World Soccer Winning Eleven 7 International

"Perhaps the greatest football game of all time?"

Well, here it is. Pro Evolution Soccer 3, Konami's latest and greatest attempt at the football genre. Many thought that it would be nigh on impossible to beat PES2 for sheer improvement over it's predecessor, did it? In a simple word, yes.

Ill start with breaking it down into the usual catagories.

Graphics

The graphics in PES have never been quite as good as FIFA's offerings, however in this game the match graphics are pretty damn close. The animation is superb, players faces reacting realistically to the situations around them, the net rippling as the ball slams into it. Lovely. The only gripe I have with them is the slight dodgy collision detection with certain parts of players limbs and the ball itself. Nothing major, except maybe a shot going in courtesy of a keepers internals. The actual menus and presentation of the menu's sint great, and isnt really up to par with the likes of FIFA, but I doubt you buy a footballing game for fancy coloured menu's. Whilst it is a slight letdown, it isnt really that important. Out of 10? 8/10.

Sound

The bane of pretty much any sport game to date, and PES3 is sadly no exception to this trend. Peter Brackley and Treveor Brooking particpate in the commentary box this time round, however it seems that yet again Konami got a 8 year old with a non-firm grasp of English to write their scripts for them. Although not a game ruiner, it does let the experience down slightly. Personally I turn them off, it's up to you what you do. Out of 10? 3/10/

Gameplay

PES finest moments are to be had here. It's gameplay is quite simply the best to be had in the footballing genre, bar none. The realism and game physics are 100% spot on, everything about the actual matches themselves are fantastic. If you want a footballing experience which is as true to life as it is going to get, then look no further, you have found the game you want. Out of 10? 10/10.

Longevity

Quite simply limitless. You can play the master league until you drop down dead, it simply is that addictive. Holding tournaments with your mates is something this game seems to have been made for, a great night in by anyones standards. Out of 10? 10/10.

Quite simply put, this is THE defining football game available to us right now. The only thing that will beat it? PES4. Overall, this game is fantastic, and for that it gets a 9/10. The only thing that lets it down is the sound, but it pales in comparison to the obscenely good gameplay that you have.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/14/03