Before Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 hit the shelves in the Middle East it had already captured the imagination of the general public.

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In a historic first, UAE and Al Ain superstar Omar Abdulrahman had been named the cover star alongside Brazil and Barcelona ace Neymar, the 24-year-old becoming the first Arab player to grace the game’s cover.

While our preview copy came in a CD case – akin to a pirated copy doing the rounds on the playground – we are told Omar looks in fine fettle on the copies found in gaming stores.

Not only was the marketing drive a pivotal moment for the game and the region but the gameplay has also made remarkable strides in 2016.

Firstly, PES remains standout for its licensing of the AFC Champions League and this year’s offering features UAE heavyweights Al Ain and Al Ahli, as well as a further 10 Gulf giants from Qatar (2), Iran (4) and Saudi Arabia (4). 

For anyone who follows football in the region, this is a huge advantage that the game holds over its fierce rivals at EA Sports.

And while FIFA remains king when it comes to licensing agreements, PES 2016 has once again added new teams and stadiums to its roster as it continues to fulfil the ‘evolution’ aspect of its moniker.

Where the game truly stands out and showcases that evolution is in the gameplay.

This year sees enhanced one-on-one features when taking on an opposition player as well as a superb new physical dimension to tackles, collisions and aerial battles.

The jostling for position based on a player’s strength and positioning looks superb and showcases the game’s new, improved and incredibly sleek graphics.

For the past few years PES has seen many of its casual fans switch over to FIFA but now is the time for the game to not only regain those lost allies but also take some rival loyalists with it.

Seamless gameplay, a genuine root in the region and all the quirks and unique pieces of the puzzle that make PES such an iconic game, 2016 will delight fans both old and new.

FIFA has long seemed a little stagnant and geared up for a far younger audience; Konami’s PES 2016 is all grown up and ready to rumble.

Rating: 9/10 – Take an AGL side to glory in PES’ finest offering in years.

Cost: Dhs195

Platform: Also available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC