Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 – review

Is there room for two football videogames in your life? There never used to be for me. Whether it was Sensible World of Soccer or – more recently – the annual Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) iterations I was a one-brand man. Not any more. Fifa 12 has finally matched the licenses and online glitz with a worthy effort on the pitch and can't be ignored. Neither, despite some rough edges, can PES 2012.

The biggest change in PES 2012 – at least initially – is the speed and feel of the game. In reaction to last year's slightly stiffer, more Fifa-style, attempt at realism, PES 2012 goes back to basics. Speedy wing-play, whipped-in crosses and mazy dribbles are now the order of the day – again. Gamers used to the more sedate play of recent Fifa titles will find themselves jolted back to the days of PES 2004/5 when pace and through-balls were the key to victory.

Of course this is only half the story. The new off-the-ball (teammate control) feature – used via the right stick – allows you to produce more measured build-ups. The AI seems to have been upped too, with players often supporting your runs or pulling defenders out of position. Unfortunately, this burst of intelligence isn't matched by many of the goalkeepers who still let in far too many easy efforts. This is even more of a concern when you realise PES 2012 is focused more on attack than defence.

There are also issues with animations, with some volleys pinging off at different angles than your player's position would suggest. The ball, too, occasionally has a life of its own, with rebounds and deflections hard to predict.

The Master League is the option to sink your teeth into if you want to get fully involved with transfers and team management. This year it sees the addition of contract periods and more realistic fitness and match options. Hardcore fans will get their payback playing this online. But less-experienced players will find the obtuse menus and occasionally unhelpful localisation a real barrier to entry. This is despite the improvements on last year. The presentation across the board is still below par, especially when it comes to learning the intricacies of the game. Far too much prior knowledge is expected.

As you would expect official team and competition licences are in short supply. Manchester United fans will be happy, Man City ones less so. Southampton fans, like me, should give up now. Luckily the player likenesses and animation – of the top players at least – help lessen the blow.

PES 2012 really comes alive in multiplayer, especially if you can play offline. Nicking a last-minute deflected winner in an invariably high scoring game is always better without the lag excuse. Online multiplayer is still enjoyable despite the tendency for opponents to only choose Barcelona or Manchester United. With the emphasis even more on fast attacks over measured defence, you can expect this trend to continue. Lag at least doesn't seem to be an issue so far.

The launch of a Facebook app, which allows users to post their scores and set up leagues, shows that PES 2012 is looking to the future. However, the frantic and occasional flawed action on the pitch harks back to older PES games. Fifa 12 is the more complete football experience but PES 2012 can still deliver in short hectic doses.