PES 2014 Demo Available Now For 360, PS3 - Post Your Impressions

[fearwhatnow]

I've played both demos (leaked and official). The official is the Gamescom build so there was room for improvements until the retail release. I think the game has already gone gold and we'll see the differences when we have the retail version in our hands.
- As many of you already mentioned it, my major concern right now is the lack of cpu fouls. I'm pretty sure this won't be a problem in retail. PES games never had problems with the lack of fouls (PES 5 was whistle-friendly with tons of fouls and KONAMI released back then the, legendary now, WE 9 Liveware Evolution version which had the fouls toned down a lot).
- About the "stiff" movement and lag of controls. The first leaked demo had unresponsive controls and lag but all these are fixed in this demo. There is momentum and it's implemented perfectly. There is individuality and there is emotion.
- About the graphics (PS3 version here). In general, graphics are toned down in demos because of size limitations and compression. The same stands for Fifa 14 pc demo afaik. Well, I'm buying the pc version of PES 14 so the graphics won't be a concern there. I'm sure PS3/X360 will have major cutdowns in the graphics area due to new engine+havoc+"free ball" physics but I'm sure KONAMI will release the game on PS4/ONE too after the winter transfer window, updated/fully patched and with new faces.
- GK's are good. They are human - not superhuman, they occasionaly make mistakes but it all feels natural to me. Maybe KONAMI could give them a minor boost only.
- Cpu possession and build up is here at last. They pass a lot in the centre midfield, changing sides is done perfectly, they backpass to the defenders, there are passes to the GK's when you keep presssing them high. Every game is different, every game plays different. Think of it, in this demo there are only top teams. In reality, in 5 encounters between Spain Vs Germany you'll see 5 different tactical matches with different possesion stats in every game. What I'm saying is let's wait to see how cpu plays when the quality gap betweet the 2 teams is big. CPU Bayern Vs HUM Nice for example.

[LingeringRegime]

Quote: Originally Posted by dubcity

Still trying to get fouled. I've played like 15 matches, and the CPU has 0 fouls (not counting offsides). All of the methods I used is PES 2013 result in nothing but perfect CPU tackles.

FWIW they exist. I have been fouled a hand full of times. Not seen a card on the CPU yet though.

[RoyceDa59]

Quote: Originally Posted by LingeringRegime

FWIW they exist. I have been fouled a hand full of times. Not seen a card on the CPU yet though.

I have seen the CPU get carded but it wasn't card worthy lol.

[JimmyDeicide]

Quote: Originally Posted by 4EverBlowingBubbles

I agree mate. The demo has been a pretty damn good experience so far. The gameplay feels fluid and organic and the new engine adds a whole new level of physical play. I'm loving the new ball physics as well. The ball no longer feels attached to the players feet. Konami nailed the feeling of weight and momentum and how all of that has an impact on your passes. It all adds to the realism. I fired up the demo earlier today and went straight to top difficulty using all manual controls. I had my *** handed to me but it was so much fun. I didn't feel cheated in any way. Every match felt unique. I enjoy watching the replays too. Love all these new little details, especially the cloth simulation and if you zoom in on a player's face you can actually see his skin wrinkle as he screams goal. Konami still has to turn up GK ability a bit though and I'm afraid the new set piece mechanic makes scoring freekicks way too easy. It also feels a bit unresponsive at times. Just scored this freekick goal using Riquelme. Btw has anybody noticed strikers not even trying to win headers? They won't jump at all. They will let defenders clear the ball away every single time. Is this a bug or am I not doing it right?

Ive noticed my goalie and defenders just standing there and watching while the forwards go for the ball and when it drops to their feet watch my defenders run away from the ball.
The only time i see the forwards not jumping is more away from the box where as it seems the timing of the input is off and they end up chesting it or bringing it down ala fifa 11 (i think it was)which infuriates me.

[RoyceDa59]

Response can seem a little off but overall the game is a joy to play. Also some tips for some people including my own and from Philospher at pesfan:


- When you get free space tap dash button twice to kick the ball forward and gain some good forward momentum. Makes life so much easier cause you can now play a 1-2 pass to another player and have good speed or just cut in the middle or whatever you do.

- If you want to get past opponents with dribbling look to tap the dash button, then look which way the defender has momentum going for them and then hold dash and go the way where they will be slightly off balance. Do not care how sharp the turn is, still use dash to turn, your attacker can do it. The 360 movement is really something new so you need to get used to it.

- The run through/nutmeg trick is now done by tapping run twice and pointing the left stick at the opponent's player

- When defending you can come to a full stop and face the ball by letting the L stick neutral and pressing dash (this really really helps)

- You can do a low header by pressing shoot then through ball

-Make sure you use the right stick when players come to rush you to hold them off. It make take some time to get use to but it helps. Some players hold off others better just don't get to overzealous with it or you will be fouling all over the place.

-If you are not feeling the shooting give Manual shooting a try, it is harder but it makes shooting feel more impact at least for me.

-I know it is a short demo but try out the combination plays.(Tap L2 twice when the formation icon shows in the lower left corner) This opens up some amazing movements from your teammates depending on which combination plays you choose.

[JimmyDeicide]

Quote: Originally Posted by pk500

Increasing the skill level does increase the amount of possession for the CPU team. Thanks for that tip. But I'm still seeing no fouls, and the game still feels stiff to me. I know that's esoteric. Sorry. I'm disappointed by both the PES and FIFA demo. I wanted one of them to jump out and scream "buy me," and neither did.

It gets closer yes but still if you have any type of assistance to the control i usually have more possession. One thing i did notice was a slight exception to this rule when the skill level is on professional, seems the cpu has more at that level its just the damn defenders will not tackle they just run along side the attackers.

[KG]

Just a few random thoughts...

I completed the dribbling portion of the training and it helped my enjoyment increase ten fold. Like Royce was saying, you have to learn how to use the sprint button. Spamming it like the other game (not a knock, just how its programmed) will result in losing possession because the player movement/momentum really impacts control.

Keepers need work in dealing with crosses. I gave up a soft goal to Muller using Italy on a routine cross I'd expect Buffin to deal with 10 times out of 10.

The possession stats can be misleading IMO. I tend to dominate possession because I'm a cautious player who tried to build attacks from the back. What results is a lot of passing in my own area as that's where the space generally is and the CPU will allow me to have time on the ball. Once I crossed midfield vs Germany they picked up their pressure accordingly.

The spacing/pressure in this game is right on IMO. Like I mentioned earlier, in my own half I have time to pick out a pass. Around the box, defenders close out, get a leg in, and disrupt the play. I'd imagine the new combination tactics could shine here IF the CPU's reaction(s) to them vary.

I haven't seen too many fouls either but I'll admit that I've played the other game for a long time and IMO it discourages you from contact so you avoid dribbling in tight spaces. I've read on other boards that more experienced PES players take advantage of the ability to operate in tight space and wrong-foot their defenders leading to more fouls.

The game isn't perfect by any means but it gives me the feeling of wanting to put in more time to home my craft and bring out the best in this year's iteration.

[NightmareBooster]

I only got to play 2 games yesterday but at first glance I really liked what I saw. I had quite a bit of difficulty as I'm use to FIFA's controls so very often I couldn't respond to the AI appropriately but that's a minor issue. My favorite thing about the demo has to be player weight and interaction. Although FIFA 14's players now have weight I feel like it's done better in the PES demo. I also like the way players jostle when trying to take or maintain possession. Making contact with a defender doesn't mean I lose possession immediately if I shield the ball and move correctly. Hopefully I'll get to play more today.