Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Polished soccer sim improves visuals, leaves gameplay alone.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER (PES) 2019 is a soccer game that leans more towards a simulation than a faster-paced arcade game. The focus this year was primarily on offering gamers more freedom on the pitch, slower play to allow for better ball dribbling, and more accurate, responsive player control. Personality and uniqueness are two areas highlighted as well, punctuated by something called Magic Moments. These are nearly 40 role-playing game (RPG)-like traits that are distributed across the roster of players to give them each some extra personality on the pitch. Fans will notice improved 4K graphics on supported TVs as well. Off the pitch, licenses and game modes have seen the biggest changes in four years, with new leagues added across the world, which gives more depth to popular modes like Myclub and Master League. Some legends have been added in, too, including a special David Beckham version of the game. Finally, player individuality was also a priority; the top players are recognizable via signature moves, skills and tricks that bring these stars to life.
Is It Any Good?
Whether you've played previous versions or are new to the franchise, you'll love the look and feel of this soccer game. Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is highly polished in the control and presentation department -- except for the menu screens. There's clearly been an effort to add some personality and individuality to many of the players (especially the famous footy stars you know and love). But it feels like this game features the most accurate depiction of these soccer players by their looks and animations to capture their style of play.
That said, not too much has changed in the league and mode selection -- which isn't necessarily a bad thing as last year's game was pretty solid. But some players may be disappointed that there isn't a whole lot new here. Sure, there are many good solo and multiplayer modes to choose from, including improvements to Myclub (an online mode that gives you the platform to build an original team from scratch) and the challenging Master League, but this year's game tends to focus more on player individuality, physicality, and emotion than on expanding how to play the game. Also, the commentary tracks aren't quite as good or accurate as rival soccer games. Still, Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is a solid game that gets most of it right. From excellent player individuality, amazing control (especially with accurate ball physics), and lifelike goalkeepers, this game is a worthy installment of its long running franchise.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 compares to real soccer games. Are kids and their friends able to replicate some of the feats they see in games?
Does the player on-screen live a life you'd want to emulate? Why, or why not?
Game Details
- Platforms : Xbox One , PlayStation 4
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Konami
- Release date : September 25, 2018
- Genre : Sports
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 19, 2019
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