball before he passes it. And that might give a more realistic edge for PES over FIFA. There is nothing to choose between the two when it comes to defending also as it is pretty much physical in both of them. But keeping in mind that PES gives more realistic approach and it provides battles in the middle of the park, it’s another goal for PES.

PES 2-0 FIFA

Gameplay piles up the misery on FIFA

Modes

And this is somewhere Konami fails to match EA, PES is nowhere near the sheer volume of game modes offered by FIFA. Let it be online, pro mode, career mode or training mode, FIFA simply outshines PES on this department. And one thing that stands out is the online mode of FIFA, the Ultimate team is so addictive that it has been needing extra air conditioning to cool down the servers. And of course FIFA provides a large online community to showcase your talents unlike PES. FIFA also introduced the Legends mode this time around. Imagine being able to control Lionel Messi and Pele in a single match and that’s why FIFA has struck one back.

PES 2-1 FIFA

Modes pulls one back for FIFA

Weather

Compared to other aspects in the list this might come up as a void argument but who doesn’t love playing football in the rain? I personally fall in love with the rain every time it comes and coupled with football, it’s like one of the most beautiful combinations in the world. And PES will be missing that beautiful combo in its new edition giving FIFA the equalizer. PES fans will definetly be missing the slippery pitches, dirty kits and red card in rain much to the relief of EA. For instance an English season wouldn’t be complete without some wet matches and that’s why the scores are level now.

PES 2-2 FIFA

Weather equalizes for FIFA

Commentary

After some months of playtime the commentary doesn’t matter for a gamer as he would’ve heard everything that the game had to offer by then but for the sake of perfection and the feel of the game, it is an important aspect. FIFA has been using the same commentary team for a few years and though they use some recycled lines in comparison to PES the commentary is heavenly. PES even added a new system that tries to create own lines by mixing the team names with already included commentary making it much worse and giving FIFA the lead for the first time.

PES 2-3 FIFA

Commentary gives the lead for FIFA

Presentation

EA introduced a new slick and stylish menu system for their new game which easily outclassed the previous versions. The quick tactics system was also made easier and fast but compared to PES it lacked the personalization. In PES, it is easier to use the menus and unleash the inner tactician in you with quick substitutions. Though FIFA managed to improve in this department they are still a long way behind PES which make PES come back into the game.

PES 3-3 FIFA

Presentation works the magic for PES

License

This is the killer blow and the decider. For an average gamer who likes the pure version of the game without any patches or edits, it is important that all the teams and players are well placed and real. FIFA gives this luxury and lets you access to the lower leagues of England to the World Cup final, all without any sort of editing.

FIFA has 30 licensed leagues, with 600 clubs and over 60 stadiums and if you want to dive deep and get a lower league team into the championship or learn about the players in Mexico, well FIFA is the right place to realize your wishes. Meanwhile in PES, Manchester City is named as Man Blue and Arsenal as North London.

Though they have some licensed leagues and the Champions League, PES severely lacks the depth of FIFA and miserably loses out in the closing moment.

PES 3-4 FIFA

License delivers the killer blow for FIFA

Final Score: PES 3- 4 FIFA

Either way, it’s not always a good idea to give a gamer some advice. But when the game is chosen, there are only two things that need to be kept in mind. The first is that the final score may change with respect to the gamer. Second and most important get a girl friend who is okay with the gaming to avoid risks of a breakup.