Pro Evolution Soccer 2024, now branded as eFootball 2024, marks the latest installment in the long-running football simulation series from Konami. Originally known as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) or Winning Eleven, the franchise has been rebranded as eFootball since 2021, evolving into a free-to-play platform with periodic updates rather than annual full-priced releases.

Key Features of eFootball 2024:

  1. Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics:

    • The core focus of eFootball 2024 is on realistic, tactical football gameplay. Improvements have been made in ball control, dribbling, and defensive tactics, creating a more dynamic and responsive experience on the pitch.
    • The use of Unreal Engine, introduced with eFootball 2022, has been fine-tuned to provide smoother animations and better player movement, especially when compared to earlier versions.
    • The updated "Motion Matching" system captures a wide range of player movements and behaviors, improving realism when passing, shooting, or making defensive plays.

  2. Cross-Platform Play:

    • One of the most significant changes in the eFootball era is the introduction of cross-play between console, PC, and mobile platforms. This feature allows players from different systems to compete against each other seamlessly.
    • The integration of cross-platform play is a key element of Konami's strategy to build a unified player base across all devices, with future updates aimed at improving this functionality even further.

  3. Licenses and Partnerships:

    • eFootball 2024 features exclusive partnerships with clubs like FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Juventus. These partnerships grant the game access to official player likenesses, kits, and stadiums, making the licensed clubs' content more detailed and immersive.
    • Despite some limitations in terms of overall licensing compared to EA Sports' FIFA, Konami continues to secure key partnerships to differentiate its game through authentic club and player experiences.

  4. Master League (Future Update):

    • Master League, the fan-favorite team management mode, is expected to return in future updates to eFootball. This mode lets players take control of a football club, managing transfers, tactics, and player development across multiple seasons.
    • While it wasn’t included in the initial release, Konami has committed to delivering it as a premium DLC at a later stage, alongside other offline modes like "Become a Legend."

  5. Seasonal Content Updates:

    • Instead of releasing a new game annually, eFootball 2024 operates on a seasonal model. Players receive periodic updates that include new players, kits, and gameplay tweaks, keeping the game up to date with real-world football events.
    • These seasonal updates are designed to align with major football tournaments and league seasons, ensuring that rosters and team performances are current.

  6. MyClub Mode (Dream Team):

    • The successor to PES’s popular MyClub mode is now called "Dream Team" in eFootball 2024. In this mode, players build their custom teams by acquiring players through in-game currency or microtransactions, similar to FIFA’s Ultimate Team.
    • Dream Team offers regular online competitions, where players can test their squads against others, with special events that tie into real-world football competitions.

  7. Esports and eFootball League:

    • eFootball 2024 continues Konami's push into the esports space with its eFootball tournaments. Players can participate in global competitions, with official events organized under the eFootball Championship Pro and eFootball Open banners.

Graphics and Presentation:

  • The use of Unreal Engine has improved visual fidelity, offering better player models, lighting, and stadium environments. While the graphics still aren’t at the level of FIFA, eFootball 2024 has made noticeable strides compared to its early eFootball 2022 version, which faced criticism for visual issues at launch​(
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Conclusion:

Pro Evolution Soccer 2024, as part of the evolving eFootball series, represents Konami’s shift to a free-to-play model, emphasizing cross-platform play, regular seasonal updates, and improving realism. While the game still lags behind FIFA in certain areas like licensing breadth, it continues to attract a dedicated fan base thanks to its tactical gameplay and focus on authenticity.