World Soccer Winning Eleven 7 International

"A true slice of the beautiful game"

Once every so often, a game comes along that just defies all belief, and leaves all its competition in the dust, and PES3 is one of these games.

Graphics 10/10
They really have to be seen to be believed. Crisp, sharp, detailed, just a few of the words used to describe the graphics on this game, and they are all justified. The game looks real, there is no other way to describe it, it just looks real. From the moment the perfectly pixilated players exit the tunnel, to when the final whistle blows and the victors raise their arms in triumph, it is as though watching a game on Sky Sports. Even down to the small touches, like the shadows on the players as they move, and the action of the referee as he pulls out a red card, looks as though every silicon chip in your PS2 is working overdrive, and it looks great.

Gameplay 10/10
This is where the PES series really excels over its poorer rivals. While FIFA still suffers from the dribble the length of the pitch problem, PES3 makes you play properly, like a real football player. You have to play the game as though you were actually in the game, which means you need to pass the ball, and use your players for what they were designed for. If you have a defender, then defend, dont try to dribble the length of the pitch, leave that to your wingers, and even if you have a world class winger, it is still almost impossible to run the length of the pitch. Again, it is so real. Players perform as they should, computer teams are as strong as their players suggest they should be, and your team does what you tell them to do. This is about as good gameplay in a football sim that you will ever likely to get.

Sound 7/10
Possibly the games only downfall. Although Brackely and Brooking try their best, the script just does not translate well from Japanese, meaning their comments seem random, and often pointless, sometimes detracting from the spectacle the game is. However, the menu music is good, and as commentary is only a minor bug, the sound does not spoil the game as a whole.

Master League 10/10
I know, this shouldn't really be a section to describe the game, but it is so good, it needs a part all to itself. This really could be the best idea that anyone has ever had for a football game, and after the brilliance of the ML mode in PES2, the ML in PES3 does not disappoint. Now divided into 4 divisions (North, South, East and West) as there are now more club sides, you once again start with your default team of nobodies in division 2 of your selected region, and have to battle your way to the top of the league, and eventually to the title. With improved transfer system, and a new cup competition for the sides in the top divisions, this is a challenge however good you think you are at the game.

Replayability 10/10
Again, another section where PES3 excels. The Master League mode will keep you playing long after you think you have mastered the basic game, building your perfect squad of superstars. Coupled with the quite brilliant Master League mode, there are a range of cups and leagues to be played, as well as the old faithful exhibition match. But, its the ML that will keep you playing, and adding more players, even using the multi-tap makes for great 4 player action.

Overall 10/10
Just brilliant, that is the only way to describe this game, there may be a few bugs, but they cannot spoil this masterclass in how to make a football game. Outstanding!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/04/03