When it comes to
soccer games, fans of this international sport are faced with a choice. Do we go
for the FIFA approved (and visually impressive) EA Sports FIFA Soccer franchise
or do we go for the fast-paced, equally fun soccer game that is the Winning
Eleven series? While EA Sports’ game has always been a more serious soccer
simulator, Winning Eleven’s style is more about the arcade-styled soccer action.
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 for the PSP brings us more
action-packed soccer that has enough soccer fun to give soccer fans a lot to
like.
The PSP version
of Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 includes a Training Mode that allows gamers to
learn all the basic controls and player skills you can use on the field. There
is, of course, Exhibition Mode that pits you against any of the teams available
on the roster and you can even hop straight to the Penalties. Then there is
League Mode, a kind of season mode that takes your favorite team through a
number of matches in a single or multiple seasons. Then there’s Cup Mode, a mode
that allows you to compete in a number of cup competitions like the
International Cup or the made up Konami Cup.
While those
modes offer enough soccer action for any fan, it is Master League Mode that is
the real meat of the game. It not only covers every aspect of your favorite
team’s every business but also follows them on qualifying matches through
various cup games for their shot at glory through an unlimited amount of
seasons. You can literally play forever as well as use WEN points you earn
throughout the game to purchase new items and extras for your team. It is here
where you will even take care of your team’s finances, enter negotiations to
“buy” new players and even offer trades for star players. This year sees the
additions of teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal as well as a few other
club teams and international teams (say hello to Togo that played in the last
World Cup).
As far as the
controls are concerned, the second analog stick will certainly be missed but
Konami does a great job of making use off the PSP. Making passes, dribbling and
making shots at the goal are handled well enough for a PSP game and this makes
the Winning Eleven style of gameplay work beautifully. Everything from free
kicks to throw ins are easy to execute and it’s possible to not to see the same
goal in an entire match. Even the teams don’t play alike; meaning many of the
top teams such as Argentina will give your average ranking team a run for their
money.
It is the FIFA
Soccer franchise that actually has all the licensed players accurately playing
for their team but Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 does bring star players to the
roster. You can expect to see Crouch play for England, Dida play for Brazil and
Marquez play for Mexico. The rest of the lineup is composed of players created
to fill the roster list, but one of the best things about Winning Eleven has
always been the options given to gamers to create their own players or design
their own updated roster.
The graphics
leave much to be desired, especially for those who have seen the console
versions. Still, the star players are rendered beautifully and their faces do
resemble many of the top players of your favorite team. There are also plenty of
animations and the players move realistically enough despite some pesky clipping
problems. The stadiums don’t look as impressive either as well but at least the
replays look good and the best part is that you can save your favorite goals to
your memory stick.
When it comes to
the sound, however, the game lacks many of the things that would have given this
game a televised match feel. There are no commentators to be found in the game
unless you count the announcer who shouts “Goal!” As for the game’s music, a
tune or two is used repeatedly and adds very little to the game. Hearing the
crowds chanting, singing and cheering wildly does sound good coming out of the
PSP speakers.
Winning Eleven:
Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 is a deeply enjoyable soccer game that fits nicely on
the PSP despite the lack of juicy licensed teams found in EA Sports’ own soccer
game. Still, if you have been looking for an engrossing game of soccer that
throws deeply involving game modes your way then this is a game you will want to
buy. Believe me when I say that this is portable soccer at its most enjoyable so
do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
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Gameplay: 8.5
Fast-paced and
easy-to-get-into, this is one seriously fun and addictive soccer title. While
the PSP control scheme might not be most ideal for a soccer title, it’s not a
bad one either. The game modes are deep and you can always create your own cup
games or team.
Graphics: 7.0
Many of the
recognizable players like Beckham, Zidane or Ronaldinho look like the real deal
during replays and close-ups but other than that the character models are not as
good as EA Sports FIFA Soccer franchise. Even the stadiums don’t look as good
but at least there are plenty of animations and the replays look magnificent.
Sound: 6.0
The recycled
music doesn’t suit the game at all and the lack of commentary during matches
makes the game feel rather empty. At least you can hear the fans cheering and
chanting and a commentator announce each goal.
Difficulty:
Medium
The game is
wonderfully challenging even in the Amateur difficulty setting and the other
team is able to come up with some decent defensive strategies. Many teams play
at the appropriate levels so expect Brazil to play like, well, Brazil.
Concept: 8.0
Master League
is a deeply involving game mode and you have the freedom to create your team
from scratch or update a roster to stay current. There are plenty of teams to
take out into the field including the likes of Manchester United. Sadly, no
Mexican or South American clubs make it this year (sorry Cruz Azul fans and
River Plate devotees). There’s multiplayer and it is good despite the fact that
there’s no option to play online.
Multiplayer:
7.5
Unfortunately,
Konami hasn’t added online multiplayer to this 2007 edition but the two-player
Ad Hoc multiplayer works perfectly enough without any glitches or slowdowns.
It’s a fun mode worth sharing with a friend.
Overall: 8.5
While EA
Sports has the more attractive-looking soccer game for the PSP, it is Winning
Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 that has the style and addictive gameplay.
Even without licensed teams, there is a lot this game has going for it and
enough game modes to make this is great portable soccer game for sports fans.
