PES 2021 is a solid title, but on the whole, is the same as last year's game with few updates.

For eFootball PES 2021, all of this adds up to a soccer game that feels great to play, even if it is slightly lacking in other areas. The $40 price tag makes that pill easier to swallow, though. Depending on what you're looking for on the virtual pitch, that will determine whether PES is the right option for you. If you're like me and enjoy playing through a season with some random teams that you've never heard of, then PES may be exactly what you're looking for. With solid controls and decent AI, PES 2021 is a competent alternative to FIFA from a gameplay perspective, but those who get excited about seeing their favorite teams succeed against their biggest rivals may want to pass on PES.

eFootball PES 2021 is an update to last season's title that comes at a reduced price with very little news. A title with few incentives if you arrive since last season, but excellent if you enter the series for the first time with a more than adjusted price.

PES 2021 retains the same qualities and defects as its predecessor while waiting for the new generation of consoles.

Aside from a handful of updates, PES 2021 is ultimately the same as last year's game. So if you already have it, it's not worth the upgrade. But this release asks an important question of us, as gamers and as consumers: are we prepared to tide ourselves over on off-years with packages like this while developers strive for bigger innovations between major releases? Even in normal life, and without new console hardware on the horizon? It certainly seems a more honest business practice to clearly delineate season updates from true new main releases. Ultimately, an evaluation of - deep breath - eFootball PES 2021 Season Update is a review of the IP's business model as much as the football itself. And for the promise of greater leaps forward to come, I’m cautiously in favour.