Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D isn't just a great soccer game, it's one of the best sports games I've ever played.
Obviously, this is a soccer game, and if you didn't realize that, you need some counseling. My copy of the game came in a 3D holographic label, which is pretty cool, and reminds me of the same cartridge label on Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64). When you turn on the game, you can choose exhibition, a tournament mode, and some online modes. And wouldn't you believe it, Konami squeezed hundreds of actual soccer teams on to a tiny 3DS cartridge! My favorites are some of the obvious ones, the USA, England, and South Africa. Really, we all know England's the best, because they have Wayne Rooney, who's fast as hell in this game! In some games he was the only guy that scored on my team, and he only scored a measly EIGHT TIMES!!!!
Right off the bat, this game is addicting and fun as hell. It has a nice arcade quality the more realistic Fifa games from EA lack, and really no matter what team you use, it's always easy to pick up and play. Scoring is abundant in this game, and executing all the crossovers, one time shots, headers, and long kicks is a breeze (I've played soccer for years, and my college at Akron has a really good soccer team . I really can't explain in enough detail how much fun it is to score in this game, and the fantastic replay system that kicks in right after you score a goal lets you revisit your spectacular goal. Even better is when your opponent misses a close goal, and the replay humiliatingly shows him missing. The touch screen is dedicated to a little map of the field, as well as some strategies for your players (similar to the 3DS edition of Super Street Fighter IV), such as pressuring the offense. As you might guess by now, the controls are excellent, and though some of the player movements are stiff (such as running from an angle), there's really not a lot to complain about. This is soccer gaming at its finest.
As great as the game already is, it truly shines in the tournament mode, where you'll get to use all the kickass clubs form each country. I haven't checked if Manchester United is in here, but the next time I play this, I will. Anyways, it's addicting as hell to climb to the top in the tournament mode, and my defense was so good, we only allowed ONE GOAL TOTAL in the tournament. Nothing is more awesome than winning the championship in the tournament mode, and I mean nothing (well maybe Katherine Webb, but that's a secret between you and me).
The graphics themselves are nice. Some of the cutscenes between the game are choppy, but in general the game looks great and some of the player celebrations look very realistic. I also dig the look of the stadiums, especially Wembley Stadium, and it's fascinating to play in many of these stadiums with the city skyline in the background. The house music on the menu is good, but even better is the commentating in the game. Though repetitive, Konami clearly hired some experts, and we have Jon Champion and Jim Beglin. Champion's lines are very amusing, and include gems such as "Oh dear oh dear it's beginning to look more and more like shooting practice," and "He scored, and even the manager is now smiling at the touchline." It's very entertaining after you score a goal, and it adds to the realism. Hell, they even point out a goal scored by THE OPPOSITE TEAM ON THEIR OWN GOAL!!! How cool is that?!!!
If there's one complain I have, it's that penalties are sometimes called where your player is offsides, but it doesn't look anywhere close to that on the replay's view, even when they highlight it. What's that all about? But Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D is a fantastic game. If you haven;t played the other two 3DS PES games, you need to start out with this game first, and it's totally worth it. In fact, this game is so good, it makes me want to get back into soccer again!!!
Gameplay: 10/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Final Score: 9.6/10 (A)