The big comeback follows the crash: Konami starts the first season of “eFootball 2022” with the 1.0.0 update. Is it worth starting now?
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“Pro Evolution Soccer” becomes the free-to-play service game “eFootball”: As if this concept change wasn’t hard enough for die-hard “PES” fans, “eFootball 2022” advanced to become one of the biggest at launch Video game disasters of the past decades: Badly playable, ugly and afflicted with countless bugs, “eFootball 2022” quickly became a meme and a mega flop.
But Konami promised improvement – with the 1.0.0 update. This has been available since April 14, 2022, the game started its first season on April 21 and also launched the in-game shop. Is eFootball 2022 finally a free alternative to FIFA 22?
Missing options and teams
In the so-called “eFootball World” you will currently find two basic types of play: “Authentic” and the dream team. In “Authentic” there is the possibility to play friendlies against the computer. However, there are still only nine teams like FC Bayern or Manchester United, so boredom quickly sets in during the tryouts.
The challenge events that have recently become available bring a bit of variety into the game. Here you compete in PvP matches with a previously selected team – for example from the Spanish league or the J-League. The rewards are GP coins and XP training programs that you need to level up your players. This way you can at least enjoy other teams.
You will look in vain for other types of games such as the master league or cup and league competitions for offline operation. Konami wants you to play online and measure yourself against the competition.
Dream Team Mode: Bring on the Cash!
However, the Dreamteam mode is clearly the focus. This is strikingly reminiscent of “FIFA Ultimate Team”, but with far less depth and a much more boring presentation.
“eFootball 2022” features three currencies for signing new players and coaches: GP coins are the most common reward that you use on the “Normal Player Roster”. There are no transfer negotiations. And be kickers like Robert Lewandowski or Lionel Messi have a fixed price and accordingly you have to grind out the 1,200,000 GP coins for “Lewa” first. Buying a new coach works in a similar way, which primarily affects the style of play – the equivalent of team chemistry from “FIFA”.
On the “Special Player List” you will currently find “Magic Moment Stars”, which you can buy with golden “eFootball” coins. The random number generator decides which kickers will be drawn from the pools. You can also buy eFootball Coins for real money. 100 coins correspond to 99 cents. A new, random player currently costs around one euro. There are also “Players of the Month” players, which you buy with list contracts in five tiers, which you in turn receive through regular play.
Shortly after the launch, “eFootball 2022” is still pouring out the in-game currencies. If you jump in now and secure all the rewards, you can put together a powerful team. Nevertheless: If you want the big stars, you will have to grind!
Dream team mode: Beautiful is different.
The biggest problem with Dreamteam mode: The gameplay is extremely confusing and anything but beautifully presented. On the strategy and tactics screen, we have to laboriously click through several pages to switch players.
Players receive experience points after the matches – depending on their performance and whether they were in the starting XI or were substituted on. Leveling up earns you points. However, there is no indication in the player overview which kickers have upgrade points left. Accordingly, we have to laboriously click through the entire squad. Automation options are also missing, for example to upgrade reserve players directly.
In terms of game types, the mode has so far been conservative with challenge events and the “eFootball” league. Here you fight your way through the ranks and get rewards. The catch: those who invest money naturally have it easier and can get to the strongest players faster.
How does eFootball 2022 play after the 1.0.0 update?
Worse than the limited scope of the game at launch was the downright neutered gameplay of “eFootball 2022”. The good news: After the 1.0.0 update, the kick plays much better – but it’s still not at the level of earlier times.
First of all, the enormously sluggish game speed in the standard settings is annoying. As a result, the dynamics of dribbles, passes and shots are noticeably lost. In any case, Konami urgently needs to improve the passing game: players rarely approach the ball directly, let it through unplanned or stumble it – this quickly creates a festival of bad passes and ball losses. The duel system still lacks physicality and the referees lack sensitivity. They either don’t whistle at all for obvious fouls or happily hand out yellow cards at the slightest touch.
Once the game is up and running, “eFootball 2022” can also create beautiful moments and opportunities. However, these require skill and a fair amount of overview. Overall, it looks a lot more like real football compared to the launch version. For a free-to-play game, however, the virtual kick lacks this initial spark that motivates you to continue playing.
In terms of technology, there are also light and shadows after the 1.0.0 update: We were not able to discover a “Ronaldo Gate” like at the launch. The action on the pitch is quite respectable and the faces of big stars also fit. The spectators, on the other hand, are completely different, sometimes waving their broken hands like a horde of undead in the stands.
