Ever since EA Sports raised the bar so high last month with the release of the fantastic FIFA 11, it became evident that Konami�s had a lot to live up to with keeping pace with Pro Evolution Soccer. And considering that previous entries in the Pro Evolution Soccer series haven�t been quite up to snuff, there was some cause for concern. Thankfully, Konami has enhanced the formula with Pro Evolution Soccer 2011, which brings a number of changes that dedicated soccer fans � and casual lovers � won�t want to miss.
The biggest change you�ll notice with PES 2011 is the speed of the gameplay. No longer are you scrambling like madmen to get a piece of the ball. The pace has been lightened up, so it runs in a more pragmatic manner. While this may not suit long-time players of the series, it�s a change that works for the better, letting you keep pressure on the ball while building up for the breakaway that could score you a crucial goal. There are slight issues, mainly with pressuring a defensiveman for the ball and accidentally fouling as a result, but over time, you�ll get used to it and find yourself achieving bicycle kick-mounted plays in no time. The ability to map feints on the right analog stick is a huge plus as well, as you can add some style to your on-field game.
Konami also deserves praise for what it�s done online. Not only can you hop on Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network and take on friends in matches, but you can also enroll in Online Master League, a mode that lets you take a gamble with your team, which can pay off if you�re good enough. It�s not gambling, per se, but rather a system that rewards you for good play, letting you unlock everything from better players to ridiculous prizes, such as oddly-shaped soccer balls and vintage sound effects from other Konami games. Ever hear a guy on the field make Frogger noises? Here�s your chance.
Along with online options, the other modes, including UEFA Champions League and customization, will keep you busy. You�re able to build your own stadiums (everyone come down to the Beer Drinkers� Official Arena for a game!), logos, crowd chants and more. Granted, you�ll need to work at these to make them into something that�s truly your own, but that�s part of the point � longevity. The UEFA Champions League and South American Copa Libertadores will keep you occupied as well, though they haven�t changed too much over the years. But you�ll like them anyway.
That said, we would�ve liked to have seen more official teams. While the Dutch and French premier leagues are included, only two of the English teams � Manchester and Tottenham � are here. You can download fan-made content to fill in the blanks, which beats nothing, but come on, Konami: FIFA 11 has so many official leagues. Why doesn�t PES 2011?
PES 2011�s development team really stepped up when it came to the in-game visuals. The long-distance view of the field may not be a huge step over other games, but when you get to the replays � wow. The player animations are life-like, right down to the eyes and the slip-up of a player after he takes a kick to the shins. The stadiums are outstanding and the action never lets up, not even when you�re playing online. With sound, you�ve got great effects, including crowd chants and plenty of kicking noises, and the commentary by Jon Champion and Jim Beglin is sufficient, though occasionally off-the-mark.
No, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 won�t replace FIFA 11 as our favorite soccer game, but it�s a huge step forward in progress for Konami. The gameplay is a lot of fun—despite the slower pace—and the combination of online and off-line options will keep you busy throughout the season. If you�ve got some time to spare from EA Sports� champion, kick the ball around on Konami�s field for awhile.
0 comments:
Post a Comment