Konami and football go together like peaches and cream. Pro Evolution Soccer for the PlayStation is the latest in a long line of high quality footy titles from the Japanese giant, this time following on from their hugely popular PS2 version of the same game. Konami obviously recognise that not everyone owns a PS2 (not yet, anyway) and are kind enough to let the PSX paupers see what all the fuss is about.

Pro Evolution Soccer is everything you would expect from a Konami football title, and ... more >>

Konami and football go together like peaches and cream. Pro Evolution Soccer for the PlayStation is the latest in a long line of high quality footy titles from the Japanese giant, this time following on from their hugely popular PS2 version of the same game. Konami obviously recognise that not everyone owns a PS2 (not yet, anyway) and are kind enough to let the PSX paupers see what all the fuss is about.

Pro Evolution Soccer is everything you would expect from a Konami football title, and then some. Of course, visually, PES has more in common with its close relations, the ISS series of games, but there’s no point in putting out a new game unless it’s an improvement. Number amongst those improvements an even fiercer AI for computer controlled teams, the securing of the FIFPro licence which provides for the use of the majority of player names and likenesses, and gameplay that’s been lovingly tweaked and teased until it’s nigh on perfect. In Pro Evolution Soccer, just like in real football, you need to think about your game, and carefully consider your strategies, your running and passing movements, to have a chance of scoring. Just like its PS2 big brother, sensitivity and the art of touchy-feely is a big part of the gameplay. Pro Evolution Soccer is fully analogue compatible so the direction and strength of pass varies according to pressure on the buttons.

Pro Evolution Soccer is a hard game to put away. The ‘keep-coming-back’ element is present, and until you’ve gained plenty of playing experience, and suffered a six-game goal drought to boot, there’ll be a few sleepless nights. The console soccer crown still belongs to Konami, and on the evidence of Pro Evolution Soccer, it’ll take some dislodging.
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