FIFA 21 and PES 2021 are the two premier soccer simulators, which were recently released to the public on October 9 and September 15, respectively. For most fans of soccer simulators, the choice of a title has never been more challenging than in 2021. Even though FIFA, as a franchise, has a more extended fan base, the PES series is known for its attention to detail.
While FIFA traditionally had substantial marketing budgets, PES was believed to be a game for “true” soccer simulation fans. With dozens of debates on what game is better, it is always more accurate to review both pros and cons of those titles. If you have been wondering what installment is better in the 2020-2021 season, it’s the right time to get to know more about these games, as follows.
Gameplay
Like it or not, but the core of any sports simulator is gameplay and its innovativeness. In the contemporary gaming industry, most games are criticized because of the lack of innovation and change. EA Sports, the FIFA developer, seemed to hear its fans by adding dozens of features related to gameplay. One of the most iconic changes is associated with the so-called “Agile Dribbling.” This in-game aspect allows capturing dribblers’ movement, alongside maintaining ball control and enabling unique dribbling situations. As for other aspects, EA Sports made slight improvements to the positioning and the innovative AI-based Natural Collision System.
Unlike FIFA, PES is often considered to be a title full of unique gameplay features. In the 2021 installment, PES has made only slight and punctual changes. Konami, the developer of the series, outlined the direction of moving to the next generation of consoles. Keeping that in mind, PES 2021 was released as the so-called “Season Update.” Konami made dozens of changes to the franchise before, including enhanced dribbling, precision shots, and individual playstyles.
Availability and Graphics
Developers released both games for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. EA Sports clearly stated that FIFA 21 would be updated to be available on the next generation of consoles. Alternatively, Konami said that it would work on releasing a standalone project for new consoles. All these statements have undoubtedly impacted the graphics.
What stands out the most is that both FIFA and PES have made little progress compared to previous games. It would be reasonably hard for an average player to spot any considerable difference between the two games. The same goes for the changes that were supposed to take place regarding 2020 and 2021 instalments. Unfortunately for both games’ fans, little progress was made to polish the graphics, especially compared with the previous year.
Game Modes
Game modes have always been decision-defining factors while selecting a soccer simulation game. This time, let’s start with PES 2021, which brought little changes to its usual range of game options. As indicated by critics, the lack of new modes will hurt the series’ longevity in the long run. Right now, players can access an iconic Master League that is regarded as a defining mode for the entire PES franchise. Other notable game modes include ranked matchmaking, training, and weekly challenges.
The situation is different in FIFA 21 that brought new features to the existing game modes. Players can improve their in-game skills in training, challenges, Career Mode, Volta Football, and Ultimate Team. Career Mode got updated with the interactive match simulation, alongside getting new features in the form of training and transfer options. When it comes to FIFA 21 Volta, this street football game mode was first introduced a year earlier. In 2021’s FIFA installment, it gained dozens of features, including improved gameplay and Debut features.
Little changes were dedicated to the FIFA Ultimate Team, still making it the most popular online FIFA game mode. Even though the idea of assembling your team with real players all across the globe is exciting, EA Sports were often criticized for their monetization policy. Players can open loot boxes with players’ cards and icons that resemble gambling. The good news is that loot boxes aren’t gambling per se, but you can try out a real money online casino to get to know the difference. Try out online gambling for real money in Canada to understand that loot boxes aren’t casinos. Read a respective review of a casino of your interest and try it out to get some hands-on experience with real money gambling. Don’t forget to read a review before making a deposit!
Licensing
FIFA has traditionally been a leader compared to PES when it comes to licenses of clubs and championships. In 2021’s instalment, players can play in more than thirty leagues, choose from nearly seventeen thousand players, and compete with one of seven hundred teams! FIFA has an exclusive partnership with the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, and Bundesliga, making it a leader with such an abundance of licensing contracts.
Compared to FIFA, PES has fewer licensing rights on team names from a historical perspective. PES 2021 has also lost the license with Inter Milan and Milan, alongside keeping Juventus as an exclusive team. In FIFA, Juventus is replaced with Piemonte Calcio solely because of those exclusive rights owned by PES. Other great teams, including Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Barcelona, are represented in the game, having their unique digital uniforms and specific themes.
Summary
When it’s time to make a verdict on what soccer simulator is better, it becomes problematic to outline a single game. Although FIFA 21 isn’t the most significant revolution of EA Sports, it managed to add new features, alongside updating the Volta Football and Career Mode. As for PES, it hasn’t added nothing spectacular either, limiting itself to gameplay improvements in the form of the “Season Update.”
Since both games made little progress concerning graphics and innovativeness, you have to make the final choice. While FIFA 21 would amaze you with its game modes, PES might seem more progressive regarding the gameplay perks and features. Good luck choosing a simulator that would match all your games and preferences.
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