Pro Evolution Soccer

A dominant force in football games for almost a decade, Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) outshines its competition and increases its lead. While FIFA has come close at times, PES has doubtlessly been the better series to buy, and the newest installment of PES shows off the game's sharp competitive edge. FIFA made a stretch that rebuilt the franchise, but for Konami, they played it safe and only added a few new things. Because of those changes, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 does not look much different on the surface from the current generation.

You have no player portraits when selecting a team; you just have a thumbnail and the club badge. Where has PES 6 advanced the most? The newest version caters to the players who prefer the more continental teams, and you have two teams that have the official clubs like Bayern Munich, Celtic and Rangers. Konami's winning formula has continued to be used, and the rewarding gameplay can be found throughout. The lack of innovation is where most gamers will take issue with PES 6. There is nothing new to make it stand out, but if you liked the previous installments, then PES 6 should tickle your fancy.

To be fair, Konami has made tweaks that improved the match engine, and there is a more refined game than ever before. You also have new advantages such as an increased number of licensed teams. Along with that, you have International Challenge mode. It does take some practice games before you adjust to the new controls and playing style, but once you do, you have a more polished version that adds to the fluid movement.

The physics of the ball and how the players interact with the ball are more realistic. The improvements to the tumbles and collisions reflect the more physical nature of the game. Pro Evolution Soccer 6 rewards tactics from the real world and has lifelike movements that add to the suspension of disbelief. Another interesting improvement is when you dribble the ball while running, you will keep it close to your feet. Because of the changes to the gameplay, one-on-one situations can be a recipe for having the ball stolen. You want to adapt your game to faster and shorter passes down the field to kick more goals past the goalkeeper. Whenever you pass, you want to face your target because indirect passes or off-target passes often come up short.

Since the latest installment, improvements have been made such that the strategies that used to work no longer work as well. As a result, you will have to adapt your gameplay to make it fit with the newest installment. Goalkeepers have a better ability of shot deflection, and you have eight new moves that include feints, tricks and turns. Overall, it's a great game to check out.

Pros

• Adaptable gameplay with new moves.
• Better ball physics than with previous games.
• Real world tactics have a better reward.

Cons

• No new innovations from Konami.