Editor's Choice Pro Evolution Soccer 2015

The Pro Evo series’ halo has slipped in recent years, its decline exacerbated by EA’s increasingly excellent FIFA franchise. But can this latest incarnation of PES for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC put the series back on the road to glory?

During the PS2 era, PES was king, end of. And FIFA? A poor substitute in the minds of hardened footie fans. But the last generation of consoles saw the football giant forced to eat turf as the FIFA series lifted its (beautiful) game and walked off with the trophy.

But recently, critics have started wondering if FIFA might be becoming a wee bit too obsessed with the glitz and glamour of footie with its focus on glory-seeking play rather than the intoxicating tactical nature of the game. And PES developer Konami appears to have spotted this gap in FIFA’s defence – and punted a ball right through it.

And in doing so, Konami has created the best PES in years – and arguably the best footie game of 2014. While FIFA 2015 focuses on showboating, PES 2015 is about planning prowess and technical execution, a set-up where exploiting the strengths and weaknesses of different formations is now imperative to beating the opposition.

With any footie game though, it’s the modes that also maketh the match, and PES 2015 doesn’t come up wanting here either. Single players will spend most of their time in the Master League mode or playing myClub, which lets you create your perfect team; think of it as Konami’s response to EA’s Ultimate Team.

Our favourite mode though can be found in the PES 2015’s multiplayer offerings – Role Control lets you team up with chums on the same side with each of you taking responsibility for a set of players whether it be defenders, midfielders or attackers. So instead of the usual random switching, you must work together as a team. The result? To be frank, bloody brilliant.

Of course, the traditional PES bugbear remains – namely, EA is all over the Barclays Premier League so expect to see your beloved teams given irritating names – think West Midlands Village for Aston Villa, etc. And while you can rename them, it’s still a glaring reminder of real-world footie’s depressing obsession for money-making.

But don’t let such corporate machinations put you off because there is so much in PES 2015 to enjoy. And most importantly, it’s refreshing to finally have a footie scene which now boasts two equally worthy opponents on the pitch, instead of one all-dominant, all-conquering franchise. Welcome home then, Pro Evo – we’ve missed you.