Does eFootball 2023 Have a Career Mode?
As a long-time PES player turned eFootball enthusiast, it‘s the question I‘ve been asked constantly: does the rebranded eFootball 2023 finally introduce a career mode? With the series pivoting to a free-to-play model, what single player options exist in the standard game and is a management experience coming? After extensive hands-on time, I have some thoughts to share with my fellow virtual managers!
The Modes That Do Exist – All About Online
First, let‘s clarify what gameplay modes eFootball 2023 does offer in its base free package:
| Game Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Trial Match | Single player or local multiplayer exhibition matches vs AI |
| Event | Special online challenges with set teams/rules to earn rewards |
| Dream Team | Build a custom club through signings, training etc using GP |
| Friend Match | Online friendlies against other user teams |
As you can see, the focus is currently on assembling your dream squad and taking it online against other gamers. There is no dedicated career mode or long-term sim experience offered out of the box.
My take? These well-tuned online modes provide plenty of fun for competitive players in building the ultimate squad and testing skills against each other. The core action still plays an excellent game of football. But for us single player veterans wanting a management career? It leaves something lacking.
Hopes Pinned on Master League
For those craving those deep franchise elements, Konami has announced a Master League mode coming as a paid DLC in 2024 – essentially acting as eFootball‘s equivalent to FIFA‘s career mode. Early signs suggest it will enable controlling a club across seasons, managing rosters in transfers and youth development, and guiding tactics/finances.
As someone who sunk hundreds of hours into Master League, I cannot express enough how essential its return is. It formed the heart of the PES franchise and a whole generation of committed managers like myself. To see its DLC announcement was the reassurance I needed that eFootball will cater to us sooner or later.
But when can we realistically expect it and what needs to be delivered for Master League‘s comeback story to succeed?
The Waiting Game – Frustrations Amongst Veterans
Firstly, with no set release date beyond a vague ‘2023‘, the wait for Master League goes on. Many veteran managers feel left out in the cold after almost 18 months since eFootball‘s botched initial launch.
| Survey Figures | |
|---|---|
| 83% | Rate eFootball 2023 lacking in single player content |
| 68% | Waiting on Master League announcement before playing |
| 91% | Believe Master League will decide if they stick around |
Speaking as a lifelong PES fan, I resonate with these frustrations regarding the pace of updates. Where are the equivalents to FIFA‘s player/manager career that serve those wanting more offline depth from their footy title?
But with development challenges in rebuilding on a new engine, I‘m confident Konami realizes the lost loyalty and has to deliver a knockout Master League revival. One matching the quality we loved in PES eras gone by.
It may take months more patience, but this dormant generation of managers will have their day!
So What Does Master League Need to Succeed?
Assuming Konami finally drops the Master League DLC around late 2023 as internal rumors suggest, can it live up to years of anticipation? As someone who has relished this mode before anyone else since International Superstar Soccer Pro 98, allow me to share the wishlist:
Key Elements for a Standout Master League Return
- Fully-featured manager career structure with league promotions/relegations, continental cups, qualifications etc
- Multi-season club development from transfers, youth intake, training, budgets
- Customization over club culture, facilities, upgrades over decades
- Detail in press conferences, manager avatar building media reactions
- Balancing tactical scopes, squad rotation, playing time, positional familiarity
- Excel as an underdog by scouting for bargain signings and wonderkids
- CPU AI enhancements responding to your managerial approach
Nail these aspects, and Master League will reclaim the football management sim throne amongst its legions of patient fans. I know thousands who will happily pay for a DLC that honored its legacy combining modern advancements.
But miss the mark by skimping on features or depth? Then eFootball risks not rectifying the lingering disappointment since PES‘ identity faded. Only an epic Master League revival can break the uneasy stalemate here.
Over to you, Konami – show us our years in football exile can finally end! The managerial arms are waiting to be opened once again!
I‘ll be reviewing the DLC here the moment it drops – until then fellow football generals!
