Every year two major football games are released on XBOX and PlayStation consoles, but only one seems to consistently steal the headlines.
In the first week following FIFA 17 and PES 2017’s releases last year, the EA football game outsold its rival by more than 40 times.
FIFA has built itself into a huge game with some of the biggest names in football (such as Cristiano Ronaldo) endorsing it.
But with Philippe Coutinho signed up as a PES 2018 ambassador and the game partnering with Barcelona to release a special edition, could things be about to change?
Let’s look at the facts:
Release date
FIFA 18 – September 29
PES 2018 – September 12
Cover stars
FIFA 18 – Cristiano Ronaldo
PES 2018 – Philippe Coutinho
New Features
FIFA 18 – EA are promising to get more out of Frostbite this year. The introduction of ‘real player’ motion technology gives players like Ronaldo more personality and responsiveness. New team styles (from tiki-taka to high press) are being introduced and there’s been an upgrade to stadiums.
PES 2018 – Strategic dribbling, better shielding of the ball and subtle player movements have all been introduced to improve gameplay. Set pieces have also received an overhaul. Of course there is the usual improved player and stadium graphics.
Arguably the game’s most exciting new feature is the long-awaited return of ‘Random Selection Match’.
Career mode
FIFA 18 – Alex Hunter will return in The Journey: Hunter Returns. The incredibly popular career mode, first introduced in FIFA 17, will make a comeback with stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo featuring. EA have also hinted at a big money transfer and the prospect of Hunter playing abroad.
PES 2018 – Master League sees a new transfer system and the inclusion of pre-match interviews, locker room clips and pre-season tournaments.
Online mode
FIFA 18 – EA’s highly successful Ultimate Team will again be the main selling point for many prospective FIFA 18 buyers. And there’s a huge bonus for PS4 players this year that will finally be able to use legends. Re-packaged as icons, Pele, Maradona and Thierry Henry will be available to play across the major consoles.
PES 2018 – A new 2v2 and 3v3 online co-op has been introduced meaning when your pal comes round you finally have something to do online together.
Price (via PlayStation Store)
FIFA 18 – $77.99
PES 2018 – $64.99
