World Soccer Winning Eleven 7 International

"A king upon men."

Since the release of the original Pro Evolution Soccer a good few years ago, Konami have excelled with their football games and each version have been better than EA’s brand of football games. This effort, Pro Evolution 3, I’m thankful to say is no exception and has upheld Konami’s reputation as the kings of soccer. After playing both of the games, It has become obvious that the gameplay of Pro Evolution Soccer 3, amongst other things is superior and allows more free-flowing football.

Enough of talking about the rivals of Pro Evolution Soccer, this review only concerns Konami’s latest offering to gamers. Looking back to the predecessors it would seem hard to improve on the aspects of the game (apart from the commentating team, as that has been the only downfall of the series) but somehow Konami have managed it, and have improved on a fantastic series of games to make it even better.

Pro Evolution has the best gameplay I have ever seen for a football game. Everything about it screams realism, and this includes neat tricks that the top players can do, but those with lesser stats can’t. The way the control has been set up is great, just like Pro Evolution Soccer 2, which means that Pro Evolution Soccer 2 vets can easily pick up this game and do well early on. The way the actual game is played has not been bettered by any other football game I’ve played and, to be honest, is miles ahead of Fifa 2004. Playing with a highly skilled team will allow you to pass the ball very efficiently and you can soon play the free-flowing football we all know and love. There are 5 skill levels in Pro Evolution Soccer 3, which is very useful. Each will take time to get used to and to win every game with. This will also mean that once everything is won on the 4th skill level, you have more challenges to do (ie, complete everything on the 5th skill level). I mention this because it is a better system than just ‘Novice, Professional and Expert’ levels you usually find in football games. It will also sort out the men from the boys at a lower stage too.

The graphics of Pro Evolution Soccer 3 is truly amazing. Each top player looks exactly like who they should be when close up, and when playing the game it looks like a proper game of football. There isn’t anything else you can want from a football game in the graphics department, you get everything here in Pro Evolution Soccer 3. The players look realistic, and the stadiums are fantastic. Konami have even added an option to have some seats empty like there are at most matches. To me, this just adds to the Pro Evolution Soccer 3 experience – especially in the Master League.

However, I do have one small annoyance from Pro Evolution Soccer 3, and that has to be within the sound category. The way the crowd works is fantastic, and you can have it to be biased for the home side if you so wish. This will mean that there is a fantastic roar as the home team gain a penalty but a deathly silence when its saved and the other team run up and score. Naturally, Konami have added a few boos and jeers into this, which makes the crowd sound like a proper football crowd.
My hate I have to admit is the commentary team. Like most games, their choice is limited. It’s not this that is the problem; it’s the actual phrases that they are given and their hilarious timing to say these. Scoring in the 76th minute isn’t ‘just after half-time’ is it? No. It could just be me or I could be expecting too much from Konami. Either way it sometimes ruins the gaming experience for me so much I mute the sound.

Now, this game takes ages for you to master, which has to be done on the highest difficulty level. We have the numerous cups you have to win and the master league. The master league is 4 divisions split into regional sectors, and you start off in a regional division 2. With this, just like in real life, there are the European trophies to win, and the division 1 to crack. Unless all this is done, there will be something to play for on Pro Evolution Soccer 3, and this will take time making the game worth your money. You will want to play it over and over again for professional pride and to buy the best players money can buy.

There is a multiplayer option included in Pro Evolution Soccer 3 as well, allowing you to play your friends, each using all their master league teams. This is great fun as I find nothing better than playing my friends, and winning everytime. As human opponents are often more difficult to play against, this will make the Pro Evolution Soccer 3 experience more enjoyable and is great fun for the evening.

Overall, I recommend you buy this game as soon as you can. Bar the commentary team, which is down to personal taste, this game is phenomenal. You will not be disappointed by it and like me, you’ll end up hooked on the Master league. This game is worth every penny you can find it for in the shops.

Overall

Overall, I’m giving this game 9/10. I would have given it the top marks it deserves but I marked it down because of the commentators in this game, but don’t worry too much about that – go out and buy it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/03/04