PlayStation 2
Released in 2007 by Konami
Grade: A-
This game feels like soccer and also like a fun video game, which can be a tough nut to crack, especially back in the PS2 days.
Where it falls in the series
This is a long series with plenty of revered games and some confusing name changes, from International Superstar Soccer to Winning Eleven to Pro Evolution, often called just “Pro Evo.” This is the sixth of 13 versions on PS2.
Praises and gripes
You’ve got a nice, wide view of the field and plenty of well-engineered controls, along with solid game logic. The gameplay feels realistic but you know it can’t be, because you can play a 20-minute game and finish with a 4-3 score.
I suppose the key there is that you’ve got crisper passing and trustier dribbling than in real soccer. But the game is deep with tactics, and a smart gamer will learn to patiently pass around using the full width of the field to generate scoring chances.
The control is fantastic. There’s so much you can do, but it’s easy to learn. The actual movement of players can feel mechanical compared to more modern soccer games, and that’s a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it.
Scoring is exciting, but on the downside, I found some tricks that feel a little too reliable.
The game has knockoff pro teams and international teams with generic uniforms. But it also has one of the best creation features I’ve seen, allowing you to create detailed players, logos, and uniforms.
With teams that vary in skill and style, and five difficulty settings, there’s a lot of depth.
It’s an excellent game, but maybe I’m just not a big soccer guy, because once I played newer FIFA and Pro Evo, there didn’t seem to be much value in going back to this. Its graphics and sound are great for PS2, but newer games put more beauty in the beautiful game.