On defense, there are Gegenpress, Counter Target, Drop Back Defense, and more. Hug Touchline, Attacking Fullbacks, Wing Rotation, False 9, Tika-Taka, and Centering Target are just a few of the offensive ones. Off the top of my head, there were easily 10 or more on offense and six or seven on defense. At first it makes your head spin a little, but I got used to calling them after a while. The new layer to the tactics system has a lot of options for offensive and defensive play (you can pick two for offense and defense).This is above and beyond the normal changes to the A.I. Similarly, if you keep trying to hoof the long-ball, it'll adjust. So if you keep feeding a certain player, it will make sure to double-team that guy as soon as he gets the ball. PES Productions says that the game has an adaptive A.I.
My players weren't on red or less by the 70th minute. I definitely saw fouls that would have not been called last year. If two years ago the refs were too touchy, and last year they looked the other way, then this year it feels just right.
Speaking of physical play, the refs are more likely to call fouls, give a card, let the advantage continue, or call for a free kick.Ball control feels good, and does what you expect, but it's not overpowering. That being said, last year's work on physical play continues, and it's not like you can just dance around everyone. You can not only see how their foot receives the ball and passes it, but it feels nice being able to take a touch and do a move after. The fidelity of players' touch of the ball is remarkable.No longer are there wide channels to put in through balls for a 1 v 1 with the keeper. Defenses in general are better, cutting down on the through ball in particular.While they've gotten better at making the saves they should, it's not like they're iron walls, either, which is good. The new movements and animations are also quite lovely to watch. They're much more reactive and liable to get a hand or foot on the ball, and they aren't letting in the goals like they were last year. Keepers have been dramatically improved.
I'm happy Arsenal are licensed in PES now, they have exclusive license of Camp Nou as well, so that won't be in FIFA.