To say that the launch of eFootball 2022 was chaotic is an understatement. While Konami had promised something heavy for this first next-gen opus, we were unfortunately treated to a terrible prank that delighted Twitter. Aware of having disrespected the fans who had never let them go, even when the series was only a shadow of itself, the developers then issued a letter of apology promising a worthy v1.0 update. Initially scheduled for the end of last year, it will finally arrive on April 14. To reassure ourselves a little before pressing the button, the Japanese publisher organized an event two days ago in England during which we were able to test this famous patch that the community has been waiting for so long. We tell you right away: it’s much better, yes, but there’s still a lot of work to do.
Honestly, we still wonder how Konami was able to nullify all the efforts made in recent years to close the gap that separated it from FIFA. Even if the simulation of Electronic Arts was unattainable commercially, in terms of gameplay, PES had nothing to envy to its eternal rival who was quietly moving away from the fundamentals of football. After having managed to find the right balance with the Fox Engine, the teams therefore had to tame the Unreal Engine so that it stuck to the principles of the franchise. Without necessarily talking about gameplay, we can say that the feeling is there: eFootball 2022 is indeed in line with PES. This is still the case with this v1.0 update which reconsiders some questionable choices. For example, we note the return of collective pressing with R1, the absence of which had frustrated more than one. Moreover, we notice quite quickly that in this new version, the defensive animation is largely articulated around the pressing. It’s unclear whether Konami has approached Pep Guardiola to adjust the gameplay of eFootball 2022, but rarely have we seen such aggressive counter-pressing. When we recover the ball, we are often harassed by one or two players who prevent us from restarting in an armchair. It is then necessary to go through the goalkeeper either to clear the ball far ahead, or to come out short, which implies a certain technical quality of the players. By taking the risk of starting cleanly, there is a chance that several opponents will be eliminated: looking for a partner in the intervals or bypassing the block opposite, it works rather well.
Moreover, in terms of graphics, eFootball 2022 is finally presentable. Although there’s still a long way to go – especially in terms of the overly frozen facial expressions and some rigid animations – the disaster that made the whole Internet laugh is now only a distant nightmare.
When they are not cut, the passing circuits make it possible to have a head start on the opposing defense and to put it in difficulty if the block has not repositioned itself. A kind of safeguard to counter those who would abuse pressing with Cross (and the foot which automatically puts itself in opposition) without thinking of the space they leave behind them. We take this opportunity to point out that in one against one, the brake recoil has gained in finesse, with in particular players more flexible on their support to better frame their opponent and possibly intercept the ball. The legendary Carré-Croix was also resurrected by Konami which, when eFootball 2022 was launched, replaced it with R1. A sacrilege for purists who will therefore be delighted to find their automatisms, even if some felt that pressing a single key favored reactivity and sequences. In any case, during the few hours that we were able to spend in the company of the v1.0 update, we witnessed quite dirty feints in which the opponent systematically bit. As much to tell you that when there is no one behind to close the door and it is Ousmane Dembélé who tumbles, it is open day. Clearly, the Carré-Croix is currently cheated; we hope that the developers will have the good idea to reduce its influence so much it can kill a match. Konami’s retouching also focused on the physics engine which, it must be admitted, was a mess at the time of the deployment of eFootball 2022.
GEGENPRESSING
From what we’ve seen, it’s getting better even if we’re still not at the level of PES 2021. Let’s say that a good number of laughable bugs have been removed – not all of them, huh? – and that a form of consistency seems to have been found at the contact level. However, some collisions still deserve to be worked on if only to give depth to the duels. There, we rather have the impression that the players slip on it, which is quite strange for a version where the protection of the ball and the physical impact are considered as priorities. No doubt the addition of new animations will make the whole thing more natural: two players colliding without trying to cushion the shock, this is not what is expected of the next-gen. As far as inertia is concerned, we already knew that eFootball 2022 had remained faithful to its predecessors and therefore forced the player’s body to be properly oriented in order to then receive, control and transmit the ball in the best conditions. This is a different approach from that of FIFA – which favors spectacle and flash counters: we are not obliged to adhere to this proposal, but on paper, it is what comes closest soccer friends. Therefore, we are not surprised to see that construction remains the key word at Konami, free-to-play or not. Following feedback from the community, the developers have decided to increase the speed of passes so that we can better get out of opposing pressure. As soon as it starts playing in a key, it’s still something. On the other hand, several of our actions were rotten by passes addressed to the wrong partner. We are told that this is a point on which the teams have precisely worked…
Anyway, the v1.0 update marks the appearance of Stunning Kicks. Basically, by pressing R2 + Cross, Circle, Triangle or Square, we can execute a pass, an opening, a strike or a center at the same time more supported, more precise, and faster. If the manipulation is well done, the power gauge then turns blue, knowing that it is better to try your luck when you have a free field. Indeed, the leather taking a little longer to leave the foot of the player, you can easily get the ball stolen in case of pressing. We have not yet understood all the subtleties of these Stunning Kicks, but they seem to take into account the profile of the players. For example, in the case of a strike, those comfortable in this exercise (rising shot, diving, in first intention among others) will be able to give a more pronounced effect to the ball. We can imagine that it will be the same for millimeter crosses, or heads and volleys. What is certain is that it is not necessary to use Stunning Kicks to put the defense to the torture: a skilfully measured deep pass is enough. This is an aspect in which eFootball 2022 still needs to improve to prevent the central hinge or the lateral ones from being opened in half. Even when a defender is in a position to intercept a pass, oddly, he does not straighten his leg. The kind of wandering that annoys. Since we are talking about the rear guard, let’s add that the defensive heads did not fully convince us. Whether on a corner, a cross or a free kick near the surface, the attacker tends to have an advantage, including when he is in a delicate position. Admittedly, the action does not necessarily end with a goal, but in tense matches, it can be important.
If a good number of imperfections remain, Konami has offered itself a little serenity thanks to a gameplay that has taken on a few colors.
In small spaces, player responsiveness has been improved. Despite the pronounced inertia, they are able to unblock a situation on an individual exploit, which is always enjoyable when it’s a string behind. Konami has taken advantage of the patch to also revamp the Game Plan. The “Tactics” section not only allows you to modify the formation of the team and its style of play, but you can also give individual instructions – ask a defender to play much higher than usual, for example – determining a secondary strategy to apply it during the match according to the evolution of the score, even influencing the movements of the AI In short, it is more substantial than in the iteration original. It’s just a shame that the developers didn’t take the time to review the depressingly austere interface, not to mention the skin that still burns the eyes. Moreover, in terms of graphics, eFootball 2022 is finally presentable. Although there’s still a long way to go – especially in terms of the overly frozen facial expressions and some rigid animations – the disaster that made the whole Internet laugh is now only a distant nightmare. While waiting to find the same level of photorealism as in the past, the football stars have been treated with respect. You would have to be in bad faith not to recognize Aubameyang, Müller, Morata, Pogba, Dembélé, or even Lewandowski at first glance. Everything that makes the salt of football – the disputes of the players with the referee, the goalkeeper who reframes his defense, the photographers around the pitch, the arrival of the players at the stadium, the warm-up before the match, the dynamic presentation of the compositions, the post-match interviews among others – is very present and promotes immersion. Those who know the house know that it is anything but a surprise.
