Finding someone who has purchased and played both PES and FIFA in the last few years is rarer than club loyalty in the modern day footballer. You're either into one or the other. Simple as. Or at least it was until this season's head-to-head.

Master League is mad but great; Passing is much improved; Instant football fun awaits

Online players are still nails; Lack of licenses; Stiff animations are odd

Mark Walton dons his boots to find out if Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 is a serious contender or relegation fodder.

AI improvements make for more exciting matches; Off-the-ball control lets you set up stunning plays; Smooth animation; Fast; exciting gameplay

Lame commentary; Most game modes are the same as in last year's game; Lacks team licenses

If Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 was the reboot that put the series back in the running, then Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 is the game that pushes it straight to the finals. While it offers more in the way of refinement than something completely new, there are tweaks in PES 12 that change the way it plays,...

AI improvements make for more exciting matches; Off-the-ball control lets you set up stunning plays; Smooth animation; Fast; exciting gameplay

Lame commentary; Most game modes are the same as in last year's game; Lacks team licenses

The world of videogame football has taken great strides over the years, from simple pass-and-kick arcade games to the all out global showstoppers we have today. One franchise that continues to win over the hearts of true soccer enthusiasts is Pro Evolution Soccer, and the 2012 edition shows no signs...

Pro Evolution Soccer is back for another year of simulation football, and with it are the usual host of improvements and changes made to a sports game each year. Most of the changes made to PES 2012 improve the game's mechanics, but it still stumbles in a few areas, making it a pretty good...

As EA's FIFA series has pulled further and further ahead of Konami's once dominant Pro Evolution Soccer titles, I've got to admit that there's been a little sadness in my heart.

It definitely has its own merits and flaws and stands strongly in the market. The AI and referees do appear better. The game balances individual play (tricks, etc) with team play (teammate control, etc) a bit better and hopefully they'll continue on in that as well as general improvements.

There are two franchises that come around like clockwork every year and each franchise has their fanboys and haters. The franchises in question are Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) from Konami and FIFA from EA Sports .

It's encouraging then to see Konami at least taking steps in the right direction with the PES series, and whilst it's a good few generations behind FIFA at this point, it's important to remember that this is a series that's individual in its own right.

Concept: The Master League has been given a presentation update, but the real results are in the gameplay additions on the field Graphics: You'll notice the Master League cutscenes and appreciate the info they give Sound: There's isn't much that's notable about the commentary Playability: Using the...