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In the world of soccer video games, two titans have dominated the pitch for decades: FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES). Each title has its passionate fan base and has significantly influenced the gaming landscape.
While FIFA, developed by EA Sports, is often celebrated for its extensive licensing agreements, realistic graphics, and comprehensive game modes, PES, crafted by Konami, has garnered praise for its fluid gameplay mechanics and strategic depth. Each one has its perks and advantages in a series of different areas to provide the best possible sports game experience.
As fans eagerly anticipate each annual release, the debate continues: Which game truly captures the spirit of the beautiful game? In this article, we’ll explore each franchise’s strengths and weaknesses, their evolution over the years, and which one is the best football game.
Make sure to take a look at each item to see which game best suits your style and what you’re looking for. Here’s the definitive comparison between the two games for soccer fans:
Table of Contents
FIFA and PES: New Names, Same Experience
One thing that might confuse the players regarding the gaming experience with either of the titles is the new names. FIFA players have known the game as “FIFA” for years now. However, since 2023, this has changed due to agreements between EA and the sports organization. It is now called EA Sports FC, and you can enjoy everything just like in the previous titles. If you play FIFA, you’ll love EA Sports FC because they’re essentially the same game, with different names. From the career mode to the customization options, everything is the same, and you’ll enjoy a fun experience with an infinite amount of content to explore.
The same goes for PES. Pro Evolution Soccer is one of the most praised franchises in the sports world, but it also recently changed its name. In May 2017, the beloved PES, created by Konami, changed its name to eFootball.
Unlike FIFA, this new name changed many things. Everything was reimagined, from mechanics to payment systems, to provide a better experience in offline and online matches.
The name change was also due to legal reasons, but also because PES sales were not going so well compared to FIFA’s game sales. Reimagining the title was Konami’s solution to bring back the passion for the franchise and carve its name as the best game for football lovers.
FIFA vs. PES: Which One to Go For?
Now, it’s time to compare both titles directly to see which one best fits your expectations. We will see multiple aspects of both titles so you can make the perfect choice for your next gaming session. For this comparison, we will consider the latest release of each franchise (eFootball 2024 and EA Sports FC 24)
Whether you’re looking for a game to build your dream team and compete against other players or for casual modes to enjoy with your friends, each one has its own qualities and flaws. We will dive into these aspects to make a definitive comparison of which football game is the best one.
Make sure to take a look at each aspect listed below. Here’s what each of these games provides and which one is the best pick:
Both Games Have Nice Graphics, But EA Sports FC Is Prettier
Both games feature great graphics that will please even the most picky players when it comes to details. Everything is carefully projected, from the grass of the pitch to the texture of the clothes.
However, when directly comparing both games, FIFA still has a clear advantage over PES. EA’s game has always been synonymous with great graphics and detailed player models. This is no exception, and you’ll find some of the best models in the entire gaming industry, with realistic facial expressions and outstanding graphics.
This doesn’t mean PES doesn’t feature good graphics as well. Both games have some pretty visuals, whether when it comes to the arena or the players, but if this is what matters the most to you, EA Sports FC might be a better choice.
FIFA offers better graphics and incredibly exciting settings to make everything even more realistic. PES provides good graphics, but you might feel like the players’ models are not as good as they could be. Even though eFootball changed to the Fox Engine and provided better graphics, the new engine is still not enough to beat FIFA’s amazing models and graphics. That’s why EA’s franchise is the clear winner in this category.
EA’s Title Has the Best Physics and Animations in a Sports Game
Physics is another crucial factor in a sports game and can be decisive for many players. As expected, the physics and animations in EA Sports FC are also superior to those in eFootball.
The movements are smooth, and the ball deformation is a perfect representation of how it would happen in real life. If you want the experience that best replication a real football game when it comes to the graphics part, this is the pick to go with.
PES also has good physics and good animations for every action, but just like when it comes to graphics, FIFA takes the lead. The ball physics are out of this world, and the realistic animations make you feel like a real football player, generating an immersive experience you won’t find in Konami’s game.
eFootball’s Price Is Better for Those on a Budget
One category where eFootball is the definitive winner is the price. FIFA is always sold for a hefty price, which can be a problem for many gamers looking for a budget option to enjoy the football experience.
While FIFA is sold for over 50 dollars on Steam and other marketplaces, eFootball is free to play, and you can enjoy its features without spending money. The new PES is updated with a new version every year, allowing players to enjoy new features and fun gameplay without purchasing a new version. Every popular mode is available for free, and you can play as much as you want.
If you’re on a budget, eFootball is the better pick since you can enjoy the football experience without spending a single penny. On the other hand, if you have the money to spend, it will be a matter of personal preference.
Overall, due to it being free to play, PES is the winner in this category.
Both Titles Have Interesting Game Modes and Features
This is where the comparison starts to become difficult. Both games are great and have distinct modes that will keep you entertained for hours and immersed in unique experiences. EA Sports always tries adding new modes and events to the game, creating a diverse franchise at every new release.
On the other hand, eFootball also has interesting modes that will please players looking for immersive experiences. The Master League mode in the title is the perfect choice for players who want to build the ultimate team and dive into the most technical aspects of managing a club. You can choose players from licensed leagues and clubs to build a team with the idols you like the most. Be careful. Every aspect of your team will impact its results and how you progress.
EA FC has a fantastic career mode that lets you create your character and play in the main leagues of the football world. The more you progress, the more famous you become. The objective is to climb to the top of the charts and become the most renowned player in the world.
We could say this category comes to a tie between the two franchises. Each one has distinct modes beyond the traditional friendly games and championships. Even though they are different, one thing is common between them: the fun is guaranteed regardless of which one you choose.
EA Sports FC’s Multiplayer Is Unbeatable
Another win for EA Sports FC is the multiplayer modes. The game has a much more stable connection and features that allow you to enjoy the football experience with friends from any platform.
eFootball also has online options, but when I played it, the connection was way more unstable, and I often had problems with the game just disconnecting. Even though I had fun playing, the connectivity issues and the long waiting times to find an opponent were frustrating.
While in PES, you can take several minutes to find an opponent, in FIFA, it is much quicker. Within seconds, you’re already connected to another player and can enjoy the fun multiplayer experience without worrying about crashes or unstable servers.
If multiplayer is an essential factor for you, FIFA is a better choice and will provide a smoother experience. eFootball has the advantage of being free, and you can always enjoy it with friends without paying for the title. However, the crashes and long waiting times can be really frustrating.
They Both Have Crossplay (Kind of)
If you have friends playing on different platforms, crossplay is one of the most important aspects to look at. Thankfully, the ability to play with friends from other consoles or PC is available in both titles, but there are some details you should be aware of:
EA Sports FC 24 is available for Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows. Even though you can find the title for both the latest generations, there’s one detail to be aware of. PC users can play the game with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series with no problems, enjoying everything the game offers.
However, due to the generation gap, PS4 and Xbox One players can only use crossplay between the two consoles. If you have a PS5 and your friend has a PS4, you won’t be able to play together. Not only that, but Nintendo Switch players won’t be able to use crossplay between any platforms. Considering that the previous versions of the game didn’t have crossplay for all modes, this is still an improvement.
eFootball is also available on different platforms, and you can enjoy the game on Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, and Microsoft Windows. The crossplay is fully functional between all platforms, and you can even play with friends from mobile, regardless of the console you’re playing on.
If you want maximum compatibility to play with all your friends, eFootball is a better pick. If your friends play on the same generation as you, like PS4 and Xbox One, EA FC is also great. It is important to know that FIFA mobile doesn’t support crossplay like eFootball, and you won’t be able to play with people from other platforms.
eFootball Still Has Problems With Licensing
One of the main flaws of PES is the licensing issue. Due to copyright and other legal restrictions, it lacks some of the world’s main clubs. That said, the roster is way smaller than you might think.
This problem was usually solved by the modding community, which created downloadable content to fulfill the lack of certain idols. However, as time passed and the game was updated, creating these mods became a lot harder, and I still feel like it lacks options when it comes to real-life clubs.
On the other hand, this is where FIFA shines the most. EA has the license to use all the names and players from the leading clubs in the world. Whether you’re looking for Brazilian teams or the main clubs from La Liga, you’ll surely find them.
The range of official teams and names is wide, and this helps create an immersive experience that is unlike any other. You’ll feel like part of Barcelona and other clubs in every match.
If this is an important factor, FIFA is a better option, and you’ll find all the teams you want. PES has a much shorter number of clubs and names but still has various leagues. If you don’t mind about this aspect, it is also a great option, especially considering it is free to play.
The Overall Gameplay of FIFA Is Better
It is unfair to expect a free-to-play game to be as good and have as many features as a title that can cost up to 70 dollars. FIFA has many more options for the players to choose from, whether when it comes to game modes or when comparing the number of clubs available.
eFootball is still a solid option and can surely surprise you with how fun it can be for a f2p game, especially if you’re playing with friends. Pro Evolution Soccer has always been a solid franchise in the sports world, and this rebranding lives up to its legacy. I had a lot of fun playing all the modes available, but EA still has much smoother gameplay, especially when it comes to the online experience.
Game modes like the Ultimate Team increase the possibilities even more and create a game that goes far beyond the traditional 1v1 modes that we’ve been used to playing since PS1. The game is also constantly evolving and updating with new events and modes, so you’ll always find something new to do.
eFootball is a great title, especially considering the budget Konami invested in, and they rely mainly on microtransactions to make a profit from it. But the good part is that you don’t need any of that to have fun, and the experience is enjoyable without spending a single penny.
And the Winner Is…
It is no surprise that EA Sports is the winner in this category. Whether because EA understands its player base and knows precisely how to attract more users or because of the larger development budget, the game is the definitive option if you’re looking for realistic gameplay.
The FIFA franchise has always been the go-to option for any football fan looking for a good time playing in the virtual world, whether online or offline. With years of improvement and history in the video game industry, they managed to create a great title that catches the attention of football fans worldwide, delivering a complete experience that keeps us entertained for dozens of hours.
PES is also a great game, but the lack of official clubs and the clumsy online experience can frustrate some people. However, crossplay has an unbeatable experience, allowing players from all platforms to play together, whether on their mobile phone, console, or desktop. It’s a great game and one of the best options if you’re on a budget.
FIFA is the winner in this comparison, but you’ll surely have fun regardless of which game you pick. They both have strengths and are great picks for your next gaming session.
Looking for a Different Alternative?
The gaming world is full of interesting football titles, but if you’re looking for the best one, we have the perfect pick. FootballTeam is the next-level experience where you can show your abilities and knowledge in a competitive environment against people from all over the world.
Create your own character and customize every aspect, including its characteristics and playing position. Whether you want to be a goalkeeper or a striker, the game gives you total freedom to play it the way you want.
The possibilities are endless, and your creativity is the only limit. Test your knowledge and create the perfect team to climb to the top of the charts and become the best football player in the world.
FootballTeam has over a million registered players and over 60,000 teams to challenge in the next level of competitive football gaming. You can also invite your friends and see who the best footballer is, as the title allows you to connect with people worldwide through almost any mobile or desktop device.
You’ll not only play as a professional player but also have to manage multiple aspects of your team. Every decision you make, and the players you choose will play a vital role and be a decisive factor in how high you rank.
You can start this thriving experience right now by visiting the game’s main page. It is free to play, and you can enjoy the best online football experience right now.
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