Alright, football fanatics! Let's dive headfirst into the digital pitch and break down the ultimate mobile football game face-off: eFootball 2021 (formerly PES 21) versus PES 2022 (now eFootball 2022). If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours glued to your phone, building your dream team and battling it out against friends and rivals. So, which version reigns supreme on the small screen? Grab your virtual cleats, and let's find out!

Gameplay: Feel the (Digital) Turf

When it comes to gameplay, both eFootball 2021 and PES 2022 aim to deliver that authentic football experience right in your palms. However, there are some key differences that can make or break the game for you.

eFootball 2021, for many, represents the pinnacle of the PES mobile formula. The controls are tight, responsive, and intuitive. Whether you're pulling off a delicate through ball, unleashing a thunderous shot, or executing a perfectly timed tackle, the game feels incredibly satisfying. The player animations are smooth, and the AI provides a decent challenge, making each match feel unique. You can really feel the flow of the game, building up attacks with intricate passing moves and celebrating those hard-earned goals with gusto. It's a refined and polished experience that's hard to fault.

Now, let's talk about eFootball 2022. Ah, where do I even begin? The launch of eFootball 2022 was… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly a smooth ride. Many players found the gameplay to be clunky, unresponsive, and frankly, a step backward from its predecessor. Player animations felt robotic, the AI was often erratic, and the overall experience lacked the fluidity and finesse that made PES 2021 so enjoyable. Konami has been working hard to address these issues with subsequent updates, but the game still has a long way to go before it can truly compete with the polished gameplay of PES 2021. One of the biggest criticisms revolved around the new control scheme, which many found to be less intuitive and harder to master than the classic PES controls. Passing felt less precise, dribbling was cumbersome, and defending often felt like a frustrating guessing game. While the updates have brought some improvements, the initial negative impression has been hard to shake.

Winner: eFootball 2021. Its refined controls, smooth animations, and satisfying gameplay make it the clear winner in this category. While eFootball 2022 has potential, it still needs significant improvements to match the quality of its predecessor.

Graphics: A Visual Treat?

In the graphics department, both games offer decent visuals for a mobile platform. However, there are some noticeable differences. eFootball 2021 boasts impressive player models, detailed stadiums, and realistic lighting effects. The game runs smoothly on most devices, providing a visually appealing experience that enhances the overall immersion. You can clearly distinguish between different players, and the stadiums feel alive with cheering fans and vibrant atmospheres. The replays are also well-done, allowing you to relive your best moments in glorious detail.

eFootball 2022, on the other hand, aims for a more modern graphical style. However, the initial release was plagued with graphical glitches and inconsistencies. Player faces often looked distorted, animations were jerky, and the overall visual presentation felt unpolished. While Konami has addressed some of these issues with updates, the game still doesn't quite reach the visual fidelity of PES 2021 in certain areas. That being said, eFootball 2022 does have some visual improvements, such as more detailed textures and enhanced lighting effects. However, these improvements are often overshadowed by the lingering graphical issues that still need to be ironed out.

Winner: eFootball 2021. While eFootball 2022 has made some graphical improvements, the initial glitches and inconsistencies hold it back. PES 2021 offers a more polished and visually appealing experience overall.

Content and Features: What's on Offer?

When it comes to content and features, both eFootball 2021 and eFootball 2022 offer a variety of game modes and options to keep you engaged. However, the approach to content differs significantly between the two games.

eFootball 2021 features a wealth of content, including various league modes, cup competitions, and online events. The game also boasts a robust team-building system, allowing you to scout and train players to create your ultimate squad. One of the most popular features is the MyClub mode, where you can collect players, managers, and other items to build your dream team and compete against other players online. The game also offers regular updates and events, keeping the content fresh and exciting. PES 2021 also shines in its offline modes, allowing you to play against AI opponents in various scenarios and difficulties. This is perfect for those times when you don't have an internet connection or simply want to hone your skills before taking on other players online.

eFootball 2022 adopted a different approach, focusing on a more streamlined and online-centric experience. The initial release featured limited content, with a greater emphasis on online matches and events. While Konami has added more content over time, the game still lacks the depth and variety of PES 2021 in some areas. The Dream Team mode is the successor to MyClub, but it has been criticized for its reliance on microtransactions and its lack of engaging offline content. While the online matches can be exciting, the limited game modes and lack of offline options can make the game feel repetitive after a while. However, eFootball 2022 does offer some unique features, such as the ability to sign iconic players and participate in special events that offer exclusive rewards.

Winner: eFootball 2021. Its wealth of content, robust team-building system, and engaging offline modes make it the clear winner in this category. While eFootball 2022 has potential, it needs to expand its content offerings to truly compete with its predecessor.

Overall Experience: Which Game Should You Play?

So, after weighing all the factors, which game should you play? Well, it depends on what you're looking for in a mobile football game.

If you prioritize refined gameplay, smooth graphics, and a wealth of content, then eFootball 2021 is the clear choice. It's a polished and satisfying experience that will keep you hooked for hours on end. The game's intuitive controls, realistic animations, and engaging game modes make it a joy to play, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series. Plus, the active online community ensures that there's always someone to play against.

However, if you're willing to overlook some rough edges and are interested in a more modern and online-centric experience, then eFootball 2022 might be worth a try. Just be prepared for some potential frustrations and keep in mind that the game is still evolving. While the initial release was disappointing, Konami has been working hard to improve the game, and it has the potential to become a worthy successor to PES 2021. But for now, PES 2021 remains the king of mobile football games.

Overall Winner: eFootball 2021. Its superior gameplay, polished graphics, and wealth of content make it the better game overall. While eFootball 2022 has potential, it still needs significant improvements to catch up to its predecessor.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice between eFootball 2021 and eFootball 2022 comes down to personal preference. But in my humble opinion, eFootball 2021 remains the champion of mobile football. So, grab your phone, lace up your virtual boots, and get ready to experience the beautiful game on the go! And who knows, maybe eFootball 2022 will eventually rise to the occasion and give its predecessor a run for its money. But until then, I'll be sticking with PES 2021 for my mobile football fix. What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below!