Pro Evolution Soccer 4 - Revolutionising Soccer Gaming

This game review is divided into

:: Introduction

For all ardent soccer fans and gamers alike out there like me, the search for the ultimate soccer gaming experience is over. Pro Evolution Soccer 4 has truly reached a landmark achievement in gaming realism, revolutionizing the soccer gaming scene once again. Since the series began in 1996, Pro Evolution Soccer has been growing from strength to strength. In further pushing the envelope with a wealth of new moves, tactics and vastly improved AI, KONAMI entertainment has blown away the competition, making this title irreplaceable in any avid gamer collection.

:: Game Play

With the series famed for its intuitive controls and realistic gameplay, the new movement engine together with flawless game physics and a smooth AI engine ensure that the game flows fluidly within fast paced action. A visible referee patrolling the pitch adds to the amazingly realistic experience. Uniquely modeled players, stadiums and crowd chants add to the amazingly true to life exprerience. Gamers get to choose from 4 types of games namely, exhibition match, domestic leagues, cup competitions and at the crown, the master league. The master league uniquely sets Pro Evolution Soccer from other soccer games, allowing gamers to start from lower divisions with relatively unknown players. Gamers will then have to pit not only their soccer skills but also tactical and managerial skills in action to bring their team all the way to the top of their division, thus winning promotion up to the highest league. A relatively new feature allows gamers to pit among themselves over the network, therefore making the game much more competitive.

Ratings: 10/10

:: Game Physics

Vastly improved game physics result in passing and crossing movement that accurately mimics the real life soccer game. The best improvement in this version is the passing and crossing physics. By holding the pass button longer, u can now pass to players further away. Power and accuracy of passes and crosses now depend not only of the speed of the player running but also the angle in which the player strikes the ball. A whole new shooting engine now enables a more realistic shooting experience, with not only power a factor but also player speed and the direction the player is facing. Even an opponent nudging a striker can affect the accuracy and power of a shot. No two passes will ever be the same, and every goal scored will be uniquely different. All frequent Pro Evolution Soccer Gamers will know that dribbling is key in unlocking the tightest of defences, however in this new version, more focus is emphasized on the passing game, making tactical play more important than every before.

Ratings: 10/10

:: Players

With a total 4,500 players in more than 200 teams (both national n club division), gamers are guaranteed a wholistic gaming experience. No matter is it the World Cup, European Cup, or the domestic leagues, players from every club and every country make the gaming experience true to life. Pro Evolution Soccer 4 now boasts a greater number of individualised players than before. Well-knowned players such as David Beckham, Ronaldo or Theirry Henry are all modeled not only to look like their real life counter-parts but also to run, pass and shoot like them as well. Scoring a wonderful curling beckham freekick or making a mazy henry dribble through entire defences is no longer just a dream! Players now sport realistic expressions that change depending on team performance. Injured players now have the chance to be treated on the sidelines and return after treatment. 30 physical attributes including speed, agility, dribbling accuracy all make each and every player in the game extremely unique, giving gamers a different feel and experience with each player on the pitch.

Ratings: 10/10

:: Tactics

Tactically, Pro Evolution Soccer is at the forefront of the competition. Alternative freekick options that can allow involvement of not only 1 but 2 players in set pieces allow large variety of set plays. Team tactics such as defence line, counterattacking options, and opponent pressure brings soccer gaming to an entirely new level matching real life soccer in a level never achieved. A wicked offside trap can stop attackers in their tracks while a superb counter attacking system can be key to defeating even the meanest defences.

Ratings: 9/10

:: Referees

A total of 8 selectable referees can be selected to patrol the pitch while the game in progress. Referee movements, emotions and decisions are now more realistic. With a new advantage system in play, referees will not stop play if the player is unfairly tackled if the ball is still within possession of the teammates. One small problem is the over accuracy of linesman. Gamers will sometimes be continuously frustrated by perfect offsides decisions accurate to the millimeter.

Ratings: 9/10

:: AI (Artificial Intelligence)

The ever improving AI that has developed with the series has made the game remarkably true to life. From 1 star (Amateur level) to 5 stars (World class level), the AI can be customised to the needs of all gamers. Computer players now have more intuitive movement. No longer are computer teams passing the ball around like gods. The AI can also be guilty of mistakes, making it especially real for example a goalkeeper miss handling a free kick or a defender making a bad back pass. Teams are now smarter and will counter attack quickly in critical situations. Winning teams will change to defensive tactics and losing teams will go all out attack. Gamers will still find defending as hard as before but that doesn't matter if u keep scoring outrageous goals at the other end.

Ratings: 9/10

:: Venues

Famous venues such as the San Siro(Milan) and the Nou Camp(Barcelona) are now modelled as accurate as possible. Different stadiums now sport different pitches with different grass patterns and colors that change in day/night or summer/winter. Stadium atmosphere is also vastly improved with occasional chants that reflect the home team. Scoring goals will bring crowd volumes to an absolute high while a home team conceding will effectively silence the majority of the crowd. However more detail can still be added to further enhance the realism such as better crowd graphics and responsiveness.

Ratings: 8/10

:: Commentary

Of course a soccer game is never complete without having a good commentator. Well fortunately, or unfortunately, Peter Brackley is still in the commentary box providing some of the controversial commentary but mostly coming up with ridiculous phases that will crack you up in the middle of the game. However, it must be said that most of the commentary is true to the pitch movement and are accurately depicting the current play. The commentator also debates controversial tackles and outrageous goals are rightly commended, adding greatly to the whole experience. Pro-Evolution Soccer 4 truly showcases one of the most dynamic commentary engines that accurately supplement the action on the pitch. However some of the phrases may seem all too familiar to frequent gamers of the series and some more variation will be greatly welcomed.

Ratings: 8/10

:: Graphics and Animation

The pro-evolution soccer 4 series now boasts better graphics than before. Players are now modeled to accurately depict real life counterparts. Player expressions have added a whole new dimension to the game, making gestures, nudging and pushing throughout the game. Players who have just been carded show extremely angry reactions while players who have conceded a goal are more likely to put their hands on their heads and fall to their knees wondering what went wrong. A slow motion replay that can be manipulated to show various angles of play makes it more enjoyable watching a goal scoring replays.

Ratings: 9/10

:: User Interface

A simple intuitive interface makes it easy to use, efficient and hassle free. Though it is minimal without any fantastically designed or animated menus, it is enough to suit all the needs of the gamers. Additional graphics or animations would be welcome to make it more user friendly.

Ratings: 7/10

:: Conclusion

Pro Evolution soccer 4 is now arguably the greatest soccer game the world has ever seen. It has blown away all competition with its amazing realism and true to life gameplay that is beyond compare. It has extremely high level of re-playability yet to be achieved by any competitors in the market. For all soccer gamers out there, Pro Evolution Soccer 4 is the ultimate soccer gaming experience.

OVERALL RATING: 9.0