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Pro Evolution Soccer 6 Review - Page 1
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| - Luke, Staff Writer |
| Friday, November 10, 2006 |
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| | Title:
Pro Evolution Soccer 6
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System:
Xbox 360
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Genre:
Sports
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Publisher:
Konami
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Developer:
Konami Corporation
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Release:
12/1/06
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Online:
Yes
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ESRB:
Rating Pending (RP)
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Never has the phrase ‘gameplay matters more than graphics’ applied to a game quite so much as Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer franchise. Visually, it is as bog-standard as it gets, with nothing standing out as truly next-generation. Its gameplay however, is an entirely different story. The game has consistently been hailed the most realistic and varied soccer game to ever be released, and rightfully so. Pro Evo, in sheer gameplay terms, is outstanding in every aspect. However, has the game made a successful transition into the next generation? The short answer is no. But, the game still manages to impress greatly, and rightfully deserves to hold onto the ‘king of soccer’ crown.
If you are buying the Xbox 360 version thinking there will be a wide range of brand new features and modes, don’t be fooled. The game, despite being updated in polished HD resolutions, is pretty much the same as its current generation counter-parts. In fact, in the 360 version, you will find fewer stadiums, and no replay saving options. What you will get however, is a game which will provide the very best soccer experience available. And while it isn’t that different from past titles, it overall is more refined and fine-tuned than ever.
Authenticity has always been a problem in Pro Evo, and in many cases it’s what stops a fair few gamers from buying it. It also doesn’t help that FIFA titles have every license imaginable, so this obviously will detour a lot of hardcore, football fanatics from purchasing Pro Evo. Having said that, Konami have really gone all out to get as many licenses as they could for this version, and whilst it still comes up short against FIFA, it has many more authentic kits and teams than before. The entire Spanish League, as well as the majority of the French League, have full kits and sponsors, and of course, correct names. English clubs have a little less love however, with only Manchester United and Arsenal getting noticeable mentions.
Unfortunately, whereas kits and teams have had an extra amount of attention lavished upon them, the current modes haven’t. There are no extra modes, and the ones that have returned haven’t had any additions annexed at all. You can, of course, have standard matches and separate tournaments, but they have not changed since the last iterations. Master League has also returned, but again, aside from a few minor adjustments to its menu section, it is relatively identical. You can guide your team through seasons of competitive football, but it just feels exactly the same as last years Master League. I’m sure this won’t bother many people, but I for one would have loved to have seen some kind of challenge mode, or perhaps some decent revamps on things like the Konami cup tournaments. Also included again this year is multiplayer across Xbox Live. The games are pretty lag free, but you can only choose from a ranked and unranked for two players. FIFA on the other hand, offers a wide range of online options for up to eight players. In this respect, Pro Evo doesn’t have a whole lot to offer aside from basic, bare-bones multiplayer.
But of course, all this pales in comparison (in terms of stature) to Pro Evo’s stunning gameplay. It really is an absolute joy to control and play, and for anybody who has never experienced the game first hand, its learning curve is nice and easy. You actually feel like you are controlling real footballers, and that all their movements are seamlessly controlled by you. The same goes for the AI, who actually intelligently run into space, and try to make life as difficult for defenders as possible. They will survey each occupied area of the pitch, and then make an accurate judgement on where they can get time on the ball. Defenders will stay back and apply pressure to any centre-forwards, whilst jostling for position if the ball is flying through the air. They will also make use of Pro Evo’s wonderful tackling system, which allows them to make a correct judgement on when to jump in for the ball. Attackers will look for any exploitable areas between the opposing back four, and try to get into great shooting positions. It really is so smart and so intuitive, and it’s incredibly fun to watch the AI during a game.
The passing and shooting mechanics in the game have been really adjusted to give players the extra feeling of weight on the ball too. Passing in particular is outstandingly accurate, and you can really play a lot of small, short-spaced passes very well. Unlike FIFA, Pro Evo’s passing is quick, strong and never falters. The ball goes exactly where you want it too, and the button presses are so sensitive, that it’ll feel as though you are barely touching the button before the game reacts. The same applies for long, downfield balls, which are now easier than ever to execute. Although not quite as spot-on as they could be when you see a team-mate in space, they get the job done very well.
Shooting, the forte of Pro Evo, is even better than it was before. It may be difficult to bang in a goal from thirty-yards compared to FIFA, but when you do finally hit that outstanding strike, it is such a feeling of accomplishment. It is exactly the same when trying to lob a keeper for example. At first, shooting may seem a daunting task, but with the right players and the right power on the shot, it is incredibly good.
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