The definitive soccer video game experience!
The passing system is so smart and fluid, that if a pass goes in the wrong direction it's probably your fault, because you are in complete control of the game. Gone are the vague passing systems of the past where you press a button and hope the CPU figures out where you meant for the pass to go. The ease of passing will help you create beautiful goal after goal. The controls are so in depth, that it may appear to be a daunting task to master them all. Part of the beauty of this game, however, is the fact that it can be played as simply or as complex as you want. Beginners and casual fans can find satisfaction and success in the basic moves, while experts and fanatics can take the time to master the more complex controls. There are literally dozens more moves and little tricks that are not listed in the fat game manual, just waiting to be discovered.
WE9 looks amazing, too. The animation of the players is so lifelike, with the most realistic motion capture of any soccer game ever. There are more player likenesses than ever before, and look much more realistic than their FIFA counterparts. Signature moves and celebrations are also in this game, so if a player does a particular celebration in real life, it's in here too. Little extra touches like shirts becoming un-tucked during a game, visible smudges from dirt and mud, and referees and ref assistants on the field help complete the realism. I'll never forget the first time I scored a goal and the celebration began, only to be called back due to an offside call. Brilliant!
Another thing that makes WE9 great is the realistic ball movement. The designers recreated real ball physics so that the ball would move and act like an actual ball in a game. It is a completely separate entity from the players, and in game the payoff of this hard work is immediately noticeable and incredible to experience. No more watching the ball stick to the foot of a player who is turning!
The Master League, perhaps WE9's greatest feature, is so in depth, allowing you to be the manager of a squad you create and lead them to climb the ranks of the divisions and league competitions. Player attributes will rise and fall, adding RPG like elements to the game which will be sure to have you addicted in no time. Points (cash) will be awarded for victories and goals scored, and for having the top scorers, assist leaders, and overall ratings, which you will use to pay your player salaries. Make transfers and loans, negotiate salaries and contracts, and train in the off season well to achieve success and glory! You won't be able to put this game down once you start!
The only real downfall of the WE series is the lack of official licenses. WE9 does include many leagues that are fully licensed, including the Serie A, Ligue 1, and Eredivisie. Fortunately, Konami has included an incredibly detailed and comprehensive in game editor, which will allow you to change the names of the players, teams, leagues and cups, and a unique layering system which will let you recreate the kits of all the teams in the game. If you don't feel that you are up to the task, dozens of option files with all updates completed are ready and available to download, so you can get right to the action.
At long last, WE9 features the inclusion of online play! If the incredibly challenging and intelligent AI of your computer opponents has become too easy, venture online and try to tackle the relentless human opponents waiting for you. I think that Konami's online portion is much better than EA's version, with a divisional ranking system that allows you to start as an amateur and try to climb the ranks to the First Division! Stat tracking is not as in depth as EA's, but all the basics are there, including Win/Loss/Draw records, avg goals scored/allowed, etc. If both players have a good connection, there is minimal to no lag, but dial up connections should beware! There is also a huge online community, with thousands signed up and literally hundreds available for a match at anytime day or night. Even at 3am on a weekday, you will currently find no less than 200 people on the servers, which is fantastic for those looking for a great match!
If you are a soccer fan, there should be no question that this game is for you. If you are a casual fan who doesn't know much about soccer, it may be a bit difficult for you. But don't let that stop you, because you are about to play the greatest soccer game in existence.