Developer: PES Productions
Publisher: Konami
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii, PS2
Release Date: September 21

Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series has lagged behind market leader FIFA in more than just sales figures for some seasons now, but things could be about to change. With a host of refinements across the pitch and improved online play, PES 2013 is the spectacular return to form that fans have been waiting for.

PES has long favoured style over substance, and in keeping with this tradition, the majority of the latest edition's gains are gameplay-related. Issues that plagued the previous instalments have been ironed out completely. Player AI is a degree sharper, so your men won't stand idly by when the ball whisks past them, and enhanced physics means it no longer operates outside the laws of gravity.

PES 2013 brings a range of new controls options to the table, most of which enrich the experience. Although difficult to master, the improved manual passing and shooting adds an air of realism, and the overhauled defensive system helps the series claw back ground on FIFA. It's a more authentic system built around containment and expertly-timed tackles. Those accustomed to the ways of old will no doubt find themselves on the receiving end of countless yellow cards while they acclimatise, but perseverant players will find it's worth the time invested.

Players have new attacking moves at their disposal too, adding the potential for the kind of flair and creativity usually associated with the likes of Lionel Messi. Rollovers, lofted passes and deft nutmegs can now be performed with greater ease, and are essential for giving defenders the slip under the new system. New precision strikes and the debuting 'knuckle' shot feature give you more options up front, so there's plenty to add to your repertoire.

The shrewdly-honed mechanics are complemented by improved computer AI. A feature dubbed player ID ensures that big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo behave like their real-life counterparts. That might not sound like a good thing in every sense, but it does heighten the authenticity. Perhaps more significantly, attacking players are now more creative with their runs and positioning, and goalkeepers feel like they've come a long way since PES 2012.

Online play is more stable than before, but still prone to the odd stutter over an average broadband connection. One interesting development is the inclusion of stat-boosting bonus items that can be used in the Master League and Become a Legend modes. If nothing else, it provides an additional incentive to venture into online territory and pit your skills against players the world over.

PES may have rediscovered its top form on the pitch, but there are still some issues off it. Master League is a solid career mode with some light RPG elements that enable you to strengthen specific areas of your game through the purchase of equipment, but its presentation is bland and dated. Between match days, you'll spend much of your time staring at unappealing calendars, confusing tactics menus, and the ever-tiresome loading screens.

The game would certainly have benefited from stronger commentary. While Jon Champion and Jim Beglin do a reasonable job, much of their spiel is rehashed and begins to feel noticeably stale over time. PES has never been backed by the same extensive licensing agreements that FIFA boasts, but it would be nice to see more English teams besides Manchester United represented in future instalments.

There are still some areas where FIFA continues to reign supreme. Despite the tweaked physics and overhauled defending, the impact engine remains the pinnacle of video game football technology, delivering the kind of visceral experience its competitors can only dream of. However, now that PES has gotten its act together where it counts, there's little to choose between them from a gameplay standpoint.

In summary, PES 2013 may be lacking in clean presentation and official licensing, but Konami has scored a wonder goal on the pitch. The physics, core mechanics, and AI have been tightened up to pave the way for the kind of fluid football the series built its reputation on over the last generation. With FIFA and PES both in title-winning form, it's a great time to be a football fan.