The PES 2015 demo dropped a couple of weeks ago, and our guys have spent a bit of time playing it. While there have been complaints about the series for a few years now, the on-pitch gameplay has typically been a strong suit of the game. With release a few weeks away still, here's a couple of sets of thoughts on the demo and what you can look forward to when PES 2015 releases on November 11.

KG: "The return of the King."

It's a phrase that has been thrown out to describe nearly every iteration of Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) since the days of Winning Eleven 5/6. If the demo is any indication, PES fans can finally look forward to a return to form for the once prominent series.

While PES 2014 was the first Konami game to fully utilize the "Fox Engine," gamers, myself included, were treated to a game that was very rough around the edges. Thankfully, some of those edges have been smoothed out and polished to a glistening shine. If there is one word to describe the PES 2015 demo it is responsive. The clunkiness that was so prominent in PES 2014 has been fine-tuned resulting in lightning quick response times while still respecting momentum and proper physics. The close control while the ball is at your feet allows you to beat defenders with simple turns instead of tricks, wrong-footing them in the process.

Once you get familiar with the newborn freedom of the players the next you thing you will notice is the incredibly intelligent player AI, from both the CPU and your AI teammates. The calling card of the franchise (the AI) is even more prominent in PES 2015. Deep holding midfielders like Toni Kroos, Xabi Alonso, and Sergio Busquets will find space, opening up passing channels providing an outlet when the AI closes you down. It's not all about attack either, center backs will point out runners for their back-line counterparts identifying the danger-man and even play the occasional offside trap.

Expanding upon the strong AI is the strong attention to detail through the likes of Player ID and realistic team playing styles. Get on the ball with Juventus' playmaker Andrea Pirlo and you suddenly find yourself transformed into the Italian legend looking to spray passes around the pitch at the press of a button. Conversely, when controlling someone like Arjen Robben, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Neymar, you feel as if the entire world is at your feet with their ability to change direction at pace with the dip of a shoulder, step-over, or feint. In addition to Player ID, clubs act like their real-life counterparts. It was an oddly frustrating, yet satisfying feeling watching Barcelona play keep-away from me after going up a goal as Athletic Bilbao. Juventus and their 3-5-2 formation played long balls to frontman Fernando Llorente using the Spaniard's 6'7 frame to knock balls into the path of Carlos Tevez. Real Madrid will also break on the counter at the same pace which saw them shred teams in the Champions League last year. The catch-up bug that curtailed speedsters such as Ronaldo and Garreth Bale is long gone, as they will be if you allow them space on the wing in PES 2015.

Lastly, I must admit that there are still a few issues present in the PES 2015 demo. Goalkeepers have long been a sore spot for the series and while they are noticeably better, they still suffer in a few areas, namely parrying shots back into trouble allowing for easy rebounds and tap-ins. Goalkeeper AI could perhaps use a boost in this area or shooting power could be toned down while shot error is increased to limit the amount of accurate shots on target. Piggybacking on goals, the poor net physics detract from the enjoyment of scoring a goal and have plagued the series long enough. With the increased fluidity also comes some funky animation transitions. This is really apparent in replays when the action is slowed down and "sliding" is present as well as when players collide. The collision system, while pretty solid, could use some more animations to help accurately portray the physicality that exists in the sport.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the PES 2015 demo as I eagerly await the official release on November 11. With a demo released nearly 2 months before the actual release, Konami has ample time to address the issues present in the demo and give us footy fans a product that can finally put Winning Eleven 5/6 to bed.

James Kerti: The Pro Evolution Soccer series always presents a purchasing dilemma to me. More than any other game, it leads me to ask myself two questions.

1) What really matters to me in a game?

2) Which flaws am I willing to tolerate?

PES, maybe more than any other sports game, captures the essence of each player's and team's style and skills. It makes each match you play a unique experience in which the match ups and styles of the clubs and players feel like they truly matter.

On the other hand, the demo suggests the game still suffers from suspect goalkeeper AI. Perhaps it's the one remaining area of the game where it's hard to tell the truly elite players from outright bad ones. Even the best goalkeepers in PES have a knack for parrying shots back toward opposing players far too often.

I also can't say I've seen fouls in the couple demo matches I've played. It would be a tremendous problem if the same is true of the final game.

We do have another month before the game releases, and I know I'm waiting eagerly to see what develops.

What did you think of the demo? Sound off in the comments!