eFootball PES 2020

The omissions in officially licensed leagues and clubs is a tough pill to swallow and the in-game presentation feels very lackluster, but Konami manages to accomplish the goal of offering an entertaining representation of the sport. Solid graphics, a smooth PC port, outstanding animations, and rewarding gameplay help eFootball PES 2020 stand out against its sports game competition. It is worth a look if you have even a passing interest in a game of footie.

PES still plays more convincing football than its rival. Players don’t seem to snap between canned animations anything like as much as in FIFA, and for eFooty purists that’s all that matters. Those with a soft spot for decadent presentation and narratives, though, will be frustrated by eFootball PES 2020’s unwillingness to compete on those terms.

Konami puts gameplay first, although it will take some years before it will even come anywhere close to adding modes which could compete with or provide a similar experience as FIFA's The Journey or Volta. What is does provide is some of the best digital football you can play at home, with friends or online - and isn't that what matters most?