eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE

79%
Game Brain Score Based on 8,111 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE Game Cover
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eFootball PES 2021 Season Update offers improved player models and revamped menus, providing a more immersive soccer experience. This edition focuses on updating player data from the previous version, rather than introducing significant new features. As a result, it's best suited for dedicated series fans eager to stay current with the latest player stats and rosters.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

79%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,111 reviews
gameplay257 positive mentions
story5 negative mentions
  • gameplay788 mentions

    The gameplay of PES 2021 is often praised for its realism and fluidity, with many players noting it as superior to FIFA in terms of mechanics and overall experience. However, there are significant criticisms regarding sluggishness, AI issues, and the need for extensive mods to enhance the experience. While some players find the gameplay addictive and immersive, others express frustration with inconsistencies and scripting that detracts from the enjoyment. Overall, the game is seen as a solid football simulation, particularly for those who appreciate a more tactical and realistic approach to gameplay.

    • “What truly makes it special is the gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is still holds up well years later and remains as the best modern sim-type football game on the market.”
    • “Gameplay is immersive and addictive.”
    • “Gameplay is very frustrating, very unrealistic; I left the FIFA franchise for this same reason, I guess no more football games for me.”
    • “The gameplay is absolutely slow, the touch from the player is inconsistent.”
    • “The gameplay is robotic and so slow-paced it's mind-numbing how long it takes them to get to the ball, how long it takes them to pass, etc. Most of all, the AI and pass support is abysmal.”
  • graphics330 mentions

    The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising their realism and vibrancy, often stating they surpass those of FIFA. However, some users noted that the graphics feel outdated compared to newer titles, and there are complaints about player animations and bugs affecting the visual experience. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good, there is a consensus that improvements are still needed, particularly in player likenesses and animations.

    • “With smooth controls and stunning graphics, playing match after match is very enjoyable, especially the complete football team and interesting features in it make this game fun to play long term.”
    • “Realism at its finest, vibrant graphics and enjoyable gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are amazing and the ball physics look real.”
    • “Disappointment, 70% of the teams are not licensed, graphics are poor for 2021, there are a lot of annoying bugs in the movement of players. Also, a lot of times I tackle someone and my leg goes through the ball.”
    • “The game stopped improving in 2013, since then, all the versions are typically the same in almost everything, except for the graphics and some very slight added new movements. The menu, the game story, the player's movements and celebrations, the match entrance, the referee whistle, the ball and ML story and events, the crowd environments (not to mention the huge lack of clubs' official logos and kits), all of these absolutely stopped improving.”
    • “Graphics are horrible, online is clearly pay to play with 'player status' or online is day 1 players and it gets you nowhere. EA Sports is not far off; at least their online play is semi-fair.”
  • story39 mentions

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized, with many users noting a lack of meaningful narrative or emotional engagement, often describing it as non-existent or overshadowed by gameplay. While some players appreciate the ability to create their own story through gameplay progression, the overall sentiment is that the game feels scripted and repetitive, lacking significant improvements or depth in its storytelling elements.

    • “Makes it feel like I am making my own story by learning the rules while starting out as a small team and working my way up.”
    • “It's kabuki soccer; a bizarre, highly interpretive, abstract, theatrical story about soccer.”
    • “This is what I like: good graphics and nice gameplay along with an amazing Master League story.”
    • “The story and cut-scenes are useless and emotionless.”
    • “The game stopped improving in 2013; since then, all the versions are typically the same in almost everything, except for the graphics and some very slight added new movements. The menu, the game story, the player's movements and celebrations, the match entrance, the referee whistle, the BAL and ML story and events, the crowd environments (not to mention the huge lack of clubs' official logos and kits) have all absolutely stopped improving. We barely see any changes from year to year.”
    • “In master league or when playing leagues or other story-like modes, the game feels scripted.”
  • humor30 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding the absurdity of fouls and player actions to be hilariously frustrating, often leading to comedic moments on the pitch. While some appreciate the game's ability to generate laughable scenarios, others feel that the humor has diminished over the years, with gameplay becoming less funny and more frustrating. Overall, the game's quirky AI and unexpected events can provide entertainment, but opinions vary on whether this humor enhances or detracts from the overall experience.

    • “Your fouls on the other hand are hilarious to the point of frustration.”
    • “Slide tackles are hilariously programmed wherein no matter if it's all ball or not, a foul is guaranteed.”
    • “If you like magic spells and watching supernatural, inexplicable or hilariously stupid events unfold on the pitch, please buy this game.”
    • “Gameplay is not funny, and the actions of the players are sometimes too weird.”
    • “Unfunny game; terrible defense gameplay...”
  • optimization24 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received largely negative feedback, with users reporting severe issues such as heavy CPU usage, frequent screen stuttering, and overheating problems. While some players with lower-end PCs have managed to achieve smooth gameplay, the overall consensus highlights significant performance inconsistencies and a need for better optimization updates.

    • “A well optimized game, running smoothly on my low-end PC with awesome graphics and gameplay. Best modern-day football game for PC, in my opinion.”
    • “Game runs smoothly during gameplay at 60fps on a far from top PC (i3-4160, R9 270, 8GB RAM DDR3) on medium settings.”
    • “Great game and runs smoothly.”
    • “Optimization is painfully bad (eating CPU like hell).”
    • “Bad optimization and minimal updates are my only complaint.”
    • “Heavy screen stuttering, a graphic glitch.”
  • music24 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the soundtrack as a highlight, particularly noting specific songs like "Hurts" by Joy Crookes, while others criticize it for lacking variety and quality compared to competitors like FIFA. While the sound effects and overall audio experience are generally well-received, many players feel the soundtrack does not meet expectations, with some describing it as "meh" or only slightly better than previous iterations. Overall, the music aspect is seen as a strong point for some, but a disappointment for others.

    • “Paradoxically, the thing I like the most (besides the classic ability to customize a lot of things, thank god), is the soundtrack.”
    • “While I found its pace tedious at times and would have preferred more focus on the grave-tending mechanics, more patient players will find a lot to like in its wealth of well-developed diversions, fantastic art and music, and pitch-black comedic aesthetic.”
    • “Great music as always and perfect menu system and controls.”
    • “The soundtrack is just not enough in both quantity and quality.”
    • “Proper PES fans will already understand that this isn't the game for those looking for flashy menus, expansive soundtracks, life-like commentary, and stadium audio.”
    • “FIFA games have always had better soundtracks.”
  • stability22 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent glitches, lag, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. Issues such as unresponsive AI, poor referee decisions, and connection problems exacerbate the experience, leading many to deem it unplayable at times. While some users note improvements in certain areas, the overall consensus is that the game remains buggy and frustrating, particularly in online modes.

    • “Best on PC; looks and runs great. More realistic than FIFA and more rewarding.”
    • “The game maintains a smooth performance even during intense moments, ensuring a stable experience.”
    • “I appreciate how the game rarely crashes or glitches, providing a reliable gaming experience.”
    • “Online glitches, network abusers, hackers, and such are just a drop in the ocean of the issues the game actually has in its core gameplay.”
    • “I've tried to like this version; however, the constant amount of glitches, which very often lead to random goals, are just frustrating.”
    • “This game frequently crashes for no reason and is very buggy.”
  • grinding18 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding is a significant aspect of gameplay, often described as tedious and time-consuming, with players needing to invest substantial hours to progress, especially in modes like myclub. While some appreciate the depth and content available, many find the repetitive nature of grinding detracts from the overall experience, leading to frustration, particularly for those who prefer a more casual playstyle.

    • “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “Unless you're a whale, or can spend 5 hours per day grinding over and over, don't buy this game for myclub (online play).”
  • monetization16 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to the prevalence of microtransactions, particularly in modes like MyClub. While some players appreciate that it offers fewer pay-to-win elements compared to competitors like FIFA, the overall sentiment reflects frustration over the game's reliance on monetization strategies and perceived lack of genuine development. Users express a desire for a focus on core gameplay improvements rather than exploitative financial practices.

    • “It also has fewer chances for microtransactions to give players advantages and it is much easier to build your dream team in myClub mode.”
    • “If Konami can keep it up, focus on Master League, eliminate the microtransactions, and use that as a marketing tool for their myClub mode.”
    • “I am new to PC football games. I heard reviews about FIFA 21 being a cash grab, so I thought PES would be a nice option to play, and yes, I like this game.”
    • “I used to love this game and now it's just a cash grab, especially with these new versions.”
    • “Myclub is a plague, a cash grab and since it's making them money, it's the only thing they actually develop.”
    • “The developers have been extremely lazy in every aspect of this game and to be honest this feels very much a cash grab.”
  • emotional11 mentions

    Players express significant emotional frustration with the game, citing issues like inconsistent AI behavior, unfair fouls, and a lack of excitement compared to previous versions. Many feel that the game's technical shortcomings have overshadowed the enjoyment they once experienced, leading to disappointment and a sense of betrayal from the developers. The emotional toll is evident, as players describe the experience as more painful than entertaining, with moments of heartbreak stemming from gameplay mechanics that feel unbalanced and frustrating.

    • “Great work with the game, but it's not always technical, and sometimes emotional, so the only thing I and every other Indian player need from this game is our team and our players.”
    • “They never miss a free kick, and it can be heart-breaking when your keeper fails to save a regulation free kick.”
    • “One thing I don't understand is sometimes the game is very smooth and passing is good, but sometimes the passing is very slow, and it made me feel like I was at a big disadvantage and destined to lose the game.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    Overall, the atmosphere in the game is a mixed bag; while some players praise the lifelike animations and immersive stadium experiences, others criticize the lack of engaging commentary and crowd dynamics. The graphics are noted as beautiful, yet there are calls for improvements in player representation and overall atmosphere, especially in comparison to competitors like FIFA. Some users express disappointment with the game's atmosphere, describing it as weak or nonexistent, indicating a need for enhancements in future updates.

    • “From lifelike player animations to immersive stadium atmospheres, every moment feels like you're right in the middle of the action.”
    • “Atmosphere in the stadiums is fantastic, way better than in FIFA.”
    • “Graveyard Keeper makes a lot of bold choices, replacing the friendly, relaxing atmosphere of typical life sims with a more goal-directed structure in a more cynical setting.”
    • “Glitchy, buggy, boring, same old game with stupid referee & very limited licenses; super boring commentary, atmosphere is almost nonexistent.”
    • “Stadium/crowd atmosphere is weak.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    Users highlight that the game offers significant replayability, particularly praising the depth of its career mode, which enhances the overall experience. Despite some criticisms regarding subsequent titles, many feel it remains enjoyable and worth revisiting.

    • “Career mode has more depth, allowing for more replayability.”
    • “Infinitely replayable.”
    • “It was the best during the time and still has replayability.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

60hMedian play time
175hAverage play time
8-288hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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