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9 reasons to get excited about PES 2019
We've compiled a list of the top new features coming to Konami’s long-running soccer series later this month. Get ready to get excited.
The Pro Evolution Soccer series has hit new heights in recent years, utilising Konami’s Fox Engine to deliver an engrossing take on the beautiful game. Last year’s PES 2018 drew the plaudits once more, introducing a host of new features, including an online co-op suite, a presentation overhaul and an intuitive strategic dribbling system.
PES 2019 is set to be released earlier than usual this year, launching on August 28 in North America and August 30 elsewhere. Given that it's available a month before FIFA 19, should you buy it to get your football fix on PS4 and Xbox One? Well, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider it – here are nine of them.
1. Magic Moments
There are 11 new skill traits for you to indulge in
© Konami Digital Entertainment
The tagline of ‘Magic Moments’ has been used to describe PES 2019’s gameplay, incorporating various new and refined features on the pitch. The game features 11 new skill traits including the no-look pass, and focuses more intently on player individuality, helping to replicate the playing styles of football’s biggest stars. New animations and contextual adjustments have also been added, lending a more realistic feel.
2. Updated stamina system
Konami have introduced what they call ‘Visible Fatigue’ in PES 2019, reworking and enhancing the importance of the game’s stamina system. Players who are tired not only show visible signs of fatigue via animations and cutscenes, but perform less effectively on the pitch. This works hand-in-hand with the new quick subs feature, which offers a welcome and intuitive method for swapping out players on the fly.
3. Improved presentation
Snowy weather is making a comeback
© Konami Digital Entertainment
If you’re fortunate enough to own a PS4 Pro, Xbox One S/X or a compatible PC, PES 2019 benefits from 4K HDR support. Our experiences with the game’s demo have shown this to be a significant upgrade, with everything from stadiums to grass textures proving visually stunning. Crowds are also improved and you can select snowy weather conditions for the first time in years.
4. 'Enlighten’ graphics tech
The most obvious visual improvement in PES 2019 is the game’s lighting, which changes based on the time of day. It’s the result of a global illumination system called Enlighten, which, according to an official press release unveiled back in May, “simulates indirect light reflected by objects in real time.” It’s also possible for the weather to change mid-game, dependent on the pre-game settings you choose.
5. New licenses
Konami has worked hard to secure new licenses for the game
© Konami Digital Entertainment
For the first time in ten years, the UEFA Champions League isn't in PES. Konami has clearly worked hard to lessen the pain, acquiring new licenses to compensate for the loss of the tournament. Top-level leagues from countries such as Russia, Argentina, Portugal, Turkey and Scotland are all featured, whilst new partner clubs (and stadiums) include Schalke 04, Celtic and Rangers.
6. MyClub overhaul
The PES series’ answer to Ultimate Team has undergone a significant transformation in PES 2019, altering everything from player prices to training. The most obvious difference is the addition of a FIFA-like card system for players, whose ratings can now temporarily increase based on how they perform in real life. Konami has also promised that new Legends will feature alongside last year’s stars such as Maradona and Cruyff.
7. David Beckham Edition
Beckham is a big deal this year
© Konami Digital Entertainment
Konami are making a big deal about David Beckham this year, with the Manchester United legend signing a long-term exclusive deal with PES in August 2017. The present-day Golden Balls is available in loan and permanent MyClub forms for anyone who purchases the game. PS4 fans can also get their hands on a SteelBook version of PES 2019 with Becks on the cover.
8. Master League upgrade
PES 2019 represents the first in a three-step overhaul plan for the series’ popular career mode, Master League. This year, the International Champions Cup makes its debut as a pre-season tournament in-game, whilst updates to the transfer system are included as well. Some adjustments have been made to the menus and work has also gone into improving the player development system.
Online demo
The demo is now available for XB1, PS4 & PC. What are you waiting for?
© Konami Digital Entertainment
The playable demo for PES 2019 released earlier this month on Xbox One, PS4 and PC, featuring 12 playable teams. Naturally, you can play standard exhibition games as well as local co-op matches, but the real highlight is the inclusion of an online quick-play mode. You can play as many games as you like against opponents from across the globe, helping to determine whether PES 2019 is worthy of your hard-earned cash.
