Home

 › 

Articles

 › 

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Review for the Nintendo Wii

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Review for the Nintendo Wii

Sure, soccer may be the sport of the world, but that prestigious title does not hold a whole lot of weight here in the States. It’s more of a fringe sport here, and unlike the popularity of the Pro Evolution Soccer series over in Europe, such quality titles have developed only a cult following on this side of the pond. All that may be about to change, as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) 2008 is set to boot its way to the top of the food chain.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 screenshot

With ingenious new gameplay and extremely fluid mechanics, PES 2008 may just be the soccer game that not only pushes the envelope for the titular sport but for all sports games in general on the Wii. The inclusion of the word ‘Evolution’ in the title is appropriate because what Konami has delivered here may be the big leap forward all soccer fans have been waiting for.

Up to this point most multi-platform sports games have gotten the top tier treatment only for the big dogs, while the unlucky Wii owners usually got watered down iterations geared more towards family friendly play. Fortunately for all you soccer fanatics out there, the road Konami took will not drive you to drink mass amounts of beer and punch holes in walls. Although, considering that you are soccer fanatics, you were probably going to do that anyways. What Konami does give us is a fresh and unique take on digital soccer, which gives players the ability to truly control the ebb and flow of the game.

Defensively you are able to take command of any player, at any time. By highlighting them with the Wii Remote you are able to pull them to your desired location. This effective ability allows you to divide your focus to ensure that all key areas of the field are covered, and create doubles on highly skilled offensive talents.

Defense aside, the other side of the ball is where this new style of play really shines. Passing has never been easier, and for once I can attest that passes actually went where I wanted them. How you ask, well it’s because you aim to their desired position. These innovations make orchestrating lead passes a cinch, thus opening up the field and creating boundless scoring opportunities. Surprisingly, the new play mechanics introduced in PES 2008 are amazingly easy to adjust to. They feel natural, and players will definitely not miss the old school controls.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 screenshot

If a game was judged on mechanics alone, then PES 2008 would certainly be the cream of the virtual soccer crop, but there are several other factors that remain to determine if this product has any staying power. Thankfully, fans will not be disappointed. PES 2008 packs more than enough options to keep soccer lovers busy until next year’s title launches. With the wide range of modes at their disposal, players are able to engage in just a simple, friendly match, start a league (or season in which they can choose from a variety of pro soccer leagues around the world), throw down in the all important world cup, kick the ball around online or enter the all new Champions Road.

Since Champions Road is the new kid on the block, we will discuss that. Similar to something you would see in NBA Street, Champions Road engages the player in a series of round robin tournaments throughout the world. Players will experience the spoils of victory immediately. Wins can net players experience points for their team, which will allow them to add skills to weaker aspects of their team’s game. In addition, vanquished foes will have to cough up a couple of their players for your taking, allowing you to build up an all-star squad of sorts as you battle your way through increasingly difficult matches.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 screenshot

Unlike other world tour modes, Champions Road does not contain any gimmicky mini-games. It instead focuses on real matches and basic to advanced PES tutorials. The further you advance, the more the game will school you on the finer points of the PES control scheme. PES is a very deep title, and it allows you to grow accustomed to the ins and outs of the new setup one step at a time.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 screenshot

As we have covered, the controls in this game are spot on. As for the graphics, those looking for something equal to the advancements in the gameplay may be a little disappointed. The visuals are a familiar sight to the avid Wii gamer; they scream last generation. Although they are dated, they are not all bad. The players’ movements are extremely lifelike, and the game runs as smooth as can be. There are slight annoyances to be sure. For example, the camera is panned so far out that teams with similar uniforms are nearly impossible to tell apart. Despite that, the presentation is top notch. Players are given the hand of God when it comes to orchestrating replays; it even allows them to record and save highlight reel strikes. The atmosphere feels just right, evoking the look and feel of a jam-packed soccer stadium. Of course, it couldn’t hurt to tighten things up just a bit.

The sound is also more than adequate. The announcing sticks with the flow of the game nicely and stadiums can come to life when intense matches begin to heat up. The echoes of a blown shot will reverberate through the arenas. The music selection during the menu screens is average at best, but it will not annoy players to the point of frustration. Besides, the really important effects pertain to the games on the field, and for the most part it nails those effects.

In summation, PES 2008 is the must own soccer title for any fan of the sport. With a deep stable of options, there is plenty to keep you coming back for more, and the new control scheme has to be experienced first hand. PES 2008 brings soccer games back to life with its fresh approach. Plus, with hidden gems like the ability to field a team of your Miis, it is impossible for me to not lend it my staunch support.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.0 Graphics
A little rough around the edges and not surprisingly strikingly similar to something you would see on the PS2. 4.6 Control
At last a control set that puts the command of an entire team at the player’s fingertips. 3.8 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Decent announcing mixes with a hodgepodge of pseudo techno Euro rock. 4.2

Play Value
Plenty of options for the avid soccer fan, most importantly the inclusion of online play. Alas those pesky friend codes are still in play.

4.3 Overall Rating – Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Totally new gameplay experience with Wii Remote and the Nunchuk revolutionizing the realm of videogame soccer.
  • Save your team to your Wii Remote and take them with you.
  • Drag to dribble, point and press (b) to expertly aim your passes, and simply shake the Nunchuk to unleash a booming shot.
  • With an all new Champions Road mode, enabling players to develop and earn better teams while challenging the best the world has to offer.

  • To top