14 DAY TRIAL // The development team at PES Productions and publisher Konami are announcing that they are planning to launch a free-to-play version of football simulation title Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 on December 8, allowing gamers to experience some of the core mechanics of the game without having to spend money on it.
At the moment, the version was only announced for the PlayStation 4 and the PS3 from Sony, and it is unclear whether something similar will be offered in the future on the PC, the Xbox One and the older 360.
The development team says that this is an entry-level take on Pro Evolution Soccer 2016, which means that a limited selection of teams will be offered, with gamers able to take charge of the likes of Bayern Munich, AS Roma, and Juventus.
A total of seven teams will be featured and two of them, France and Brazil, are international outfits, which means that gamers will only be able to control a limited range of famous players and no teams from the British Premier League, where the lack of licenses is very clear.
Konami has presumably chosen the teams that offer the best-simulated footballers and also feature interesting tactical choices for potential players, although the Exhibition mode does not feature all management mechanics.
The full training system from Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 and the MyClub section of the game are also featured in the free-to-play version, which means that gamers will be able to play a different take on the Ultimate Team formula.
There are no changes made to the core mechanics of the title and Konami also says that the release will be updated when patches are delivered for the core series, including tweaks to player ratings and rosters.
PES 2016 is getting an extended take on a demo
Konami seems interested in showcasing the gameplay of the new installment in its long-running series, allowing players who might be fans of the rival FIFA from EA Sports to compare them without paying.
This could be a solid strategy in the long-term, especially if the company continues to support its title in the coming months and responds to requests from the fan base.
The fact that MyClub is included in the free-to-play version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 means that Konami can also create an expanded revenue stream if gamers choose to use real-world money to get coins and then spend those on extra options for their teams.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 offers a solid set of football simulation elements, and on the pitch gamers have to use a solid understanding of the game and their team to formulate and then execute tactical plans that can unlock an opposition's defense.
The title is not too interested in spectacle because it wants to make sure that lovers of the sport can re-create some of the real-world moves that define great teams and coaches.
Free European Championship downloadable content is also planned for the full version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 for next year.