Footballing heaven (Pro Evolution Soccer (PS2))

Member Name: legend999

Product:	Pro Evolution Soccer (PS2)
Date:	09/05/02 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Incredibly realistic, Masters league is great, Massive lifespan

Disadvantages: Commentary sucks, not many teams, improper player names

I just have to say that this is without a doubt the greatest football game ever to appear on any console. The original ISS games from Konami set the standard for all other football games to follow and has always been way ahead in the ISS versus FIFA rivalry.

I purchased this game on release date after reading about what was supposed to be ' the greatest football game ever ' and ' the game to beat FIFA 2002 ' and i can definitely say that it is both of these and more.
Konami have built on the success of the original ISS series for the PSX and this game is superb. Konami have easily brushed aside the competition from the FIFA series and moved ahead in the battle of the football sims.

The amount of realism is incredible. The players turn and run like proper players, the ball rolls quickly on damp surfaces and players can slide and intercept passes. The graphics are very good indeed. The players look like the players themselves, and the weather and crowd effects really add to the in-game atmosphere.

The difficulty level is suitable for all players. The First matches can be played on a low difficulty, and the pro's can play on the top difficulty. It can take a while to get used to this game but it is well worth it when you do. The first game you play on a medium difficulty could see you losing, yet within a few matches you will be able to force draws and eventuall win matches. As they say, practice makes perfect. Very true for this game.

The controls are easy to get used to, although if you cant get to grips with them they are fully customisable to suit your taste. This is a handy feature that helps you enjoy the game.

The lifespan of this game is incredible. Even when you have won the masters league you will still have an urge to keep playing and build the squad of your dreams and demolish your opponents constantly.

Rewards are also fairly good in this game. For winning certain th
ings with certain teams you are awarded new players, new clssic teams and new stadiums. Getting them all will take even the best players a long time.

The number of features this game offers will keep you occupied for an eternity. You can paricipate in the ongoing leagues and masters league, the stand alone cups such as the copa america, and then you can create your own ' champions league ' with the teams of your choice. Then you also have the ability to practice certain aspects of the game and even create your own players. The possibilities are endless.

The only downside to this fantastic title is the improper player names. It just doesn't seem the same when Rivoldi shoots and his shot is blocked by Roberto Larcos. Still, the superb gameplay more than makes up for this minor flaw.

If i had to sum up this game in three words, it would be ' complete football heaven '. Overall, i would rate Pro Evolution Soccer as one of the best PS2 games in all categories and definitely the best sports game. No true PS2 gamer should be without this superb title. If you dont have it then buy it now. Konami have done themselves proud with this title. Bring on Pro Evolution soccer 2 !

Pro Evolution soccer can be purchased from high street stores for £39.99 or online for £29.99, making it a good purchase.

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