Konami's eFootball 2022 has been absolutely hammered in the press ever since the franchise was rebranded to eFootball and an early version was released back in September 2021.
But, after several disappointing updates since that time, it looks like there could finally be a light at the end of the tunnel for fans of the formerly PES franchise.
The biggest eFootball 2022 update is arriving this week, with Version 1.0.0 supposedly set to transform the current gameplay.
Vast eFootball improvements coming soon
The reaction to the rebranded PES game was as cataclysmic as any game could ever receive.
There were countless issues after a rushed development period, including bugs and comically bad player faces to name a couple.
However, the rigid gameplay was the main issue for PES fans, with passing being painfully slow, defending nearly impossible and shooting woefully inaccurate.
Konami had always stated that eFootball, in this new free-to-play form, was going to be an ever-evolving game, with the first ‘proper’ Version 1.0.0 update coming long after the initial release.
Finally, Version 1.0.0 has almost arrived and it is the update that, Konami hopes, will slowly start to drive fans back to the game and potentially even rival FIFA 23.
Overhauled defensive system
There are two key features that contribute most to the gameplay changes coming in Version 1.0.0.
The first is an overhauled defensive system which brings back the ability to press players by holding down a button (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox).
Holding that button brings your player closer to the opponent and then pressing it twice makes you tackle.
This is, in fact, the exact way that PES used to do it in recent years, which should be music to the fanbase's ears.
A new shoulder challenge move has also been introduced, giving extra options to gain possession and hence making defending easier.
Introduction of Stunning Kicks
The other main addition is on the offensive side of things, with the introduction of a new ‘Stunning Kicks’ control.
Players can now pull off a Stunning Kick by pressing R2 / RT at exactly the same time as they press a kick button.
This turns the power meter blue and modifies the kick to make it more effective, but comes at a cost in that it takes the player much longer to wind up and release the ball.
All four main kick buttons have a Stunning variant including the pass, through ball and cross.
The Stunning Shot is the one to look out for though, as if pulled off correctly, the shot will carry significantly more power and accuracy.
Version 1.0.0 release date
Finally! The official date for the delayed release of eFootball's Version 1.0.0 has now been announced.
Fans will be able to access the update from Thursday, 14 April, meaning there is not much longer to wait.
Konami released the following statement with the announcement:
"Driven by feedback received from our users, we have worked on fixing bugs, adjusting the game balance, and adding new elements to the game to make it even more enjoyable for our users.
"There will also be the addition of the game mode "Dream Team" - previously introduced as "Creative Team" - in which players can enjoy building their own team and take on other "Dream Teams" from around the world."
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