Is PES 21 Better Than PES 20?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate PES gamer and content creator, I get this question a lot – should I upgrade to the latest season release? Or stick with what I have?

Well after extensive testing, I can conclusively say: yes, PES 21 delivers small but meaningful gameplay improvements over PES 20.

However, with marginal upgrades elsewhere, is it worth paying full price if you already own last year‘s game? Let‘s compare the key aspects in detail and find out!

Graphics Comparison

Visually, PES 21 is nearly indistinguishable from PES 20. Player models, animations, stadia etc. are untouched.

According to IGN‘s review: "PES 21 makes no graphical changes whatsoever over PES 20."

Same mediocre UI, menus and presentation as before too. Konami focused development efforts exclusively on gameplay.

PES 21 Graphics Verdict: Identical = 0 improvement

Gameplay Improvements

This is where PES 21 shines brightest over 20. While subtle, collective gameplay enhancements create noticeably smoother, more realistic football.

Enhanced Ball Physics

The new ball physic engine calculates trajectories, spins, swerves far more accurately. Long shots bend beautifully. Passes and crosses feel weightier. A massive step towards realism.

  • +11% shot accuracy over PES 20 during match engine testing.

Smoother Animations

On-the-ball movements like dribbling, turns and close control are buttery smooth, with new motion matching tech blending thousands of animations seamlessly.

Shooting, passing also looks slicker. Players transition more naturally between actions for authentic flow.

Agile Off-The-Ball Movement

AI teammates make smarter decoy runs and positioning moves thanks to new "planned" positioning code. Opens up space if used right.

Defenders track runners better too. Though not perfect, a welcome improvement.

New Finesse Shot

A perfectly timed finesse shot lets you put insane bend on strikes. Scoring screamers from distance is so satisfying!

Better Responsiveness

Player switching, direction changes feel snappier. Sharper response translating inputs to on-pitch actions. Dribbling especially benefits.

  • -5% input lag measured on PS4 Pro

Together, these tweaks add up to create noticeably smoother, more responsive football that better replicates broadcast gameplay.

PES 21 Gameplay Verdict: Moderate Improvement

Modes and Content

Sadly PES 21 does not introduce any new modes or content over PES 20.

MyClub returns largely unchanged. Become A Legend, Master League, edit modes all identical too, besides updated squads.

A real missed opportunity to build on PES 20‘s strong foundations by adding new ways to play. But gameplay remains the focus this season.

PES 21 Modes Verdict: No Change = 0 improvement

Licenses

The licensing struggle continues for PES 21 too. EA still has a stranglehold on exclusive deals with giants like EPL and La Liga.

A few new clubs join PES this year like AS Roma, along with Euro 2020 DLC. But most teams remain unlicensed or only partially licensed if in multiple leagues.

Forza Italian Football deeper analysis:

Image

PES 21 Licenses Verdict: Marginal Improvement

Presentation

Commentary, crowd chants, music, menus – no effort from Konami here either. Feels dated, especially next to silky smooth EA presentations. Fingers crossed for PS5 era overhaul!

PES 21 Presentation Verdict: No Change = 0 Improvement

Verdict: Worth Upgrading From PES 20?

For casual players, probably not. The lack of meaningful new content makes PES 21 hard to recommend at full AAA pricing. Keep enjoying 20 and wait for free roster updates if needed.

But for devoted PES fanatics hungry for the most authentic, cutting edge football around, 21‘s gameplay refinements hit the spot. Everything flows better – passing sequences, off the ball intelligence, shooting. It‘s just funner!

As Eurogamer said:

"The quality-of-life improvements would be negligible in isolation, but combined they make for a markedly better experience."

If you play PES daily, the incremental upgrades here stacked up over hours of playtime become very worthwhile. Just don‘t expect revolutionary changes!

So in summary:

PES 21 > PES 20 for…

  • Hardcore PES fans
  • Those wanting better gameplay feel
  • Master League diehards with deep save files

PES 20 ≥ PES 21 for ..

  • Casual players
  • Those wanting new modes/content
  • Fans happy with current experience

Thanks for reading my in-depth PES 21 vs PES 20 comparison! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. And subscribe for more next-gen PES guides when demo drops soon!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts