Experience enhanced ball control and exciting new modes in this detailed football simulation
Experience enhanced ball control and exciting new modes in this detailed football simulation
Vote (1,331 votes)
Program license Trial version
Developer KONAMI
Version 6
Works under Windows
Vote
(1,331 votes)
Developer
KONAMI
Works under
Windows
Program license
Trial version
Version
6
Pros
- Excellent network speed and connections
- Fun playing with animal characters
- Satisfying long game to qualify for the International World Cup
Cons
- Not many licensed teams or players makes it feel fake
- No manager/career mode
- New ball control skills are frustrating to learn initially
Slick graphics not matched by licenses
Pro Evolution Soccer is the worldwide version of the Konami-owned Winning Eleven and is the biggest rival to the market dominant FIFA series. Pro Evolution Soccer (PES or Pro Evo as it's known to its large fan base) 6 was released to worldwide markets in 2007. It got a mixed review, with many fans loving the new improved ball control skills, whilst its main detractors still frustrated by the lack of "real" teams.
New Features to Pro Evo 6
Comparing each Pro Evo game to its FIFA counterpart always shows some interesting differences. In the mid 2000s, the graphics and gameplay awards all came to Pro Evo, and the sixth edition of the series was no difference. New features that helped them keep their heads out in front included:
• Harder to master ball skills - on the pitch, there are new controls to bring a ball under control as it comes to your player, as well as using different buttons to flick the ball on or step over to get past your opponent. They're not easy to master but with patience and dedication, gamers can use them to outwit the improved computer teams.
• International Challenge Mode - from the game menu, players can now choose to guide any international team through the qualification process for their continent to play in the International Cup (aka the World Cup but Konami don't have naming rights). This is a much longer process, but you can now switch anyone from any team into your team, provided they've got the right nationality, so you can now call up that player who you've felt is missing from the national squad.
• Random Selection Match - another interesting feature is the ability to choose up to four clubs or countries, or one domestic league, and allow the computer to pick random line-ups from those teams. This has proved very popular when playing against another human as it removes the problem of picking inherently biased teams.
• PES shop costumes - the PES shop makes its return and whilst players can use PES coins to buy legendary and retired players to add to their squad, Konami have added some fun to the game by allowing animal costumes to be bought. The most popular include the ostrich and raptor which have the player riding the animal. The normal ball skills can be used, but unsurprisingly neither animal has a strong or accurate shot.
• Group network play - finally, the online play, as ever, is a strong feature of Pro Evo 6. Players can now create and edit groups, where certain gamers are allowed to compete using their own teams. Groups earn PES points as normal which can be used to unlock costumes and classic national teams to be used in the group.
Pros
- Excellent network speed and connections
- Fun playing with animal characters
- Satisfying long game to qualify for the International World Cup
Cons
- Not many licensed teams or players makes it feel fake
- No manager/career mode
- New ball control skills are frustrating to learn initially
Pros
- Adaptable gameplay with new moves.
- Better ball physics than with previous games.
- Real world tactics have a better reward.
Cons
- No new innovations from Konami.
A dominant force in football games for almost a decade, Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) outshines its competition and increases its lead. While FIFA has come close at times, PES has doubtlessly been the better series to buy, and the newest installment of PES shows off the game's sharp competitive edge. FIFA made a stretch that rebuilt the franchise, but for Konami, they played it safe and only added a few new things. Because of those changes, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 does not look much different on the surface from the current generation.
You have no player portraits when selecting a team; you just have a thumbnail and the club badge. Where has PES 6 advanced the most? The newest version caters to the players who prefer the more continental teams, and you have two teams that have the official clubs like Bayern Munich, Celtic and Rangers. Konami's winning formula has continued to be used, and the rewarding gameplay can be found throughout. The lack of innovation is where most gamers will take issue with PES 6. There is nothing new to make it stand out, but if you liked the previous installments, then PES 6 should tickle your fancy.
To be fair, Konami has made tweaks that improved the match engine, and there is a more refined game than ever before. You also have new advantages such as an increased number of licensed teams. Along with that, you have International Challenge mode. It does take some practice games before you adjust to the new controls and playing style, but once you do, you have a more polished version that adds to the fluid movement.
The physics of the ball and how the players interact with the ball are more realistic. The improvements to the tumbles and collisions reflect the more physical nature of the game. Pro Evolution Soccer 6 rewards tactics from the real world and has lifelike movements that add to the suspension of disbelief. Another interesting improvement is when you dribble the ball while running, you will keep it close to your feet. Because of the changes to the gameplay, one-on-one situations can be a recipe for having the ball stolen. You want to adapt your game to faster and shorter passes down the field to kick more goals past the goalkeeper. Whenever you pass, you want to face your target because indirect passes or off-target passes often come up short.
Since the latest installment, improvements have been made such that the strategies that used to work no longer work as well. As a result, you will have to adapt your gameplay to make it fit with the newest installment. Goalkeepers have a better ability of shot deflection, and you have eight new moves that include feints, tricks and turns. Overall, it's a great game to check out.
Pros
- Adaptable gameplay with new moves.
- Better ball physics than with previous games.
- Real world tactics have a better reward.
Cons
- No new innovations from Konami.
