Product Description

Pro Evolution Soccer delivers a more realistic gaming experience than ever before and is considered by many to be the most advanced, entertaining and challenging football game so far made. Konami has secured the FIFPro licence, which provides for the use of actual player names and likenesses throughout the game. Jaw-dropping graphics ensure that players are even more animated with both facial characteristics and movements expressed even more realistically.

The freedom of motion each of the 200 team players has been tripled compared to that seen in ISS Pro Evolution 2, with a much wider range of actions available. The AI engine has also been improved to take advantage of the processing speed of the new hardware so each player's playing style and originality is more detailed. It's not just the players who benefit from the high-resolution graphics; options now include rain, day and night, and fireworks, confetti and smoke markers can be seen in the stadium. In addition to the modes of play included in Pro Evolution Soccer--Exhibition, League, Cup, Training and Master League--the number of stadia has increased to seven, plus one training ground.

Just like in real football you'll need to utilise precision thinking, running and passing to have a chance of scoring. In order to increase sensitivity and realism, Pro Evolution Soccer is fully analogue-compatible, so the direction and strength of pass varies according to pressure on thebuttons. On top of all of this, by using a couple of multi taps you'll be able to play along with up to seven mates.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13109 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Konami
• Released on: 2001-11-23
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.co.uk Review
PlayStation 2 owners in search of a fantastic football game can rest easy, for with Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer not only do they have the best footy game on the PS2, they've arguably got the best of all time. After the success of PSone hit ISS Pro Evolution 2, the renamed Pro Evolution Soccer follows a similar pattern. With minimal computer assistance, you have to build up your moves, defend effectively and be willing to adjust your tactics depending on the opposition you face. And you really do earn the goals you score. Sure, a boot up the park may get you a break every now and then, but it won't win you the challenging in-game Master League.

The graphics of the ISS series have always lagged behind the likes of FIFA, but finally here they come of age. The game looks excellent, enhanced considerably by very fluid animation, and the highlights at the end of each match are a very welcome addition. It's a tougher challenge than before, too, although there are now five levels of difficulty to pitch the game at, which does genuinely allow things to be enjoyed by gamers at all levels.

There are minimal downsides--the improved commentary could still use some work, and the limited team, league and cup options are disappointing and won't last you forever--yet they are utterly negated by some of the very best gameplay to be found on any PS2 game. So if you're an armchair soccer fan and you're looking for a footy title to buy, do yourself a favour and treat yourself to the best. And make no mistake, that's Pro Evolution Soccer. --Simon Brew

Manufacturer's Description
Football is about skill. It's about linking moves, out-thinking and manoeuvring the opposition and using clever footwork to outplay a defender. It's about taking that shooting opportunity and burying a 25-yard first-time shot and the reaction of the crowd to such an act. Pro Evolution Soccer is all these things. Pro Evolution Soccer IS football...

Pro Evolution Soccer is unique in that it genuinely recreates the skill and passion of "the beautiful game". Deft flicks, step-overs and first-time volleys are all possible, while the individual attributes of the world's greatest international stars are recreated to ensure no two matches are the same - and neither should they be. Many games claim to mimic the events of real on-field action, but only Pro Evolution Soccer lives up to those claims.

Customer Reviews

Just Be Patient
I only recently bought a PS2, and one of the first games on my list was Pro Evolution Soccer. As a big big fan of the predecessor, ISS PE2 for the PS1, the great reviews this game received made it a must for me.

My first impressions were that the graphics were excellent, the players were actually recognisable by their faces, and the setup was easy enough. When i first played it i was a little disappointed. The buttons are a LITTLE unresponsive, the commentary is a disgrace, (the game is 3-2 with 3 minutes left and the commentator decides that "the crowd are beginning to lose interest in the game").

I like many others was pretty good at the previous iss game, and i played this like i played the others. BUT you will need to change the way you play. The onus has been taken off pace in this game, a sprint will mean that you have less control over the ball, and thats when people are saying the buttons are unresponsive. Only when you have the ball in close control can you play a quick pass or shot.

I did get very frustrated with the game at first, but i played and played at it, and am now beginning to get the hang of it.

I at first thought i would be able to slip easily into this, but konami have modified it just enough to improve it.

SO give it time, it is a great game but will take a little getting used to.

THE BEST FOOTIE GAME OF ALL TIME!!
Even though there were a few annoying features in Konami's previous ISS games ( I mean let's be honest the first ISS game release on PS2 was useless), they have just gone and released the most playable, realistic and awesome football game of all time on any platform.

You can choose international teams, club teams or the two all star teams and players names are real. Playing the game is so fluid you will actually start believing that you are watching a live game on tv. Add to this the AI of the players and this makes for an unforgettable experience. The players have the ability to hold off defenders, use their strength to shrug past them, execute subtle lay-offs and touches, bend the ball ( a feature that was glaringly missing from the predecessors), round the keeper, etc etc..

All in all this is a must for any football fan out there and well worth the money. If you are a FIFA fanatic, swallow your pride and give this a try. I promise you will never look back.

Gameplay Perfection
This game has its faults, most of which have already been mentioned. The choice of teams and competitions is poor, the commentry is naff, etc. However, this game could have a menu screen filled with dancing monkeys for all I care, because when you start a match, you won't care about anything else.

It IS like playing real football. You'll curse yourself because your striker had more time on the ball than you realised. You'll shout when the opposing forward gets in front of your best defender to meet a cross.

For those people moaning that it's too hard to score, nonsense. First of all, forget the Master league. It only lets you play 10 minute games which will never have many goals. Start the World Cup, 20 minute games, difficulty level 4. It's all about patience; kepping a good shape and taking the chances when they come. Genius. Forget the arcade nonsense of FIFA, this is the real thing.