FIFA 18 vs PES 2018: Cover stars, gameplay, new features..

Every year two major football games are released on XBOX and PlayStation consoles, but only one seems to consistently steal the headlines.

In the first week following FIFA 17 and PES 2017's releases last year, the EA football game outsold its rival by more than 40 times.

FIFA has built itself into a huge game with some of the biggest names in football (such as Cristiano Ronaldo ) endorsing it.

But with Philippe Coutinho signed up as a PES 2018 ambassador and the game partnering with Barcelona to release a special edition, could things be about to change?

Let's look at the facts and tally up the scores...

 

Release date

FIFA 18 will be released late September (Image: EA Sports)

FIFA 18 - September 29

PES 2018 - September 12

FIFA 18 0-1 PES 2018

Cover stars

Philippe Coutinho is PES 2018's cover star (Image: Playstation/KONAMI)

FIFA 18 - Cristiano Ronaldo

PES 2018 - Philippe Coutinho

FIFA 18 1-1 PES 2018

New Features

Can PES 2018's new features trump FIFA? (Image: Konami)

FIFA 18 - EA are promising to get more out of Frostbite this year. The introduction of 'real player' motion technology gives players like Ronaldo more personality and responsiveness. New team styles (from tiki-taka to high press) are being introduced and there's been an upgrade to stadiums.

PES 2018 - Strategic dribbling, better shielding of the ball and subtle player movements have all been introduced to improve gameplay. Set-pieces have also received an overhaul. Of course there is the usual improved player and stadium graphics.

Arguably the game's most exciting new feature is the long-awaited return of 'Random Selection Match'.

FIFA 18 1-2 PES 2018

Career mode

Alex Hunter returns (Image: Daily Mirror)

FIFA 18 - Alex Hunter will return in The Journey: Hunter Returns. The incredibly popular career mode, first introduced in FIFA 17, will make a comeback with stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo featuring. EA have also hinted at a big money transfer and the prospect of Hunter playing abroad.

PES 2018 - Master League sees a new transfer system and the includsion of pre-match interviews, locker room clips and pre-season tournaments.

FIFA 18 2-2 PES 2018

Online mode

FIFA 18's icons (Image: Youtube)

FIFA 18 - EA's highly successful Ultimate Team will again be the main selling point for many prospective FIFA 18 buyers. And there's a huge bonus for PS4 players this year who will finally be able to use legends. Re-packaged as icons, Pele, Maradona and Thierry Henry will be available to play across the major consoles.

PES 2018 - A new 2v2 and 3v3 online co-op has been introduced meaning when your pal comes round you finally have something to do online together.

FIFA 18 3-2 PES 2018

Price (via PlayStation Store)

Cristiano Ronaldo is FIFA 18's main star (Image: EA SPORTS FIFA/Youtube)

FIFA 18 - £59.99

PES 2018 - £49.99

FIFA 18 3-3 PES 2018