Even though PES 2008 has arrived on many other platforms this
year, the Wii edition's unique control interface helps it to stand apart
from other versions and warrants a separate review here on the Laser.
Instead of implementing a standard set of controls, Konami has decided to
fully take advantage of the Wii-motes' special abilities. PES's interface
is quite impressive in the way it takes standard soccer game conventions
and turns them on their head. Instead of manually moving the players, you
instead point and click. The first thing you need to understand is how to
move the player around. Pointing at the specific player you want to
control and then sliding the pointer in the direction you want to run, you
can change their path as they run, moving the cursor makes them change
direction almost instantly, which is a very different system than the ones
other soccer titles use. Mastering this new technique takes some practice,
but the game's overall feel is unique. This definitely isn't the same
soccer title you've played on other platforms, but don't mistake its
novelty for gimmickry. The game still offers plenty of depth with numerous
single player, multiple and online modes of play. You can choose to play
in a single match against random teams, set the time and rules, switch
camera angles and other options. You can also choose to compete in a
league or tournament mode where you take your club up the rankings through
multiple matches. You can also compete online against other players and
use the Championship mode to trade players and teams with others online
and then use them in different leagues. There's a full compliment of
teams, though only a couple of notables such as Newcastle and Portugal are
officially licensed. The player-licenses are more robust and offer players
the chance to play as a number of stars including Christian Ronaldo and
David Beckham to name a few. Most leagues are represented, though the lack
of a North American league will probably annoy MLS fans. However, the game
is fairly decent overall in the features department, so most players
should be able to overlook these minor problems. Once you get on the field
and experience the new controls, these become almost moot points anyway.
While
PES 2008's modes and features are fairly standard for a soccer title, PES
diverges from the norm with its unique controls. Instead of automatically
selecting which player to use, gamers point the controller at the screen
to select them. Once selected, players then hold down the A button and
move the remote to the section of the field that they want the player to
run to while holding it down longer causes them to run faster.
Intercepting or tackling the ball is a two step process. First, you need
to point at the opposing player and press the A button to pressure them,
then hild the Z button on the nunchuck and swing it to tackle them. PES
2008's control system is somewhat strange at first and takes some getting
used to. Passing is also somewhat different, though it follows the same
logic. When you're in control of the ball, you can point to another player
on your team and push down on the B button to pass to that player. In
order to shoot or clear the ball to the other side of the field, you shake
the nunchuck and the player will shoot in that general direction. You can
cross the ball by pointing at one of your players in a forward position
and then pass it to them as standard. Set up plays can also be performed
by passing to your team mates in forward positions as you would normally.
These basic commands are fairly easy to
get the hang of, but there are more advanced techniques available as well.
For example, you can perform feints by pressing on the Z button while
dribbling, make your players slide tackle while dribbling, use open passes
and crosses to keep them off guard and create complicated defense and
offense moves by pointing and positioning players and having them pass the
ball between them to safely move the ball upfield. Other controls allow
you to position your players perfectly to defend or take advantage of
corner kicks without much effort. There are also a number of special moves
available such as a pass and move where you can pass to another player
while dribbling and they'll move to the destination or a clever set-up
where you can point at an opposing player and have several of your team
put pressure on them before they can move the ball. This is very effective
on defense and gives you the ability to counter-attack with your players,
though it leaves you vulnerable if they punch through your line. While the
game seems simple at first, Konami has built in a lot of complexity and
strategy which gives PES 2008 a lot of depth. During penalty kicks, a
similar system is used, where you point the cursor in the area of the net
where you want to kick the ball and press down, then quickly shake the
nunchuck. It's a bit strange at first, but once you get used to it, you'll
find that PES' wii controls are remarkably intuitive and allow you to
control the ball with a great deal of precision. This level of depth makes
for a challenging title that offers the depth and realism that players
have come to expect, and shows that the with a little ambition and
creativity, the Wii controller can be used in a variety of ways.
While
the controls are quite innovate, one area where the game falls a little
bit flat is in its presentation. Visually, the game is acceptable by Wii
standards, but falls short in comparison to its counterparts on the next-gen
consoles like the PS3 and 360. It still looks decent, but the limited
number of camera angles, two, both make the players look small on the
field while the close-ups show a decidedly last generation graphics engine
at work. The replay feature is decent though it isn't as elaborate as that
seen in other versions of PES 2008. There's a decent selection of songs
that play at the menu and the play-by-play commentary does a good job of
keeping pace with the onscreen action. That said, most players won't be
impressed by the games looks as much as how it plays. PES 2008's unique
controls take some getting used to, but the extensive training levels
should help most players get up to speed. For novice gamers, it should be
far more accessible to play than most normal soccer games, while advanced
players will find plenty of depth under the innovation with an array of
special moves, formation maneuvers and attack formations that make this as
sophisticated and deep as many of Konami's other soccer titles. Overall,
this is an innovative and solidly entertaining title that should please
soccer fans of different abilities and passion. -
Michael Palisano
Grade:
B
