Just noticed the review formatting has returned, thank god for that
Just noticed the review formatting has returned, thank god for that
Member since:29.08.2002
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Ever since I bought my first console I found myself drawn to all variety of football games. In particular I found the Fifa and Pro Evo series to be my favourites. When I recently got rid of my Xbox and replaced it with a Nintendo WII I wasn't entirely sure how I would still be able to satisfy my desire to play Football games on a console. That was until I was given a copy of Pro Evo 2008 by my fiancée for my birthday and the chance to find out if my enjoyment of football games was totally gone had presented itself.
It was always going to be a tricky console to convert football games onto and it seems that both Konami and EA have risen to the challenge. The first thing to note about the WII version of Pro Evo soccer isn't the graphics or the lack of official licences but it is in fact the control system. Konami have introduced the advanced point and click control system that enables you to make runs into space and plan passes well ahead of the actual game play. The real question though, is does it really work?
As it happens my opinion is a resounding yes. The new method of play
that allows you to plan your runs, shooting and passing ahead of time really makes this a title that makes your brain work a little while you play it. That's not saying that Pro Evo doesn't have its faults, just about every title in the Pro Evo series has had but this new approach to the football game seems like it could be a very interesting development in console gaming.
Of course the controls for this game are slightly different to every football game I've played in that you have to point at the area you want your players to move into. For this reason before you get started straight into a match Konami have designed a number of training methods to give you an idea of exactly what you're meant to be doing. This works well and means you aren't just launching into games without a clue of what you are doing.
While the passing, crossing, shooting and running all work incredibly well I found the new controls and game play in general was not geared up for defending. To tackle an opposition player seems to take far too much effort and even when you follow the instructed method of tackling your players seem to let the opposition almost get to the goal before tackling them. While they have managed to master the other elements of the game this is an area that is seriously lacking and probably one that will put a lot of players off.
Like the previous PES games I've played the in game graphics are a bit hit and miss. The game play itself relies on the traditional side view of the pitch with the players running around and not looking particularly detailed or advanced. It's when you score a goal and do replays that the graphics really step up a bit and look far more impressive. The detail in the player's facial features and celebration looks far better than the actual in game graphics. It's perhaps an area that Konami will now work on improving as I really felt the graphics let the in game play down a little.
Also following in the traditional PES vein they still haven't got the official licensed names of all the teams. The game features all the major top leagues from around the world and even international teams and players, but still don't have the right to use certain team's proper names. For example I've spent most of my time playing as West Berkshire Blues, going by the player's names I'm guessing they are meant to be Reading. I think like the defending aspect and the in game graphics this is a factor that lets the game down and will perhaps put people off buying this title.
There are 4 different game types within PES which include a single match, a league formation, Cup competition or the Champions Road. Obviously three of these are pretty self explanatory and allow you to choose teams from the main leagues featured within the games and internationals. The final game type, the Champions Road, is PES's career mode, something that is becoming more and more frequent within football games. This is where most of the games longevity comes in and although it only allows you to play one full season, it keeps you playing the game for more than just one or two matches at a time. While it's a shame it only lasts for one season, it's still a good element to the game and helps you to develop your skills.
The multiplayer option allows two of you to play against each other and it works reasonably well. I think it would have been better though if you were able to play with 4 people rather than just one against one. It's a minor complaint that in the grand scheme of things isn't worth worrying about, but again is an aspect that will put some people off this title.
Overall though I am very impressed with the conversion of the first proper football title onto the WII format. Of course there has been Mario Smash Football but in comparison to this it's been left miles behind. I'm yet to find out how this stacks up against the new Fifa release but despite its flaws I think that PES 2008 is the first innovative title that will help to give the WII that competitive edge with the PS3 and X box 360. As a football fan and in particular an avid fan of console football games I'm impressed with the controls on the WII that more than make up for the bad points that Konami have within this title. Final words? Well if you like Football games, give this a try.
Amazon: £24.98
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Ar football; the beautiful game that I've never got, lol! Eleanor x
Seresecros 31.10.2008 15:48
My hometown's football team are featured in this game as the "Shit-City Wanderers"
scampi1 23.10.2008 20:40
I've quite enjoyed this game and even managed to win the Italian double losing only one game all season (that was on the easiest setting though). Good point about the defending though, I've also found that if you don't clear the ball early you seem to end up making a lot of last ditch tackles.
Created specifically to make full use of the Wii?s unique control system, PES 2008 brings ... more
all the realism of Pro Evolution Soccer to the Nintendo machine, but with a more ?team-orientated? control system. The Wii game mirrors the real sport?s use of op...
Postage & Packaging: £1.94 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Experience football like never before.Pes arrives on Wii in the most intense and energetic ... more
football gaming experience ever. Revolutionary Wii control allows you the freedom to direct individual player actions and orchestrate team positional play. While...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: Out of stock
Experience football like never before.Pes arrives on Wii in the most intense and energetic ... more
football gaming experience ever. Revolutionary Wii control allows you the freedom to direct individual player actions and orchestrate team positional play. While...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: Out of stock
Advantages: lots of unique combos to master, great controls, 2-player mode Disadvantages: some users might find it hard to adapt to all the Wii controls
Advantages: lots of unique combos to master, great controls, 2-player mode Disadvantages: some users might find it hard to adapt to all the Wii controls
Oct 22nd, 2008
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