Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Review

Enjoyable dribble.

Version tested: PlayStation 3

We all like different things. Some adore FIFA 08, some hate it. Some love PES 6, others abhor it. It's all a matter of taste. I'll warn you now, a section of you are going to hate PES 2008, simply because it doesn't dance to the right footy rhythm. Others amongst you will think it's the best game of the series to date and lavish it with the type of love usually reserved for a firstborn, while some of you will just groan and write it off as more of the same. Question is, which is going to be?

As you're probably only too well aware, PES 6 was fast, frenetic and intense, a mix of arcade action and realism melded into a ball-pinging match day experience that thrilled and frustrated in equal measures. For every sublimely orchestrated build-up there was a defender teleporting in front of your attacker, for all the squealing thrills of the Ping-Pong-style physics there were cries of anguish at the farcical penalty area pinball scrambles. PES 6 was a game that provided moments of footballing genius one minute and had you hovering over your console with a hammer and a murderous glint the next.

In many ways, PES 2008 is very similar to its predecessor, yet in others, wholly different. This year's version provides a far more robust rendition of football, exuding the type of muscularity associated with the modern game and injecting it with an arcade vein that sees you pulling off the kind of mesmerising runs that have been AWOL for the past few versions.

The ball feels considerably weightier this year, players more solid and more combative. From the instant you kick off, you'll feel the difference. No longer does the ball skid puck-like over the surface, but bobbles, floats and rolls with greater realism than ever before. Long shots are no longer laser-guided missiles but more akin to real football, where balance, space, time and distance play a greater role when firing at goal. It takes some getting used to, but after a few hours, the weightier ball physics begin to feel natural and satisfying, almost like watching a real, modern-day pigskin flying around a stadium.

The added sense of weight also benefits the players, whose movements are now more lithe and realistic. Tussling and jostling have been taken to the next level, with a player's strength and size having a major impact on their ability to maintain possession and hold off the opposition. A towering six-footer can dispossess a slighter player through brute strength alone (and thankfully this doesn't always result in a foul), though this is offset by an increased dribbling ability that flies in the face of the game's seemingly more realistic approach to the beautiful game.

'Pro Evolution Soccer 2008' Screenshot 1

The Master League now features very basic player interaction.

PES 2008's players - even the less skilful ones such as Dirk Kuyt and Gilberto Silva - can now embark on mazy runs to rival a Greek epic. Players possessing superior footwork such as Ronaldinho and Ronaldo (either of them) have become one-man armies, battering-ram runners with ballerina finesse and magnets on their boots, who can single-handedly win a match by themselves. Controlling these players is a dream for dribbling enthusiasts, though purists amongst you will probably be disgusted at just how easy it is to weave past the opposition.

However, the game still gives the advantage to defenders in the final third, though thankfully the irritating teleporting defenders from PES 6 have been removed. Stoppers show an incredible ability to throw in last-minute tackles and blocks and have a better chance of tackling you in and around the area, though the advantage given to defenders is done subtly enough for you to rarely feel cheated.

One downside to having star players possessing such dazzling footwork, pace and power, is that they become tantamount to tanks, equally adept at tracking back and dispossessing an opponent as they are at dancing past defenders, which is hardly realistic when you find yourself constantly using a Brazilian attacker to charge half the length of the pitch, win possession and then hurtle towards glory on a hypnotising solo run. While patient build-up play is perfectly possible and often preferable to charging forward, PES 2008 can at times take on a basketball-like quality, where teams take turns to stream forward in waves of attacks, then desperately try to defend the counter-offensive (especially in multiplayer).

'Pro Evolution Soccer 2008' Screenshot 2

You can now dribble pretty much the entire length of the pitch with top players like Ronaldinho.

Passing is another facet to receive a revamp. The hit-and-hope technique of earlier PES games has been further abolished here, and you're now forced to genuinely look up and around the pitch to find a player in space, before measuring a correctly weighted pass, through ball or cross.

Other improvements include crowd and player sounds, which have been beefed up since last year. Home spectators now sound genuinely pleased when their team finds the net, rather than a prawn sandwich brigade. Players also grunt a great deal more from the increased physicality of the proceedings. The much vaunted learning AI (Teamvision) is impressive enough and provides a stiff challenge, though rarely does it appear to dynamically learn and counter your playing style as the claims led us to believe it would.

Additions of less importance (more cosmetic than anything else) include more animated crowds, an exhaustive list of stats and achievements that rate how well you play and a basic Master League makeover with rudimentary player interaction and extra player and team stats (hardly the revamp we were all hoping for). There's also a soundtrack that's clearly attempting to suit every taste, but the low quality of the songs is likely to have you hurriedly reaching for the mute button, as is the irritating commentary.

'Pro Evolution Soccer 2008' Screenshot 3

Players either look just like their real-life counterparts, or are totally unrecognisable.

As well as a host of improvements and additions, there's also a fair smattering of negatives here. For starters, too many slide tackles still result in the opposition instantly regaining possession and the new penalty-saving angle feels pointless and occasionally disorientating. What's more, goalkeeper handling is a little suspect at times, especially when it comes to parrying stinging shots, and, somewhat unforgivably, using the new cheat (dive) ability when there isn't an opposition player anywhere near you still results in an instant yellow card. However, perhaps my biggest bugbear lies with the graphics, which despite showing a slight improvement since PES 6 (likenesses are either excellent or utterly inaccurate), still make little attempt to siphon the true potential from next-gen technology.

Ultimately, the main reason behind buying PES 2008 lies with its newfound robustness, thrilling action and an unadulterated joy associated with dribbling that you won't have felt since you were born. Matches lie somewhere between realism and arcade accessibility and the often-frenetic pace provides a totally different football experience to FIFA 08's slower, more considered gameplay.

PES 2008's entertaining match improvements, exhilarating action and solid additions mean it just about scrapes another 8, though at no point does it come even close to flirting with higher scores. It's fast, fluid, fun and physical, an improved, revamped version of PES 6 if you like. If that's what you're looking for from the next iteration of the series, then you won't be disappointed. If not, then I think you can probably work the rest out for yourself...

8 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy

Comments (156) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • tomdominer #1 4 years ago

  • the_sas_man #2 4 years ago

  • rotmm #3 4 years ago

    Just a quick question. Given the recent furore over slowdowns, etc. which version was reviewed?

    Also, no mention of online play. How is it? Lag, robustness, gamestyles, etc?
  • ecureuil #4 4 years ago

  • Razzajazz #5 4 years ago

    Doesn't really sound like the fulsome praise I was expecting.....
  • Bonus #6 4 years ago

    I love it.

    It's the best game in the series to date.
  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #7 4 years ago

    FIFA vs PES: score draw

    Good news if you're playing the pools.
  • Paukl #8 4 years ago

    Hmmm, no mention of slowdown, and no mention of online play...
  • Amajiro #9 4 years ago

    Could Michael Owen look any less enthusiastic in that photo?
  • Thamuhacha #10 4 years ago

    I dislike it

    It is slow and the frame rate is abysmal
  • QPRHOOPS81 #11 4 years ago

    I was in HMV today and watched a guy playing Pro 2008 (ps3 version). There was absolutly no slowdown during the game but oddly there was some pretty horrific slowdown during the replays. Well not so much slowdown but really glitchy.
    The actual game was fine though which i guess is the important thing. Very odd as surely a replay would be the easiest thing to make smooth.
  • BeardoUK #12 4 years ago

    So, we've heard of crippling slow-down and terrible frame-rate issues from numerous other reviews of the PS3 version but zero mention of it here...

    What a mess!



  • Antwandemarco #13 4 years ago

    Grrr i'll buy it, but it certainly doesn't sound like the evolution the series needs. I hate to be a gfx whore but it really does need to start looking nicer. Dum de dum
  • coderkind #14 4 years ago

    Can we please have the PS2 review now so we can work out which version to buy?
  • ecureuil #15 4 years ago

    Yeah, just read it. I'm interested to know which version had been reviewed, and about slowdown. From what I've heard, both version suffer from slowdown, the PS3 version moreso.
  • QPRHOOPS81 #16 4 years ago

    "So, we've heard of crippling slow-down and terrible frame-rate issues from numerous other reviews of the PS3 version but zero mention of it here...

    What a mess! "

    Apparently there is a patch that comes up when you install the game. Think its that that fixes alot of the issues the PS3 version was having? Certainly what i saw today, apart from the replay was very smooth.
  • asharkman #17 4 years ago

    hello eurogamer? Which version was this? What's the 360 version like compared with the PC?
    Also for a game that attracts so much attention why the rushed through and short review?
  • lambtron #18 4 years ago

    The slowdown (PS3 version) for me is the worst since Sonic 2 on the Mega Drive. Its that bad.
  • BeardoUK #19 4 years ago

    ManicMiner UK "Worst flaws section of any review I've ever read... how does getting booked for diving when there's no-one near you constitute an "unforgivable" flaw, exactly? I can't even understand what you think the game should do in those circumstances? Nothing, I'd assume?"


    It's quite obvious really. If a player who was in possession of the ball with no other players even remotely near him and he 'choose' to fall over and give possession away, he wouldn't get booked in real life would he?
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 14:24
  • jimbo118 #20 4 years ago

    according to this review:
    [link url=http://ww w.pro-g.co.uk/ps3/pes7/review.html
    ]http://ww w.pro-g.co.uk/ps3/pes7/review.h...[/link]
    the ps3 version is very poor.

    EG, review needed more depth, only 1 page? no mention of version differences, framerate/slowdowns, what about the pc version?
  • ecureuil #21 4 years ago

    Stop bringing up that fucking Pro-G review, for gods sake.
  • krudster #22 4 years ago

    If we only get one version to review (PS3), I'm not entirely sure how Martin's supposed to comment on the differerences between versions.
  • sickboy #23 4 years ago

    My question is: Is it possible to play on the same team (co-op) online? Much like you could do in PES6 on the PC.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 14:28
  • rotmm #24 4 years ago

    krudster,

    Fair point and somehow I missed that it was under the PS3 reviews section ;)
  • jimbo118 #25 4 years ago

    @ecureuil : sorry, i didnt see it posted in the comments yet, relax.

    @ krudster: it doesnt say in the review whether the review was on ps3 or 360 anyway, on your front page it has the review with ps3 and 360 underneath the title so :|
  • Sud0g #26 4 years ago

    Its like watching a pack of dogs..... Go for the Jugular!!!!!!
  • ne0star #27 4 years ago

    One stinking page review for a game as big as this?!?

    Come on lads its a 2 page review at least to cover everything!
  • Putty-Man #28 4 years ago

    Grand review but as the topic of framerate and slowdown was talked about so much in the forums it would have been nice to have this covered in more detail.
  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #29 4 years ago

    @krudster
    If we only get one version to review (PS3), I'm not entirely sure how Martin's supposed to comment on the differerences between versions

    If you only get one version to review, then don't just stick the other consoles' icons on it then. You did leave the PS3 one off of the Orange Box review, after all.
  • Apologie #30 4 years ago

    The game indeed have frame rate problems in replays and introducing scenes... other than that the game play's impecable... better graphics, gameplay is almost the same (if not the same) as the last version and the A.I doesen't seem to be that challenging... multiplayer will be a blast but seems to be inaccessible for now.

    It's not easyer or harder to drible so i don't understand that part of the review.

    The good old Pro Evo... with some good improvements... but i must admit, these year i was a bit letdown.
    Edited by 2 at 27/10/07 @ 20:52
  • ecureuil #31 4 years ago

    If we only get one version to review (PS3), I'm not entirely sure how Martin's supposed to comment on the differerences between versions.

    Fair enough. Since the slowdown wasn't mentioned, are we to assume it's not an issue?
  • tinners #32 4 years ago

    My question is: Is it possible to play on the same team (co-op) online? Much like you could do in PES6 on the PC.

    ERM NO!!! maybe once pro evo 2010 comes out and they finally get to grips with more than just 1v1. unlike the PS2 version and pc which can handle it just fine.

    oh and FIFA which pretty soon is gonna be 5 vs 5. sorry EG but for once your review isn’t very inspiring. ive been a fan of pro evo for years but after your fifa review, also given an 8 i was inspired to go out and see what the competition can offer, so after reading this review which to my eyes is mostly negative it's really hard for me to understand why fifa doesn't get a 9 and this an 8.

    Also the fact i have read everywhere apart from here that pro on the ps3 is laggy and full of problems compared to the 360 but not one mention of this. Normally you are the first to speak about games from a functional point of view, this time round it just reads like you skimmed over the game and gave it an 8.

    For me from what i have played its a 7 because next gen should mean something by now and for Konami who still doesn’t seem to grasp this while EA have finally woken up. oh well UN-SOLD!
    Edited by 3 at 25/10/07 @ 14:44
  • thehipster7 #33 4 years ago

    oh shucks dribbling even easier, result more folk online thinking then can dribble from the halfway line again and again. think i'll stick to fifa and pass on buying this tomorrow.

    no mention of decent players runs off the ball for those who like to pass then?

    pes appears to be more and more of a schoolyard scramble and fifa a champions league game.

    by the way - lag online for fifa and/or pes is purely down to poor user isp connections/contention -i've been using the lobby to choose opponents in fifa and have only ever had lag against 'laggers' i.e. those with red connections in lobby, orange always reasonable and green always excellent.

    of course my connection is always green ;-))

    if you show as red or orange in the fifa lobby then change your ISP!!!

    oh by the way 7/10 for NHL'08 - 9/10 more like. superb game.





  • jimbo118 #34 4 years ago

    i'm not sure what to do this year, i bought fida 08 after reading positive reviews but brought it back yesterday, i saw a demo of pes2008 yesterday in GameStop running on ps2 behind their counter on a giant screen, the gameplay was so fast, players were superhuman in their responses, the ball just pinged about it at a 100 miles an hour, looked like a sensible soccer 3D remake in fast forward.

    Despite Fifa's flaws this year one thing it nailed was the games pacing
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 14:43
  • symbiote #35 4 years ago

  • Fab4 #36 4 years ago

    I think i'll pass on this one. All you'll come across is people playing the same teams over and over again, just because they have a "super-dribbler" in their squad. I always thought it amusing about PES6...you'd have people with GTs like "Spurs4life" and their last 5 teams used where all Barcelona, or a mixture of Barca, Inter, AC etc.

    I cant see why Konami bother with putting so many teams in the game.
  • symbiote #37 4 years ago

    For
    Oily
    Obese
    Tardy
    Barstooles
    And
    Lazy
    Loudmouths
  • brazzauk #38 4 years ago

    Evolution is the wrong word for thiis game. That suggests it moves forward. Not this year. I am gutted with this game. Its lazy and adds little on the shallow PES6 that we had on 360 last year.

    What have they been doing for 12 months? The time wasn't used to improve the graphics, sound, licenses or gameplay! Next Gen, dont make me laugh.

    I think that Konami have got lazy and the fact FIFA has been crap for years has helped further that. FIFA 08 is good this year and in some ways embarasses this game. I keep playing it wanting to like it more than FIFA, I feel I should, but at the end of the day I think that as a next gen title FIFA is the better all round game this year.
  • andijames #39 4 years ago

    Not one mention of the slowdown in here at all. I am correct in reading it's a PS3 review too??

    Surely the worries that readers have raised need to be addressed?
  • sickboy #40 4 years ago

    @tinners: Thanks for the reply.

    Disappointing... Am I the only one who likes playing against the computer with my mates?
  • brazzauk #41 4 years ago

    Buy it on PS2 at least then it has an excuse for slowdown and looking so shit!
  • miiiguel #42 4 years ago

    I agree that the aleged lag has got to be related to one's conection. I've been playing PES6 (on THE machine) for a year and it always played like a dream.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 14:51
  • tinners #43 4 years ago

    ManicMiner UK "Worst flaws section of any review I've ever read... how does getting booked for diving when there's no-one near you constitute an "unforgivable" flaw, exactly? I can't even understand what you think the game should do in those circumstances? Nothing, I'd assume?"

    Yes! you assumed right. If that happened in real life football not only would everyone including the ref laugh at the player in question they would do nothing, because nothing is in question, there is no defender/player to accuse....amazing eh?
  • Runtime #44 4 years ago

    This review also shows up in the X360 section. Will there be a seperate review when Eurogamer gets hold of a copy for the 360?
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 14:53
  • Fab4 #45 4 years ago

    Lag is not purely down to your connection. It is also down to your route to the server. I.e, the distance and how congested it is. Think of your connection like a Porsche 911 and driving it through London in rush-hour. See if you benefit from its terrific speed.
  • Sud0g #46 4 years ago

    If they clearly dived, even with no one around them they would be booked. Go check your 2007 FA Referring Rulebook. FTW.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 15:01
  • andijames #47 4 years ago

    I see eurogamer has purchased another season ticket in the "on the fence" section :D
  • miiiguel #48 4 years ago

    why the whining on the versions? I thought it would be quite clear by now that 360's and PS3's versions of any game are minimal and it doesn't justify having 2 diferent reviews.
  • tinners #49 4 years ago

    @sickboy

    Disappointing... Am I the only one who likes playing against the computer with my mates?

    know exactly what you mean m8, i always played pro with my mates 2 player co-op vs computer in some kind of league, how hard would that be making it 2 player online co-op?? not that hard surely?? but does any developer ever think of this?? nope!! they just piss about trying to add a new camera angle or add a new diving button *yawn*, in this day and age anything should be possible especially the most obvious options.

    same goes with fifa really, simple things like the option to replay a mate on x box live is not possible, heck even saving a replay on the last pro was not possible, it boggles the mind when the thing your most looking forward to in the next version is the option to save a goal onto your 20 gig hard drive lol... oh well :(
  • Steroyd #50 4 years ago

    Ctrl + F "Slowdown"

    Eh? You didn't mention it in your review EG?
    Seriously i'm hearing the framerate is attrocious and then people who have played the game are saying there's no slowdow at all, it's just wierd no-one is saying the same thing.

    Can we please have the PS2 review now so we can work out which version to buy?

    PS2 is the definitive version if you want to know it's got more modes than the "next gen" versions.
  • Les #51 4 years ago

    Guess that if slowdown would have been a real issue it would have been mentioned.

    But once again here's a 'next gen' game that doesn't add anything to gameplay. Guess it'll be PES 4 for another season then...
  • Les #52 4 years ago

    "Seriously i'm hearing the framerate is attrocious and then people who have played the game are saying there's no slowdow at all, it's just wierd no-one is saying the same thing."

    Might be that some reviewers received a pre-gold version review copy with not all issues ironed out yet. Stupid from Konami, anoying for people interested in the game.
  • malteaserhead #53 4 years ago

  • Eighthours #54 4 years ago

    Long shots are no longer laser-guided missiles but more akin to real football, where balance, space, time and distance play a greater role when firing at goal.

    Since when have long shots in recent PES games ever been "laser guided missiles"? Balance, space, time and distance have always played a part in PES's shooting mechanics.

    This, and the lack of any mention of slowdown... What's going on, EG?
  • tinners #55 4 years ago

    @Sud0g

    If they clearly dived, even with no one around them they would be booked. Go check your 2007 FA Referring Rulebook. FTW.

    Would they really? you seen this a lot in real life football then, what if they tripped? oh better consult your book rather than common sense i spose? *dear god*
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 15:08
  • sinco #56 4 years ago

    Everybody is talking about slowdowns... I would prefer them to the unrealistic speed the game offers. It seems quiker than PES6, more "arcadish", it has some glitches on the replays and a different kind of lag online - the ball sometimes disapears and teletransports - I know its a connection issue, but I never saw it in more than 1 year and a half of PES 6. I think the gfx improvment is not much of a cause to buy a new game. I´m a bit disapointed with the game indeed, the "simulation" aspect of PES is a bit ripped off and it almost feels like kick off 3D, sadly.
    Comparing it with the direction FIFA is moving to, it´s a clear swap in positions: FIFA - simulation of soccer; PES 2008 - arcadish futy game. I´m really pissed with konami. :[
  • Sud0g #57 4 years ago

    haha tinners, have you read the 2007 FA Referring Rulebook??

    jesus, stop taking it all so seriously.
  • tmatharu #58 4 years ago

    Right....i am soooo getting this...played the demo, and i loved it......nice one!!!
  • JHuxley #59 4 years ago

    Why are the two best football games available on any platform only getting 8/10? Something is clearly wrong here (and it probably isn't Eurogamer's reviewing).

    "If that happened in real life football not only would everyone including the ref laugh at the player in question they would do nothing, because nothing is in question, there is no defender/player to accuse....amazing eh?"

    There is someone to accuse - the player who dived. No matter how ludicrous, it's up to the referee to take action if they think a player is trying to decieve them. And as the person in question has activated a function called ....wait for it...DIVE, then I imagine they were trying to decieve the referee. They are so stupid they deserved to get booked. I can't even believe this is worth mentioning as a 'flaw'.
  • tmatharu #60 4 years ago

    oh....and the last time PES was arcady was PES3....its a really nice balance of arcade action and simulation....Hats off to Konami! Get in!
  • tinners #61 4 years ago

    haha tinners, have you read the 2007 FA Referring Rulebook??

    jesus, stop taking it all so seriously.


    yeah its on wikipedia isn't it :p

    Football and taking it serious go hand in hand for me im afraid im a football fanboy hence why im a bit gutted over this review as i have signed my soul to the EA devil and purchased FIFA which at the moment seems to make sense.

    think it was someone else taking the serious approach and a few more people were trying to make sense of it, seeing it made no sense, oh well fingers crossed someone dives on match of the day in the middle of the pitch with no one arround them so we can see the consiquences, i know what outcome my money is on.
  • malteaserhead #62 4 years ago

    sinco
    25-Oct-07
    I´m a bit disapointed with the game indeed, the "simulation" aspect of PES is a bit ripped off and it almost feels like kick off 3D, sadly.
    Comparing it with the direction FIFA is moving to, it´s a clear swap in positions: FIFA - simulation of soccer; PES 2008 - arcadish futy game. I´m really pissed with konami. :[

    _______________________________

    that can't be right. I remember someone promising that...
    "we truly believe that we have elevated the game to a new level,"

    "The movement of players off the ball, coupled with the total control given to the player, creates the closest simulation of real football to date. We really hope everyone enjoys our evolution. I promise it will be worth the wait."

    Wonder who? ;)



  • brazzauk #63 4 years ago

    Pes 2008 - 7/10
    Fifa 08 - 8/10
  • miiiguel #64 4 years ago

    Eighthours, yes..., odd indeed, long shots were never "laser guided" in PEs (on the contrary, actualy. They were hard to perform).
  • Furfoot #65 4 years ago

    Ahh slowdown only occurs on SDTVs due to PS3s lack of 60hz supportingnessstuffs
  • gaselite #66 4 years ago

    "Matches lie somewhere between realism and arcade accessibility and the often-frenetic pace provides a totally different football experience to FIFA 08's slower, more considered gameplay."


    Good, I'll probably get this as an alternative to FIFA 08 which I love, I have room for both :)
  • Sud0g #67 4 years ago

    Shock horror. People have different opinions on games ...... If only Communism won, we would all be playing the same game. What a great world that would be.
  • The-Bodybuilder #68 4 years ago

    How can the ps3 version be the worst? Wasn't it it primary target for the next gen versions?

    Then again, it's not exactly next gen looking....or playing for that matter.
  • Putty-Man #69 4 years ago

    By the way, I've just read an email in my inbox from Eurogamer entitled..

    'Out this week: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008'

    ..and it reads like an advertisment. Is this real Eurogamer editorial or is it just a well disguised ad?

    Apologies if this has been discussed before, or if I'm sidetracking.
  • thehipster7 #70 4 years ago

    >Lag is not purely down to your connection. It is also down to your route to the >erver. I.e, the distance and how congested it is. Think of your connection like a >Porsche 911 and driving it through London in rush-hour. See if you benefit from >its terrific speed.

    Duh yep that'll be your connection, the issue you mention is known as contention and is the major cause of 1mb connection or 8mb or even 24mb connections crawling along at 56kbps rates.

    Basically the ISP needs to provide more bandwidth from the exchange to allow for the traffic you mention. Think of it as building 5 lane motorways to go woth your london analogy.

    Distances are relevant, but a good connection with little contention will not in my experience be affected adversely, unless Uk/Europe to Australia which is mostly very slow.

  • lambtron #71 4 years ago

    "Ahh slowdown only occurs on SDTVs due to PS3s lack of 60hz supportingnessstuffs"

    Err no, cos I played it on a HDTV ( a Sony one ironically). The slowdown and horrendous framerates (albeit only on freekicks, corners, penalties and replays) was terrible.
  • tinners #72 4 years ago

    Basically its time for another company to make the definitive football game so in future EA and Konami will have to work for there footy fans and not just expect us to accept it like sheep.

    *so when is SWOS out again*? :(
  • The-Bodybuilder #73 4 years ago

    I've had my concerns of this since the LIVE demo. I went for FIFA08 (first time in years), and although not flawless, it has the pacing and physics, the commentary (best ever) and a large amount of teams.

    I'm confident I've made the right decision, and i'll see what konami brings next year. Pity too many are too sheepish to even give it a try.
  • Sid-Nice #74 4 years ago

    The review came across as a 6/10 to me; I won't be wasting my money on this game: "Konami think it's all over, well it is now."
  • Fontanelles #75 4 years ago

    are Eurogamer gonna review the PS2 version, as with PES6, for us non-next-gen paupers? Cheers.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 15:45
  • trotskyicepick #76 4 years ago

    Will the PS2 version be any better?
  • tinners #77 4 years ago

    There is someone to accuse - the player who dived. No matter how ludicrous, it's up to the referee to take action if they think a player is trying to decieve them. And as the person in question has activated a function called ....wait for it...DIVE, then I imagine they were trying to decieve the referee. They are so stupid they deserved to get booked. I can't even believe this is worth mentioning as a 'flaw'.

    Hmm think this is taking us away from the main banter here as this is purely based on rules made by governing body's (ohh err misses) the point i was making for example, if a striker dribbled passed the last man in defence then he was brought down from behind (international tackle style) will he always get a red card as written in rule book or will he be given a yellow by said referee??

    thats a more likely scenario than someone belly diving in the middle of the pitch with no one even remotely close to them. I doubt we would see it but i think it would be funny if they were given a yellow for something so obvious.

    so what are people buying now?? (back to the main topic) fifa or pro or both?, like i said this year it's about realism for me and fifa has traded places with pro this season.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 15:52
  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #78 4 years ago

    freekicks, corners, penalties and replays

    That doesn't really affect the pace of play though, the setpieces are pretty much only aesthetic. PES 6 on 360 suffered some nasty slowdown in 'proper' play when there were a load of players on screen, particularly in rainy weather.

    From the sound of the review, that's not there on the PS3. I didn't notice in-play slowdown on the 360 demo, either.
  • tinners #79 4 years ago

    What about the slowdown issues that have been mentioned?

    someone mentioned that a patch is now out so hopefully this sorts out all those problems, but we need someone with the updated patch to confirm this.

  • Sud0g #80 4 years ago

    Tinners, Both. They are two very different styles of game. I have mates who like both, so need to play both to win.
  • wanksta10 #81 4 years ago

    what a dissapointing review...
    im surprised that EG didn't write AT LEAST 2 pages for this game and although they could argue that it's a yearly update, this is a game which is massively popular (just look at the comments building up for this game when compared to other games or articles released this week)

    the review read like a 7 too but there should've been more written on the master league 'improvements' and online play.

    i havent brought a pro evo game since no.4 so i would've liked to have seen more covered...
  • thepiedpiper #82 4 years ago

    so i thought i'd ask seeing as no one else has mentioned it.

    Dear Eurogamer, what about the slowdown?
  • dmeeno #83 4 years ago

    The lag is awful on xbox live. I never had much of a problem on Pro Evo 6.
  • TheMoonRat #84 4 years ago

    It read like someone who didn't have the guts to only give it a 7!
  • Sud0g #85 4 years ago

    the lag on PES6 Xbox360 at release was awful! Was fixed when they released a patch.
  • tinners #86 4 years ago

    Sud0g - true i am tempted to get both but after leaving fifa alone since the megadrive days there is now a massive void in my learning curve.

    pro is like riding a bike for me but fifa feels like a whole new adventure which im enjoying each time the more i play, so im not sure i wanna get used to two styles of play i was hoping that it would be "one game to rule them all" but just like the opinions that's never the case is it.

    i also need to rob a bank for this years 360 x mass line up. :(


  • dickrickulous #87 4 years ago

    I see this as an 8 bang on. When the fundamental gameplay mechanics are as slick and enjoyable as they clearly are here (with some minor grievences depending on what 'style' of football you prefer to play) anything less than 8 would be very unfair.

    The presentation side of the game is woefully undeveloped though so it certainly shouldnt be up in the top two scores until it gets a major overhaul.

    If you think about Halo 3 then the gameplay in that is similarly enjoyable but it is complimented by a whole load of features that make it a richer experience. Pro Evo doesnt deserve a better score until it does something similar.

    I thought Halo was a 9 tops though....

    *runs*
  • Runtime #88 4 years ago

    so what version to get 360 or PS3??
  • The-Bodybuilder #89 4 years ago

    >"It read like someone who didn't have the guts to only give it a 7! "

    It's weird, but I kinda agree.
  • Sud0g #90 4 years ago

  • KingKongBassett #91 4 years ago

    The diving is absurd. If you dive in this the referee seems incapable of playing advantage, which they do with fouls. So, if you're about the lose the ball and have over-committed men forward, a dive will see you get a booking but stop the opponent from counter-attacking. Really shit, Konami.

    And as for the penalty angle. What. The. Fuck.
  • the_sas_man #92 4 years ago

    >"It read like someone who didn't have the guts to only give it a 7! "

    Totally agree there.

    I'm a huge PES fan, but this is clearly a 7 at best.
  • manufan200 #93 4 years ago

  • dmeeno #94 4 years ago

    Hurry up and release a patch Konami eh?
  • gman7714 #95 4 years ago

    Yep have to agree, poor review EG. I have been trawling tinternet all week for PES7 reviews and so far I have seen this poo one and IGN's poo one oh and the one we not allowed to mention (Pro-G)

    I have never liked FIFA and I loved ISS (N64 I think) way back in the day but the last few PES's have been doing my nut in, esp. lack of goal replay saves in 6 and the damn cheating in master league i.e. Beat Barca 3-0 and then lose to Bolton or whoever wtf!?!

    FIFA is sounding so tempting at the mo (£29.99 delivered from Game at the mo btw) and I seriously want a footie game but just as seriously I dont want to be disappointed again!

    Arrrh I'm tearing my hair out!!!!
  • Bonus #96 4 years ago

    I've played the 360 version and there was no slowdown at all during the game.

    The replays seem to drop frames rather than slowing down making them look a bit juddery.

    Don't know what the problem is, I think it's great.
  • QPRHOOPS81 #97 4 years ago

    Found this regarding PS2 version from a pesgaming forum

    PES2008 review for Playstation 2

    ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------

    Just a small review on the game:

    1) Editing mode. Nothing has changed from PES6. IDENTICAL to PES6

    2) Licenses. Premier League is there, only Spurs and Newcastle are licensed. You can edit everything though, including the team emblems.
    Bundesliga is missing. There is a blank league where you can create the teams. Bayern Munich is included in one of the "other teams" sections
    3) New faces. I noticed Konami have created the faces of some players previously not included. For example Eboue of Arsenal, Tim Cahill of Everton now have built in faces.

    4)Gameplay. controls are exactly the same as PES6. There are NO new dribbling styles, NO dive button. Everything is done in the same way as in PES6 with the only noticeable differences being the running and dribbling animation who are just a bit different to watch this time.

    5)Response. I can clearly feel that the controls do not respond as fast as in PES6. When I'm trying to dribble or change direction I cannot get a "real time" response and that leads to giving away posession.

    6) Scoring. Same type of shots, same 2 lobbing styles. No difference here either.

    7) Forward runs. I think that more players tend to make runs and follow in attack.

    8) Commentary. Improved but a bit boring.

    9) Menus and music. The start menu can only allow one mode to be seen and not all options. The sound effects are extremely annoying when you browse through the menus. The menus are a bit different to those in PES6.
    Teams and player names are shown in capital letters which is VERY ANNOYING. I'll personally rename every player. For example SALIHAMIDZIC to Salihamidzic.
    The arrows (red, blue, yellow) that show the condition of each player are blurry and hard to look at.


    OVERALL: Same game as last year's with a different case cover, with the controls not responding as good as before. Worse in every aspect.
    I feel I was robbed as I spent 30 pounds on this crap. Dissapointing
    Save money and buy a PS3 -NEXT YEAR. I'm already waiting for PES2009 to come out.


    More here http://ww w.pesgaming.com/showthread.php?...
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 16:27
  • JHuxley #98 4 years ago

    Why only Spurs and Newcastle licensed? What the hell did they do to offend Fergie? :|

    And I assume the solitary UK stadium is either White Hart Lane or St James' Park? Can anyone confirm?

    VERY disappointed they didn't add more stadiums.
  • deaner #99 4 years ago

    "It's fast, fluid, fun and physical, an improved, revamped version of PES 6 if you like. If that's what you're looking for from the next iteration of the series, then you won't be disappointed. If not, then I think you can probably work the rest out for yourself...

    So if it was a Halo sequel it would be a 10?

    :oD
  • Sid-Nice #100 4 years ago

    Why only Spurs and Newcastle licensed?

    Because PES 2008 is only for losers.
  • baardhimself #101 4 years ago

    seems odd to completely fail to mention the awful slowdown in replays and lag online, but whatever.
  • Bongo #102 4 years ago

  • Arwin #103 4 years ago

    Online wasn't available yet when he did the review. He could have mentioned that but I guess he didn't bother. Pro-G may be an annoying website, but they do at least report on the issue and that Konami is working to fix the issue and the game will be offline 1 hour each day for maintenance.

  • J*C #104 4 years ago

    The 360 version has a smother frame rate so says IGN.
  • Kuma #105 4 years ago

    I assume Championship teams are not included, are Konami not aware that a DLC pack with Champ teams could net them a tidy sum for not that much effort?!?
  • The-Bodybuilder #106 4 years ago

    >"Why only Spurs and Newcastle licensed? "

    Because they both represent pes 2008;
    long balls and loads of goals at both end.
  • immateriaux #107 4 years ago

    Sounds shite from the review. And agree with others above - got the impression there was some fear to give it the 7 it read like it deserved.

    Think, for the first time ever, I'll wait for the "bargain bin" edition of this. Konami just seems to have lost their way altogether with PES. It needs a ground up overhaul for the new era, not just more fiddling.
  • Sid-Nice #108 4 years ago

    Has it still got the disappearing crowd? This would work well for the executive suite at the New Wembley Stadium. I used to be a big PES fan until I lost six stone and dmeeno is no deem.
  • levis #109 4 years ago

    Why all the hate? I sometimes dread reading these comments page because of all the negativity! (And before someone says it, yes I know I don't have too!)

    I doubt many of you have played this game yet but are just taking in all the negativity people have created over the past few months. Even if it's just an update it's still gonna be a good game, just like every year.
    Of course if you have played the game and dislike it then fair play.
  • Darren #110 4 years ago

    I got the PS3 version yesterday and whilst it plays superbly, it is tarred by lots of slowdown and frequent tearing - I mean tearing in a football game for for christsake and what that doesn't exactly push the hardware graphically!!!

    I played about 8 games and all of them suffered from slowdown ingame, sometimes bad, sometimes less so; it seems dependent on which stadium you play in and/or whether it is raining/snowing. Despite me trying numerous camera angles when it rains or snows and/or there are more than 10 players onscreen, the framerate drops resulting in a juddery, jerky feel to the gameplay or it tears horribly. I went back to the 360 demo and the game just flows better as that game has a far smoother framerate with slowdown restricted only to the replays and corners. The PS3 version is shoddy in my opinion and that's why I've ordered the 360 version instead and shall be returning the PS3 version tomorrow. I'm amazed that the EG review made no mention of these issues. So far the only review I've read that has been honest about the game on the PS3 has been Pro-G, although IGN did at least mention that the PS3 had framerate issues and that the 360 version ran smoother.

    P.S. I've installed the game to the HDD - some 1.9 GB of data - and I've just loaded it now and there is no patch so I don't know where that idea came from unless you have to go online to obtain it.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 19:50
  • generica #111 4 years ago

    "PES 2008's players - even the less skilful ones such as Dirk Kuyt and Gilberto Silva - can now embark on mazy runs to rival a Greek epic. Players possessing superior footwork such as Ronaldinho and Ronaldo (either of them) have become one-man armies, battering-ram runners with ballerina finesse and magnets on their boots, who can single-handedly win a match by themselves. Controlling these players is a dream for dribbling enthusiasts, though purists amongst you will probably be disgusted at just how easy it is to weave past the opposition."

    This paragraph destroys any hope I had for this game.

    ;___________________________________________;
  • ronuds #112 4 years ago

    Maybe the slowdown wasn't mentioned since they only had 1 game to review for both platforms? Clearly you can't mention a game's shortcoming if it's only so for 1 of the 2 platforms, yet that's the only platform you have for reviewing?

    And I notice Krudster will normally come into the comments section to address review questions, but the "slowdown" bit he hasn't said a thing about.

    So it's down to either "we're protecting the PS3" or "we shouldn't mention it because we only have 1 game to review."
  • The-Bodybuilder #113 4 years ago

    >"I doubt many of you have played this game yet"

    Many of us have x360s/ps3s/PCs
    Many of us have broadband
    Many of us have LIVE/PSN
    Many of us have downloaded and played the demo
    Many of us who were huge fans of the series were badly dissapointed with the limited change and direction of the latest version (all of which have been validated by reviews).
  • Darren #114 4 years ago

    @ronuds - If the 360 version didn't exist, the framerate issues and tearing in the PS3 version would be just as deserving of criticism in my opinion because - and I keep saying this - they spoil the flow of the game in my opinion. Slowdown is forgivable in replays but when it affects the gameplay then it isn't. When you consider how graphically barren PES 2008 looks from certain camera angles - it does looks fantastic in the replays though - it's amazing that these issues are there in the first place.

    Of course, they don't appear to be in the 360 version (at least based on the demo) so that's why I'm getting that version instead. While the PS3 is undoubtedly a terrific piece of hardware - Ratchet and Clank Future and MotorStorm are proof of that - it's clear (to me anyway) that some developers are struggling to get their games looking and running as good as they do on the 360. PES 2008 is one such example. Shame but there you go. I wanted the edited Options file but I want a playable game more. ;)
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 20:34
  • Sid-Nice #115 4 years ago

    I'm holding out for the Wii version; if it is shit then at least it will be new shit and not an update from previous builds.

    I'm so disappointed with Konami; after buying 2 relatively poor PS2 ports for the Xbox and Xbox 360, I thought that the PS3 build would have been perfect. Control wise the button configurations are basically the same and all Konami had to do was make the game look and play great. All this Blu-Ray next generation shit; what a load of bollocks, the game could fit on a Gamecube disk.
  • GamesConnoisseur #116 4 years ago

    I think generally people (myself inc) expected that with Konami and PES, that PS3 version would be a better version but a repeat of the PS3 inferiority complex compared to X360 is not good.

    Devs will certainly improve their handlings of PS3 hardware, just look at PS2 but its doesn't look good for a series that is so identified with Playstation. I just cannot abide tearings or crap framerates, which is why with certain games on X360 ie Dead Rising I just switch away from VGA to component and the tearings problem solved.

    PS3 would very likely not have the same solution as the HDMI is so firmly entrenched as the CHOICE for HD quality?

    Darren, many thanks for your unbiased comparsion.
  • pantherboy #117 4 years ago

    "PES 2008's players - even the less skilful ones such as Dirk Kuyt and Gilberto Silva"

    HOW VERY DARE YOU!

    Gilberto is very skilful
  • smugla #118 4 years ago

    what are the online modes on the 360 and the ps3

    does the ps3 use the konami servers?
    360 1v1 online only?
    can you set up you own leauges or cups?
    and can you save your replays ofline/online?
  • smelly #119 4 years ago

    So.. not as good as sensible soccer 2006 then?
  • QPRHOOPS81 #120 4 years ago

    "PES 2008's players - even the less skilful ones such as Dirk Kuyt and Gilberto Silva - can now embark on mazy runs to rival a Greek epic. Players possessing superior footwork such as Ronaldinho and Ronaldo (either of them) have become one-man armies, battering-ram runners with ballerina finesse and magnets on their boots, who can single-handedly win a match by themselves. Controlling these players is a dream for dribbling enthusiasts, though purists amongst you will probably be disgusted at just how easy it is to weave past the opposition."

    Is it me or does that sound like everything you used to hate about Fifa. The whole one man team skinning every player without any effort.
  • anamenos #121 4 years ago

    I am a bit of dissapointed now because i like this site and
    everybody knows that PES dont even deserve to get a 7

    :(
  • Futaba #122 4 years ago

    With not much cash to spend on games atm, I think I'll buy the new Zelda with my money instead of this rehash. I'm a big (series long) PES fan, but it looks like Konami are pushing their luck a bit too much this year.

    I might give in, in a couple of weeks time and buy it anyway, who knows? :[

    For anyone interested, ASDA are selling the PS2 version for £22 something tomorrow btw.
    Edited by 1 at 25/10/07 @ 22:04
  • mandableman #123 4 years ago

    Well I got my copy today, like a lot of us i had read the IGN review which gave it 9.2 or .3 ish. Basically scored both versions identicaly. I was excited, but cautious as i had also read reports that seabass himself was a bit apologetic about the ps3 version and even before it hit shelves he was bigging up improvements he would make next year?!? that does not confidence breed...
    Then Pro-g reviewed the ps3 version and called it out on the frame rate problems, awarding it a 7. So I got worried again...

    Having spent all day taking england through the world cup I have to say the pro-g review is spot on, at first i didnt notice the slow down as i was just so happy to be playing pes with a dual shock again! The 360 pad just cannot compare for use with pes but slowly it dawned on my that there were considerable problems especially around the goal mouths. Until pro-g review the 360 version i guess we are still left wondering if there is little to choose between them but i doubt it.
    So there i was pondering how ign had managed to score the game so highly when at full time in my first match below the score (5-1 to me if you care) was a huge advert for....IGN! I dont want to draw the obvious conclusions but surely it cannot be good for web-sites that review games to be advertising within said games? What is the point of in-game advertising? To get your brand seen, surely therefore reviewing a game low reduces the amount of potential people who will see the ad!?!
    All very dissappointing in my opinion and I am not some massive fanboy or forum flamer but i do play alot of games and this trend worries me.
    So off i go to trade pes ps3 for pes 360 but not every pes fan is lucky/sad as i am and owns both systems.
    Fingers crossed for next year and props to Pro-g for integrity.
  • The-Bodybuilder #124 4 years ago

    >"So there i was pondering how ign had managed to score the game so highly when at full time in my first match below the score (5-1 to me if you care) was a huge advert for....IGN"

    That's just so wrong.
    I've never trusted IGN and thier reviews, but this is a whole new low.
  • ecureuil #125 4 years ago

    I really doubt IGN has scored the game high in return for advertising space in the game. That sounds like ridiculous conspiracy theory to me. IGN always score stuff high, if they'd been bribed it would have got better than a 9.2
  • mandableman #126 4 years ago

    I never said they were bribed, that they were given advertising space in return for the review, absolutely not.

    But if your company advertises in a game that your review then encourages people to play or purchase thereby increasing exposure to your advertising there is just something fishy about it. It may not be malicious but it is certainly bad practice in my opinion.
  • iggypopbarker #127 4 years ago

    come on? 'less skilful players' = kuyt and gilberto? who are perennially in the top 10% or so of all players on the game? as others have identified in the comments, the truly massive clubs are already the only ones anyone picks online (because 2nd and 3rd tier teams like Fiorentina, Lazio, Spurs, Villa etc on these games tend to = 20 average players instead of some brilliant and some shit).

    reeks of the bad old days where every year, every footy game review on here and in the mags would have some hi-hi-hilarious "ball control is much improved this year, players trap the ball with deft touches UNLESS THEY ARE HESKEY!! HMM? MMM? BECAUSE HE IS SHIT! DO YOU SEE?" nonsense, the sort you expect from Sun hacks
  • blueseagull #128 4 years ago

    Beautiful Katamari on import got a bigger review. Hmmm....
  • The-Bodybuilder #129 4 years ago

    >"But if your company advertises in a game that your review then encourages people to play or purchase thereby increasing exposure to your advertising there is just something fishy about it. It may not be malicious but it is certainly bad practice in my opinion."

    Indeed.
    Heck the review loose 3 points simply for being so stupid.
  • The-Bodybuilder #130 4 years ago

    >"reeks of the bad old days where every year, every footy game review on here and in the mags would have some hi-hi-hilarious "ball control is much improved this year, players trap the ball with deft touches UNLESS THEY ARE HESKEY!! HMM? MMM? BECAUSE HE IS SHIT! DO YOU SEE?"

    LMAO.
  • Putty-Man #131 4 years ago

    Confirmation of Konami working on patches..

    [link url=http ://www.pro-g.co.uk/news/25-10-2007-6754.html
    ]http://ww w.pro-g.co.uk/news/25-10-2007-6...[/link]

    Sorry for bringing up that site again.
  • InfiniteEndings #132 4 years ago

    I have been a Pro evo fan since the start of the series and FIFA used to be a dirty word to me. But Pro Evo 6 on the x360 was terrible. And after playing the demo for Pro Evo 2008 I decided I would try FIFA 08. I don't regret my decision. FIFA is at least trying to put together a realistic game.

    I realise FIFA 08 isn't for everyone. It takes awhile to master the gameplay. But once you do you realise how far Pro evo is from a real game of football. Most of my mates have dismissed Fifa 08 without playing it. So I doubt may people will convert from Pro but for those with a non biased outlook on gaming check it out.

    Question- When did the shift take place and Pro evo become the Arcadey game and Fifa the simulation? Until 3 weeks ago I thought the total opposite of these 2 games??
  • SageFrancis #133 4 years ago

    Oh god, this review hasn't shed light on a long time PES fan, saying it's like PES6 might not make me buy this game. PES6 was the worst in the PES series, absolutely shocking AI, pissed me off so much I took it back after a month and traded it for PES5.
  • deadlypalms #134 4 years ago

    Yup, a half-baked review - perhaps edit to make it PS3 specific, throw in a critique of the alleged slow-down and it's inevitably poor online play?

    Martin clearly can write, but that review just oozes too much elaborate prose over actual content. Did he actually play it? Which version is the strongest? I mean, he doesn't even mention how the PS2 version is apparently still for the victoly....apologies if the editor/boss rushed you into getting out an early review, before getting a chance to see the 360 or PS2 version. If that's the case, then it ain't entirely your fault. :p

    EG, fix up yourselves.
  • Camburano #135 4 years ago

  • gman7714 #136 4 years ago

    Nice one Camburano.

    Essentially the same as their PS3 review accept mentions that framerates are a huge improvement compared to the station version and that its the best iteration of the franchise so far. (for those that dont wanna read it). They score the 360 version 9/10.

    After scouring the tinternet for info on the game I'd say its a buy for me now but I'll wait til its under £30
  • p00ntang #137 4 years ago

    @bonus
    +1 on the 360
    I think it's great too. Shits all over last years attempt. Took a few goes to appeciate it's quality but the only problem I've encountered is the juddery replays which give me a headache and make me want to skip.
    ps. They got fugly Tevez BANG ON
  • Bonus #138 4 years ago

    @p00ntang

    The game is great, I was playing the master league last night and they've got it spot on.

    I love the new working AI for the teams, if you set a defensive formation, they play defensive, that'll be the end of one man mazy runs. What difficulty was the reviewer on when he played the game because i have yet to be able to go on a full mazy run with a single player from the half way line unless you're catching a team on the counter attack.

    If you're wanting a real world view of this game think Premiership style football rather than the slower champions league.

    I'd only give it 8/10 too mind as the online mode is completely screwed but as a veterain of Pro Evo since Winning 11 4, online is a newly recent side issue to me.
  • levis #139 4 years ago

    Well, now I've played it on the PS3 I can say it is an improvement in terms of gameplay with all the irritating bits and bobs taken care of e.g. players going mental at crucial times.
    But the slowdown really pisses me off, without the slowdown it really would be the best addition in the series so far.

    p.s. I dont like the new menu system either - horrible.
    Edited by 1 at 26/10/07 @ 15:49
  • Zizou97 #140 4 years ago

    Got the Ps3-version yesterday, but returned it today. Even though I think that replays and cut-scenes should be at least watchable for the value of the total experience, I was ready to ignore the HORRIFIC framerate in mentioned sections of the game, given that the actual gameplay was flowing. But no, there are glitches and drops in framerate that just are not acceptable for a big release on such a powerful machine. I got the 360-version instead and even if replays, cut-scenes etc. hardly is running in 60 frames p/s, the gameplay is flawless technically. Sure, the graphics is overall sharper and more crisp for the Ps3 and there MIGHT be a patch out sometime to fix these problems, but again, who knows if it will fix the problems both offline and online and when it will be available?

    I also thought the Ps3-version was noticably faster then the instalment for the 360. I could be fooling myself, but I experienced a difference well worth to take into consideration. For me, this is positive, since I found the pace on Ps3 almost silly. Otherwise, my impression is so far that; Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is indeed superhuman. I guess players like Ronaldinho and Kaka are the same, which make this game even more predictable when it comes down to online gaming, having everyone play with Man U, Barca, Milan or Inter, given that Konami haven't noticed the fact that last years posterboy Adriano now is a overweight alcoholic that is like number 34 in peckingorder in Inters attackingformation and therefore still having him made as raging bull with a left foot that can send the ball through time this year as well. They could have been a little bit more moderate when they layed down the stats for the star players...
    Edited by 3 at 26/10/07 @ 18:38
  • smelly #141 4 years ago

    "I never said they were bribed, that they were given advertising space in return for the review, absolutely not. "


    Getting high review scores in return for money being spent on advertising has been going on since the 8 bit era.

    "if this game gets a high score, we'll promote it more - maybe even take out a full page ad"

    Anyone who doesnt think this happens needs to take a good long hard look at halo 3
  • thepiedpiper #142 4 years ago

  • Zizou97 #143 4 years ago

    "if you bye this on ps3 you cant return it cos it has some sort of code once enterd it cant be used again so they told me at game today ..................."

    That must be the biggest load of BS I've heard in years. Like I wrote earlier I returned my copy for Ps3 without any trouble whatsoever. The guy in the shop (Game) even told me when I was buying it that it had all these problems and that I should consider the 360-version instead but if I still went for Ps3 I was more than welcome to return it if I wasn't happy. Either you missunderstood him or he has been paid buy Sony to say things like this to prevent PES for Ps3 to drop in sales since it is in fact a broken game. Most likely he is an idiot. *Very happy with PES for 360, game is growing*
  • chrispin69 #144 4 years ago

    Game play live is just terrible. The graphics go mssing....the ball disappears, then reappears elsewhere on the pitch! You score and the next second the ball is till in play on the touchline. What is going on?????
  • Apologie #145 4 years ago

    i must admit now that i played the game for a while... "PS3 version", that these year´s Pro really is Crap.

    No more pro for me... FIFa08 seems by distance a better game.... Enuff Konami bullshit
  • Futaba #146 4 years ago

    Gave in and bought the PS2 version today...

    Just played it for four hours straight and my mind is already made up to return it tomorrow. What a load of bollocks.
  • ScottyXTUK #147 4 years ago

    Well I got the PS3 version yesterday and after reading about the slowdown issues I was sceptical. Well as soon as I played, the first thing I saw was the jerky framerate, it's abysmal in the replays not so much evident when playing a game.

    I'm fed up with Konami, last year I bought the 360 version which as everyone knows was a cut down version. This time I thought I'd get the PS3 version as I prefer the PS3 controller and was sceptical about the 360 version after last year's palrty effort. Again I feel ripped off, a shoddy half assed release, how the hell can they think it's ok to release it with all the slowdow etc?

    Well guess what, my saving grace is that I bought the PC version for £17.99, get this people £17.99 thats 20 quid cheaper than either the 360 or PS3 version.

    The amazing thing is, the PC version looks better than either console verion to me, plays at a rock solid 60 FPS all the time with max details and in a higher res than either the PS3 or 360 can do on my TV (1680 * 1050). There is absolutely NO SLOWDOWN in the replays whatsoever and it is a joy to play. Granted my PC is high spec but surely a PS3 should be able to match it as PES 2008's graphics not exactly leading edge are they?

    Thank god I got the PC version, it craps all over the PS3 version and shows just how lazy Konami have been with their PS3 release.

    Shame on you Konmai that's 2 years running you have let me down with a console release and I'm beginning to doubt you now.

    Thank god for my PC that's all I can say.
  • Sebo #148 4 years ago

    Hugely dissappointed by Konami. This PS3 one really is a kick in the teeth to fans of the series.

    The pixelation of the crowd????? In this day and age!!!! The jerky framerate, the lack of licenses, the lack of decent tournament formats. The overall PS2ness of the graphics. It is simply crap.

    The game still plays well, but no better than any of the PS2 versions since 4!!! So what the hell is the point.

    I think I'm going to return it and get Fifa 08 (fifa only being let down by the pace of play this year in my opinion).
  • levis #149 4 years ago

    I am tempted to sell my version somewhere, I'll give it another few plays though. Won't buy FIFA, IMO it's just not good. Looks like I'll stick with PES 6 instead.
  • Lionheart #150 4 years ago

    "Long shots are no longer laser-guided missiles"

    I read that as "long shorts" at first... this made me laugh for about an hour
  • Nostromo13 #151 4 years ago

    nice one lionheart, that made me laugh too.
  • CLOSEALDO #152 4 years ago

    Well where do i start. I bought 360 version

    i am your rose tinted PES fan...never ever bought FIFA…played both demo's and really liked PES. However, the speed / framerate is rubbish on the version purchased. Online as you all know is dreadful but the planned patch should at least bring it to last years quality. However, the speed in offline is actually a bit concerning.

    a friend bought me FIFA and played it yesterday. turn off all the kiddie friendly help features, shooting, passing etc and actually its a very skilful game to play. yes the speed is slower but i always thought PES was more tactical than fifa but it has switched around. the ability to get a star player on PES and go around 6 players is concerning.

    PES 7/10 for me (assumes a patch to improve online to last year’s quality).

    FIFA?...Need to play it a bit more but looking good so far to better my PES score. i am probably still in denial and scared to give it a higher score publicly!

    If this is Konami's number 1 product this year - god help the rest of their titles.

    Gutted.
  • Les #153 4 years ago

    Seems like Konami is really struggling with the 'new' hardware. Amazing that they can't manage to create proper working versions of a game that ran quite fine on PS2 for years...

    The PS3 controller being bluetooth, does that mean that you'd be able to play the PC version with the PS3 controller?
  • GamesConnoisseur #154 4 years ago

    Konami's PES 2008 a disappointment for PS3 owners, and now Metal Gear Solid 4 delayed, any relations?!

    I am looking forward to MGS4 and hoping to god that Konami wont mess it up!
  • Les #155 4 years ago

    "Konami's PES 2008 a disappointment for PS3 owners, and now Metal Gear Solid 4 delayed, any relations?!"

    Yes, like I said in the previous post, they're having a very bad time adjusting to the new hardware generation. After two years they still can't manage to make a smooth running PES for the 360; their first PS3 effort is about as bad as their first 360 effort was; their otherwise great Pro Baseball 4 has a black screen for about a second between almost every camera view change (thankfully not during actual gameplay but it sure increases the duration of the game); the PS3 FPS Coded Arms has been canned, etc., etc.
  • atomicGun #156 4 years ago

    haven't played online yet. but so far SO disappointed. APPALLING frame-rate in both the cut scenes, replays and the game itself. Lack of stadiums and other customisations. Training is still really poor (if you care about such items). There better be a patch soon else this is going back to the store

    no wonder there hasn't been a demo on PSN!