Upon launch, Konami offered two primary ways to purchase the game:
The annual rivalry with EA Sports' FIFA 21 was a key point of discussion. The two games offered starkly different visions of the sport. PES 2021 focused on simulation, realism, and tactical nuance, while FIFA 21 leaned more into an arcade-like, high-scoring, and fast-paced entertainment experience. In terms of raw value, PES was the clear winner. At half the price of its competitor, Konami's game was a far more affordable entry point for budget-conscious gamers. However, FIFA maintained an unbeatable advantage in presentation, with full licensing for almost every major league, from the Premier League to the Bundesliga, as well as its massively popular "Ultimate Team" mode and "Volta" street football. The 2020 showdown was essentially a draw, forcing players to choose between on-pitch realism (PES) or off-pitch glitz and online depth (FIFA).
The virtual football landscape shifted dramatically in 2021. Konami made a choice that surprised the gaming world. Instead of releasing a brand-new game, they launched eFootball PES 2021 Season Update . It relied entirely on the codebase of PES 2020.
: Konami utilized 3D full-body scans for a huge roster of players and high-fidelity recreations of partner stadiums like Camp Nou and Allianz Arena. pes 2021 original
The other major addition was the inclusion of the official UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. This mode, postponed from its real-world 2020 date, lets players take control of one of 55 licensed European national teams and navigate them through a authentic qualification process to the final tournament, held at London's iconic Wembley Stadium. For those who love international football, this was a substantial and welcome addition that provided a break from club-centric gameplay.
If you cannot find a retail copy, look into community-built standalone freeware projects like SP Football Life . This project modifies the core PES 2021 engine into a completely free, modernized offline experience. It requires no original game files to run. The Verdict
As the series moved toward the "eFootball" free-to-play model, many players prefer the offline-focused, tactical simulation of PES 2021. Upon launch, Konami offered two primary ways to
: Save your GP and Coins for "Iconic Moment" agents or "Featured Players" to quickly boost your squad's quality. 3. Tactical Formations
offer a perfect balance of attack and defense, allowing players to dictate the tempo of the game in a way that feels more controlled than modern iterations. Physical Gameplay:
PES 2021 is celebrated for its tactical depth and realistic ball physics, though it carries over many characteristics from the 2020 edition: In terms of raw value, PES was the clear winner
These editions included exclusive Iconic Moment Series players, representing legendary performances from stars like Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.
Modern football games often feel like fast-paced arcade card-collectors. PES 2021 Original treats football like a chess match. Several core mechanics keep the gameplay loop incredibly satisfying. Ball Physics and Weight
: While some find the AI predictable, it offers a solid foundation for tactical play, allowing for effective counter-attacks and intelligent player runs.
For many fans, this edition represents the pinnacle of realistic, simulation-heavy football. Here is a deep dive into what makes the PES 2021 original experience so unique and revered years after its release. 1. The Concept: Why "Original" Matters