Disappointing.
Graphics – 9
Sound – 9
Value – 10
Tilt – 10
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is the latest instalment in Konami's video game soccer series. Several good improvements were made over the previous instalments, what makes of the 7th game, the most realistic and enjoyable to play.
PES 2008 presents a brand new AI system that together with the excellent controls offers the best soccer experience ever.
In the field you can do, and happens almost everything that can be done and happens in a real soccer game. The only thing that can't be done is starting punching and kicking the adversaries. I'm talking seriously: the players act exactly as in real life and move the same way. Only some shoot effects and reflexes aren't quite refined as the rest of the package, but that is forgivable, mostly because this was also present in previous games of the series. Think of everything imaginable that can happen during a normal match (don't think of Paranormal stuff). 95% of the situations you've imagined are present and happens during the game.
The players act intuitive and always try to find the best way to get the ball to an unmarked team mate. You can notice this because; in some passes the player will not give the ball to the player you want, but yes to another one. In the beginning this may upset you, but you'll that the result of that pass will allow the player to have more range for other passes and running. This was probably the major improvement in the AI but is noticeable that all the gameplay has been improved. Players not always not always get the ball or receive it properly. The goalkeepers go to your meeting as soon you enter in his area, and here you need to think fast and act fast, or otherwise, the keeper will retrieve the ball fast. The players receive treatment for injuries in real time during the match and their time of entrance back in the game is determined by his state.
I could stay here all night writing well about the gameplay, but it can be summed up in one word: perfect.
When it's about the graphics, PES 2008 continues the legacy of good-looking stadiums and players, although, and most probably due to the next-gen consoles, the visuals feel like they weren't given much attention. The overall atmosphere is wonderful, the stadiums are awesome, but little attention was given to the most important, that are the players and the crowd. The spectators look awful and almost don't have any detail. The only thing distinguishable is the small shirts and some arms and heads. Almost everything you can find outside the field looks dull. Another not work aspect is the players faces. The detail was only given to the "Star players", like Kaká or C. Ronaldo, among others, but that are only a few. The rest of the players: you'll barely recognise their faces.
Like I said, the atmosphere is great. There are various atmospheric conditions, now with the inclusion of snow (not sure if it was in other PES games) that looks great, together with all the other conditions. The field (grass) looks fine, and it changes of colour and of state, for a more realistic experience.
Overall, the game still looks great after all these years.
The sound in PES 2008 conjugates new and old. The sound effects and commentaries are still very strong, despite its age but, the crowds almost never sing. That's too bad. The sounds change with the mod of the match, which is great, the commentator's voice is very good, and they almost say every player's name that exists in the game. There's a slight change in the background music; now there's a wide variety of music, but some of this tracks, like the Salsa ones, don't feel quite appropriate in a soccer game. Still, some sounds are cool and work well with the game.
There are a few game modes: the old Master League mode, the tournament mode, the league mode, the cup mode, the new world tour mode, (in which you have to perform complete various missions, playing against teams from all around the world) and the also new Selection match (in which you are allowed to make two teams of random different-nationality players and play against each other. There's a wide team selection, but a selection that doesn't match FIFA. There are more licensed teams and leagues and many various matches to play with your friends and family, and that, is one of the best parts of the game.
This game will endure until nest year's one and maybe even further.
I've not played yet FIFA 08 but, I already know that the PES series will win the fight once again. PES 2008 is the best soccer simulator to date and only has a few flaws. It is at number 7 the Konami strikes the perfect gameplay that was expected from a very long time, and is because of this that this game is a must have for all fans and friends of Soccer.