Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 review: More than enough to rival FIFA 15

£44.99; PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC; Konami

What a difference a year makes. After PES 2014 - enjoyed by faithful fans willing to overlook sluggish components - the series has returned to its roots after major improvements to passing, shooting and defending.

The core elements of the game have been fine-tuned to deliver what this title does best; recreating the balance and physicality of football. The game gives the user complete control over defensive decisions, over when to close down, tackle or retain shape.

The AI now constantly adjusts to the action - teammates offer options, find space and make intelligent runs - and the opposition reacts to events on the pitch when momentum shifts, attacking in numbers in search of an equaliser or playing deeper when leading. Players will also barge others off the ball and use their body to block rivals.

The return of the Stadium Editor and the implementation of rain are welcome after their bizarre absence last year. Transfers and team line-ups will be updated weekly, second tier leagues from England, Spain, Italy and France feature for the first time and the menu has been overhauled.

Next-gen versions will benefit from the FOX engine and feature enhanced player and crowd animations. The world's greatest players have been recreated faithfully to look, run and play like their real-life counterparts.

The likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will be instantly recognisable via their playing and dribbling styles. Teams such as Bayern Munich press, defend and attack like they would in real life.

This edition marks a return to the unrestricted gameplay and complete control that fans of the series have longed for. Konami have delivered a responsive, fluid and balanced title which will satisfy gamers even in defeat. Weeks after the release of FIFA 15, gamers can finally experience the intensity of the world's favourite sport with PES 2015.