ESPN MLS Extra Time Preview

After allowing its ISS series to blow in the wind without a license for years, Konami has decided to pick up two licenses for the first next-generation game in the series. Both the MLS and ESPN are along for the ride this time, and while an argument can made for increased credibility where ESPN is concerned, in the soccer world, the MLS isn't exactly a shining example of excellence. The MLS, since its formation, has served as both a league for castoffs from the European clubs and a free ride to the US for those who want to cash in on the lucrative contracts offered. While this probably isn't the perception Konami wants its soccer game to carry, some would say that it's better than no perception at all.

All 12 teams from the MLS make an appearance in ESPN MLS Extra Time, along with 53 unsanctioned international teams. Each MLS team has its own pitch to play on, so matches take place in stadiums such as Arrowhead in Kansas City and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Each team has both home and away jerseys to choose from, though one team must wear home colors while the other team wears road colors. There are six modes of play to choose from. Match play allows for a head-to-head exhibition match for up to two players. Season allows you to take on the regulation MLS schedule and playoffs, while the cup mode allows you to jump straight to the final match for a chance at glory. Much like the challenge mode found in EA Sports' games, the scenario mode in Extra Time sets up particular situations to overcome. If you're having problems coming to grips with the controls, there is a training mode that allows you to get your skills up to snuff.

Once on the pitch, it becomes apparent that MLS Extra Time is based on Konami's ISS series. Unlike in EA's FIFA series, constantly pounding on the turbo button in MLS Extra Time is a good way to lose possession. The turbo boost must be used wisely, because while it's engaged, controlling the ball is nearly impossible. Along with sharp passing, the key is dribbling with the ball until a seam develops and then using the turbo to exploit it. Extra Time has a tendency to automatically take control of pass direction and send it to the closest player. Switching defenders is also aided by the computer, which sometimes results in being hung out to dry. When compared with the controls in the FIFA series, the control options in the early version of Extra Time we received seem limited. There are no jukes or special dribbles included at this point, and most of the shots have yet to be added. When striking the ball, a meter appears along the side of the screen that apparently indicates shot trajectory. The lightning-fast shot meter requires nimble fingers in order to keep the ball from sailing over the crossbar.

The in-game settings allow for a decent amount of team control and customization. There are nine presets to choose from that may be called on the fly, including left, right, and middle attack, offside trap, zone press, counter attack, center back overlap, change sides, and opposite side attack. The ability to set specific strategies for each player or position has yet to be implemented. We have received no word regarding whether this feature will make it in or not. The ability to order your forwards to press while your defenders drop back to field clearing kicks is necessary if you want to get a tying goal late in a match. Hopefully, this is just something Konami hasn't had time to implement.