BIOS: Technology Means Business

Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) is regarded as the soccer Daddy. Version 5 furthers the realism, on and off-the-ball movement and intuitive control of the best-selling football series with Producer Shingo ‘Seabass’ Takaska and his team at KCE Tyo implementing a host of new gameplay features. And boy is PES 5 good.

Seasoned PES fans will love the retuned controls giving players more control over weighted passes, one-twos, and so on. This ties in neatly with the improved animation, which not only looks more realistic, but requires you to time kicks and shots perfectly for maximum power - you’re more likely to scuff the ball and make weak, inaccurate shots if you attempt to play them while off balance or out of step. The downside to this realism is that it can be infuriating!

In order for you to enjoy the full benefit of the updated controls, Training Mode is extended - rewarding efforts with points used to unlock secrets within the game. The players are all meticulously detailed, including the authentic representation of names and numbers on their backs. However, unlike FIFA Soccer 06, there’s no proper licensing so you’ll be playing with club sound-alikes.

Having said that you’ll find the most famous players bear an astonishing resemblance to the real thing. Increased detail in all players has been transferred to the Player Design mode, which has been expanded to include more factors determining skill and ability. Master League, in which you guide a lowly team to glory, now allows player-managers to monitor individual players and see when their health declines. In all games, weather conditions can be set to variable, leading to patchy rain or snow. The new weather conditions further enhance the realism and unpredictable nature of PES matches.

But the best feature of PES 5 is the gameplay, which is far more intuitive, realistic and responsive compared to EA’s FIFA Soccer 06. The players move around the pitch with fluidity and they utilise the empty spaces very well. And because of this goals can be scored from anywhere - from any angle. There are no sweet spots either. Every goal you kick is different. And because the controls feel so natural, you’ll pull off some wonderful moves without even thinking about it.

Konami has also come up trumps with ball physics, which are top notch. Passes, shots and crosses along the ground and through the air are all realistic, and we really loved the way that you can play different types of ball passes. For instance, a through ball along the ground will unlock the opposition defence, while a full-length crossfield pass to a team-mate in space will look sweet! And of course you can always try your luck with long-range shots.

Thankfully PES 5 doesn’t suffer from lazy keeper syndrome either, an unrealistic and annoying feature of FIFA Soccer 06. In fact, goalkeepers have been smartened up, now positioning themselves better than ever. But PES 5 isn’t all about gameplay. Konami has made some great subtle touches that make watching the game as fun as playing it.

In particular, the player animations are fantastic when shooting, passing, running and dribbling. There’s even custom free kick animations - one player make take his free kicks in a casual style, while another starts his run up off the screen and charges in. And instead of just running through the goal net, players put their hands up to protect themselves. Adding to the animation is the greater variety of cut-scenes. Celebrations are dynamic and flow with the game, as are the awarding of free kicks and bookings.

PES 5 makes the best even better. With the new trademark moves, massively expanded Master League and variable weather conditions, PES 5 ensures that computer-based football is even closer to the real thing. Konami just needs to work on licensing to improve the game’s authenticity - Arsenal and Chelsea are the only licensed teams, and you’ll play against Man Red (Manchester United) and Merseyside Red (Liverpool). How naff!

Other criticisms are that the commentary is repetitive and lacks the passion of FIFA Soccer 06 (thankfully it can be turned off), and the game lacks the overall graphical polish of EA’s competing product. Nevertheless, PES 5 is the best soccer game money can buy if pure gameplay is the numero uno factor.

[9] - Editors’ Choice

[Best PC Game Pricing UK]
[Best PC Game Pricing US]

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