Can Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 PC Still Compete With Modern Football Games in 2024?
I still remember the day I first booted up Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 on my gaming PC back in 2016. The crisp graphics, the fluid gameplay, the way Neymar moved exactly like his real-life counterpart - it felt revolutionary at the time. Fast forward to 2024, and I find myself occasionally returning to this classic, wondering how it stacks up against modern football gaming giants like FIFA 24 and eFootball 2024. The question isn't just about nostalgia - it's about whether this seven-year-old game still has what it takes to compete in today's gaming landscape.
Let's talk about what made PES 2017 special in the first place. The game's Master League mode remains one of the most engaging career modes I've ever experienced in any sports game. Unlike modern titles that often prioritize flash over substance, PES 2017's gameplay mechanics focused on realistic ball physics and player movement. The way the ball reacted to different surfaces, the weight of player turns, the strategic depth of build-up play - these elements created a simulation experience that many argue hasn't been matched since. I've spent countless hours perfecting through balls and learning the unique playing styles of different teams. The game's tactical depth meant that you couldn't just rely on pacey forwards - you actually had to understand football strategy to succeed.
When we look at modern football games, the technological advancements are undeniable. FIFA 24's HyperMotion technology captures real-player movements with stunning accuracy, while eFootball's free-to-play model has revolutionized accessibility. The graphical differences are night and day - modern games feature photorealistic player models, dynamic weather systems, and stadium atmospheres that feel genuinely alive. PES 2017's visuals, while impressive for their time, show their age when compared to current generation titles. The crowd animations look dated, and the lighting effects lack the sophistication we've come to expect. Yet, there's something about PES 2017's art style that still holds up remarkably well - the player faces, while less detailed, often capture the essence of athletes better than some modern titles that occasionally veer into uncanny valley territory.
The online gaming landscape has transformed dramatically since 2017. Back then, PES 2017's online modes were functional but limited by today's standards. Modern football games offer seamless matchmaking, cross-platform play, and regular content updates that keep the experience fresh. PES 2017's online servers, while still technically operational, feel like ghost towns compared to the bustling communities of current titles. However, I've found that the offline experience holds up surprisingly well. The game's AI provides a challenging and varied experience that sometimes feels more authentic than what I've encountered in recent releases. The computer-controlled teams play with distinct personalities and strategies, something that seems to have been sacrificed in some modern games for the sake of accessibility.
From a technical standpoint, running PES 2017 on modern PC hardware is an interesting experience. The game loads almost instantly on an NVMe SSD, and frame rates remain consistently high even on modest graphics cards. However, compatibility issues can arise with newer controllers, and the lack of widescreen support for certain resolutions shows its age. The modding community has kept the game remarkably relevant though - with updated player rosters, HD texture packs, and stadium mods that breathe new life into the experience. I recently installed a 2023-24 season mod that updated all the teams and kits, and it's astonishing how much this transforms the game. This vibrant modding scene gives PES 2017 a longevity that few sports games can match.
Where PES 2017 truly shines, and where I believe it still competes strongly with modern titles, is in its pure football simulation. The game's focus on tactical nuance and realistic physics creates an experience that feels more like actual football than many contemporary alternatives. While modern games have made tremendous strides in presentation and online features, they sometimes sacrifice the core gameplay that made classics like PES 2017 so memorable. The satisfaction of building up a patient attacking move in PES 2017, working the ball through midfield with precise passes and clever movement, provides a depth of engagement that I find missing in some of today's faster-paced, more arcade-style football games.
Ultimately, whether PES 2017 can still compete depends on what you value in a football game. If you're looking for cutting-edge graphics, massive online communities, and the latest player transfers, modern titles are clearly superior. But if you appreciate nuanced gameplay, tactical depth, and that intangible feeling of controlling a virtual football match that behaves like the real thing, PES 2017 remains surprisingly relevant. It serves as a reminder of what made the Pro Evolution Soccer series great before its transition to the eFootball platform. For me, it's not about choosing between old and new - it's about recognizing that different football games excel in different areas, and PES 2017's strengths in core gameplay mechanics ensure it still deserves a place in the conversation eight years after its release.