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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 83 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 77 | 237 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 68 | 625 |
| Xbox store ratings | – | 40 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (51)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“PES stays ahead of its competition... if you don't ask for too much.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The new edition of PES does not offer a revolution. But you need to remember that Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 doesn't need one - it's a great sporting game that just got a little better. Ball control improvement and additions in Master League are welcome, but the small number of licenses is not (as usual). But all in all it's still a very good game.”
read full review ↗ - 85
- 80
“With its peppy presentation and new lick of paint, Konami has breathed even more life into PES with its latest instalment, a celebration of everything thrilling about football. Gameplay is exciting and technical, and the selection of modes varied and replayable to the point where it's hard to see where the franchise will go next - except for fixing some major flaws in Master League and adding some more licenses. Fans of the series need not Pjanic: PES 2018 continues the series' goal-den streak. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“PES 2018 is a solid football game, with a plethora of game modes, options and a great feeling on the pitch. Finally going online is not a problem, but the whole package is too similar to that of the previous year.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“There's just something about the players' movement and the kinds of arcs the ball makes in the air that's just so pleasant to control--every pass, header, and shot just feels right. And when it clicks, and you score a thunderous strike from the edge of the area or finish off a slick passing move or even when you launch an ugly long ball forward to grab a last-gasp winner, it's the closest feeling you'll get to being out there scoring yourself.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Not only is Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 the best football game in terms of graphics, it is the best I have experienced in terms of gameplay. The level of detail and player likenesses create a game that comes as close to you'll get to the real thing. There are still a few minor issues with presentation, and perhaps a few more changes could have been made to Master League and Become a Legend, but I'm clutching at straws here. The gameplay is near perfection, the AI and goalkeepers are improved, Konami have added further licenses to their product, and the graphics are amazing. Hopefully the servers are ready for online and with just a few minor presentation improvements to be improved on, PES really has set the bar of what a football game should be.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“PES 2018 is a great football game that delivers a fun experience across its various modes. The actual in match gameplay can be sublime and its hardly ever boring thanks to the lack of stoppages. Konami has created a real contender for this year’s footballing crown, but issues like the simple nature of the commentary, and AI being a little silly at times hold it back from being proclaimed champion just yet. However, if you love your football then PES 18 is well worth picking up.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“At times it seems indistinguishable from last year’s game, but the slower play speed and improved controls work well and make this the best PES yet. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While the list of off-field changes is more than limited, PES 2018 improves upon the in-match action of last year’s title enough to get by and remain at the top of the footballing table.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“On the pitch, PES 2018 is almost as good as it gets. Fluid mechanics, jaw-dropping goalscoring and real precision in the controls make for thrilling matches and spinning highlight reels. Too bad the old flaws are still there, licenses are sparse and the commentary horrendous. If you can look past the errors, this is a must-buy for football fanatics. ”
read full review ↗ - 87
PLAY Zine
GRYOnline.pl
Push Square
Eurogamer
GameSpot
GameGrin
TheSixthAxis
Metro GameCentral
We Got This Covered
M3
Atomix…and 39 more tracked reviews.