Intelligent, good looking soccer sim
PES 2012 is the latest version of the popular soccer game for Windows and consoles. The game makes some significant improvements over PES 2011, boasting better gameplay and graphics than the previous version. PES 2012 has everything to prove. The series is currently languishing behind EA's FIFA, and has a lot of ground to make up to have any hopes of winning this year's battle of the soccer sims.
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What's changed in PES 2012?
Changes in PES 2012 are largely centered around gameplay and team play, allowing players to make the most of tactical opportunities. Among the changes in PES 2012 are:
- New AI engine for a more realistic team play experience - Attackers and defenders move as a more cohesive unit, allowing players to force mistakes - New cursor-switching system allows players to pick a team mate anywhere on the pitch - Improved jostling system and more realistic player collisions - Other changes including improved animation, more player styles, enhanced lighting effects, improved dead ball system, and more
How does the new AI system work?
Always known for putting gameplay first, many of the changes in PES 2012 are to the game's artificial intelligence. Teammates and opponents are designed to act in a more authentic way and be tougher to beat. Five key areas have been focused on - overlapping runs, diagonal runs, dummy runs, zonal defense, and zonal marking.
A new off-the-ball running system in PES 2012 opens up new opportunities and gives you greater control of your team. Using the right analog stick you can select an off-the-ball player and make him run while still retaining control of the player with the ball. The controls for this are fiddly and hard to get used to but well worth persevering with because it allows you to find openings or drag defenders out of position to create space.
The defensive improvements in PES 2012 are impressive too, with teams now holding formation much better when under attack. Defending feels more intelligent. It's no longer enough just to hold a button down to apply pressure to an attacker and rob the ball. With PES 2012 you need to make sure you position the defender in the right place first then time your lunge with precision.
The combination of improved AI of the attacking unit and the susceptibility of defenders in one-on-ones seems to make it easier to create chances in PES 2012 than previous versions, meaning less low-scoring games than before.
What else is new in Pro Evo 2012?
As is the norm with ever Pro Evolution Soccer update, graphics in PES 2012 have been enhanced and the player likenesses are very authentic in some cases. Animations are slicker and the game has a very rounded feel which seems smoother than FIFA.
This second demo of PES 2012 isn't representative of the final version of Konami's soccer sim, but it does give you a good feel for the new gameplay aspects. You can play a ten minute match, choosing Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Rangers, Club América or Internacional. You should check out the challenge-based Training section of the demo to get hands-on coaching on the new controls within PES 2012.
The setup screens and tactics configuration menus in PES 2012 seem more streamlined than the previous version, which would be a good thing because setting up your team in Pro Evo can be a notoriously laborious process. We'll have to wait and see in the final version if these straightforward tactics menus are retained.
Football Life offers more than match-day action
Beyond its on-pitch improvements, PES 2012 introduces Football Life, a mode hub that brings together several different approaches to managing a football career. Players can pursue individual success in Become a Legend, develop a club through Master League, or explore the Club Boss experience, which focuses on running a team from an ownership perspective. These options add variety beyond standard exhibition matches, giving players reasons to return to the game even when they want a break from direct match control.
Licensed competitions add authenticity
The game features officially licensed competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and Copa Santander Libertadores. These tournaments provide recognizable competition formats for players who prefer recreating established football events instead of organizing every match manually. The inclusion of licensed competitions also strengthens the game's identity as a football simulation, although the overall licensing coverage is not universal. Some clubs, leagues, and team names may not have their official branding, depending on the competition and platform.
Official patches update teams and competition details
Konami released official patch 1.06 for the PC edition, with updates focused on the Copa Santander Libertadores. The patch includes revised rosters for the competition's 38 participating teams and its official match ball, alongside adjustments intended to improve match fluidity. These changes provide a more up-to-date experience for players using the patched edition. However, this is a historical update rather than a current roster service, so the game should not be expected to reflect modern squads or contemporary football transfers.
Community patches extend the classic experience
Although official support for a game from 2011 is limited, the PES community has produced unofficial patches that modify team rosters, kits, player appearances, stadium advertising, and other presentation details. Some releases also introduce additional leagues and teams, helping players customize the experience beyond the original content. These modifications can make PES 2012 more adaptable for retro-football fans, but they are created by third parties rather than Konami. Compatibility can vary by patch and game version, so users should check installation instructions and download files only from sources they trust.
Online modes and platform differences
PES 2012's original feature set extends beyond offline matches, with its console versions offering online options such as quick matches, competition lobbies, and Master League Online. Some editions also provide cooperative or multi-user experiences. Nevertheless, these features were designed for the game's original online infrastructure, and their present-day availability should not be assumed. Players revisiting the title should distinguish between features included at launch and services that may no longer operate, especially when choosing a version specifically for online play.
Conclusion
Some people will say that Pro Evolution has lost ground to FIFA over the last three or four versions. PES 2012 certainly closes the gap on FIFA, though, adding some intelligence to Pro Evo's trademark arcade gameplay.
With a raft of gameplay and AI improvements, PES 2012 is shaping up to be an excellent entry in the long running series.
If you want a trip back down memory lane and to see how Pro Evolution Soccer has evolved over the years, you can download demos of most of the old versions of PES on Softonic. Check them out here:
- Pro Evolution Soccer 4- Pro Evolution Soccer 5- Pro Evolution Soccer 6 - Pro Evolution Soccer 2008- Pro Evolution Soccer 2009- Pro Evolution Soccer 2010- Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 (purchase only)
Play vintage tactical matches during the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with PES 2012.
• Command classic international teams using the lightweight PES 2012 framework
• Simulate quick custom brackets mirroring the current global football tournament
• Experience responsive retro controls during breaks between live match broadcasts
