Game Review | PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2018 LITE

Disclaimer: due to fact that PES 2018 Lite has the same gameplay and engine as the PES 2018, and that I’ve already reviewed that game. I recommend checking that review for details on the gameplay like, as I’ll be focusing on a much more detailed analysis of myClub which is what this particular game is about.

Question: What is Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 Lite? The short answer is that it’s a scaled down free to play version of PES 2018 using the full myClub experience from this year’s game. Wait, didn’t EA do this a couple years ago? I guess in a way yes, and in a way no. What EA did a couple years ago was make an inferior watered down free to play version of their flagship footy series, FIFA World (2013). In that version of EAs annual football series players were able to play a version of ultimate team, but without the quality of graphics and physics that were present in that year’s version of the main series game.

PES 2018 Lite is similar to FIFA World in that it offers the player the ability to play Konami’s version of fantasy football for free, but that’s where the similarities between these two free to play footy experiences end. PES 2018 Lite is for all intents and purposes a direct cut of the entire myClub experience from the main sixty dollar game, just for free. You’re even able to play with players who purchased the full PES 2018 game, which I found to be rather nice. It’s not common for Konami to get good rep these days from gamers and journalist, but I believe credit should be given when it’s due, and they have delivered a great experience for the right price.

As many of you may know, the current gaming echosystem is plagued by the overuse of intrusive randomized perks, and customization options called loot boxes. These systems have been a part of one of the modes in both PES and FIFA for a couple years, but they’re not seen as demonizing as they are in other games, because they are only part of a single mode in games that have numerous other independent gameplay modes. It’s for this reason why I believe fans of both PES and FIFA are OK with both spins and card packs in their respective game’s fantasy football modes, and it’s the reason why I think a making a mode like myClub free to play is a great idea.

You see by doing this Konami is able to grow It’s user base without any real risks. They’ve taken a full experience already populated with players, and found a way to give it away to new players who may evidently purchase the full PES experience in the future, and even if they don’t they may even purchase in game currency to gamble on chances to get better players.

In our PES 2018 Review I mentioned the things I like about myClub briefly, so allow me to dive even deeper into this addictive mode.

When players begin their myClub career, they’re given a basic team and they’re able to improve that team by earning in game currency called GP. This GP is used to do pretty much everything related to your team including buying managers, bidding on scouts, renewing contracts, taking a chance on special agents. The special agents are the randomized system I place to acquire new players who range from white ball players with low ratings to Black Ball players high ratings, oh and you want the black ball player – no pun intended. As I’ve played the game I’ve found the odds of getting black and gold ball players to be pretty good. While working on this review I played with a friend who on his second try got Manuel Neuer, the highest rated keeper in the game. I myself have at least five black ball players and tons of great gold ball players, unlike Ultimate Team it’s possible to play any players on the same team because what matters is the manager and the team spirit. You can also spend real money in the game to purchase all the things you can with GP, but it doesn’t at all feel required, because of how generous the game is with the quality of players gained with special agents.

When you gain new players they come with no links, but as you use them in matches or use tactical training buffs they become better at linking up play with their fellow players with the ultimate goal to get a team with 99 rated team spirit. The managers can also affect this with their managing skill and familiarity with the squad. Each manager is unique in that they affect the players position and tactics of the team differently. Some managers may be very aggressive in attack, requiring your players to play higher up the pitch, and if your players aren’t equipped to play that style of play then you team will suffer losses frequently. Also depending on you own play style, a manager can either be a hindrance or a blessing. I personally favor all out attack play, so I usually play with three forward players, three forward playing midfielders, one defensive mid, and three defenders. This allows me to be relentless in attack while worrying little about defense. When I play with other managers, for example Jürgen Klopp, I’m at a disadvantage, because I’m forced to play more of a long buildup game and I don’t fancy that style of play.

Now I know that it sounds like I only have praise for this game, however I do have a couple issues with it as well. The lack of the ability to patch in official kits baffles me. This is a major feature in the main series PES games, because Konami lacks a lot of official license, so it’s surprising to not see them in this game, and I know it’s not much of a deal breaker due to this being a fantasy football game, but I would like to have the ability to patch in my own custom kits like the one I’m currently using in the main game. Moving along I also have a problem with the single cup challenges. After completing the main ones, they remain with usually only one change each week. This sucks because it’s not always possible to find a an online match in most one on one lobbies, because most players seem to be playing co-op matches online. PES also lacks the MLS league so for anyone that follows MLS, you’re unlikely to find any of your favorite players in this game, I’ve checked and none of mine are in the game. Sorry Sebastian Giovinco, maybe next year bud.

Final Verdict

Giving all that comes in the package for the price of fee it’s easy to see why I like PES 2018 Lite. With PES 2018 as my current main footy game, I’m happy to see an option to get more players playing the game, especially when it’s a game that doesn’t require spending a cent, nor does it encourage you to do so. As such I shall be giving PES 2018 a full recommendations, and I encourage curious players to try it at least a few times, who knows you may end up liking it.