The speed of last year's game is there if you can unlock it.īattles across the pitch play a greater role in deciding matches, as successful players will quickly pinpoint the danger men and adapt to eliminate their threat.Īggressively hassling Zlatan Ibrahimovic when a high ball heads towards him can crush his aerial dominance. It's these moments-the sudden changes in pace after controlled buildup-that highlight how "increasingly measured" is perhaps a more apt description of PES 2018 than simply suggesting the entire game is played at a slower pace. The flat-footed defender is rendered useless as the striker quickly advances and brings support with him. Players such as Antoine Griezmann or Luis Suarez are excellent at backing into a centre-back and nipping the ball around the corner of their man before turning into space. However, the addition of contextual shielding means even the tiniest of forwards can overcome the threat of a hulking marker if they're smart. Defenders mark tighter and are better equipped to disrupt your play by getting a toe on the ball or using their physicality to halt your progression. Space is created by working in triangles and taking advantage of artificial intelligence that makes attacking runs more aggressive than before. While methodically moving the ball around is key to buildup play, it's the potential for more things to go wrong that underlines how PES 2018's simmering pace is far more than simply eliminating breakneck speed from a pass, run and attempt at goal. Instead of being a more sedated overall experience, the rhythm and flow of football are represented more authentically through realistic changes in tempo. "Slower" will be bandied about a lot when describing the game, but it isn't quite the correct word to use. PES 2018 is a game of intelligence, patience and seizing the moment, even if it means executing a slower plan to do so. You simply can't rush into every tackle without the risk of being exposed, or worse still, humiliated. While it's thrilling to skip beyond a defender who's sold themselves short, being on the receiving end for the first time should also act as an important trigger in progressing your style. Strategic dribbling and an increased sense of body weight makes beating your marker a pivotal one-on-one test that can turn the tide of a match. It's the replication of the aforementioned Martial moment or another absurd piece of skill that is the most obviously gratifying flourish added to this year's title.