Pro Evolution Soccer 2

Outside of the matches, the training mode has also been improved to help you actually learn from it, rather than just shooting at keepers. And one of the biggest changes is the master league, that now comprises of 3 divisions instead of 2, to make a bigger challenge, and players cost more, making it harder to get a championship winning side together. Of course the European version is to be released later and so small additions probably will be made, player names, and likenesses being the most likely.

The presentation is very impressive, with fantastically detailed stadia( flares, banners etc), and players the resemble their real life counterparts. My only gripe on this front is the lack of real club and some player names, which are depressingly still held by the far inferior Fifa franchise. However, anyone who buys iss is buying it for its renowned gameplay, ahead of the 'all style no substance' Fifa. However their is an option to rename players/clubs, and its worth it for the big name clubs and players, to add a sense of realism.

Gameplay, is almost perfect. one feature i was disappointed with, however, was the return to the 'hold down the button for more power' system, as opposed to the use of the analogue buttons seen in the first ISS on ps2, where the harder you press them, the harder the shot/pass is. Whilst not a big problem, it would have been nice to have the option. passing and movement is first rate, with ultra realistic turns and passes going astray, accompanied by superlative charecter modelling for the different types of pass. Tackles also require alot more skill to 'connect', with 3 out of every 5 sliding tackles bringing a free kick. I have not even started to explore the skill moves yet, but they include one-two's, trap'n'turn, and other such skills seen regularly in the league at the weekend.

What most impressed me however, was the intelligence of the computer on your part, whereby a player finishes exactly how they would in real life. Vieri tends to blast it past the keeper into the roof of the net, whilst henry will slide it past the oncoming keeper, and jump over the said keepers prone body (a lovely effect to watch). Players also have a whole range of stats, (out of 99) which were apparently supplied by Sports interactive, those who brought us the ultra realism of championship manager, and it shows.

The game modes are varied, with a choice of friendly, league training and editing features. The editing features are also well done, allowing changes to team kits, and flags.

however, the best part is the master league, where you take your team (for me it was inter) and start in division three, with a bunch of unknowns and try and work your way up through the leagues, buying and selling players on the way.

The commentary and sound are very good, with peter brackley and trevor brooking applying themselves nicely, with only a few instances of repetition. A nice touch is the ability to bias the commentator to a team. (think big ron during any man utd game). For some reason, irritating dance music plays throughout the replays, and is infuriating after the 3rd or 4th time.

In terms of longviety, the master league seems like it will take a while to master, with the ability to chop and change your squad adding to the long term appeal. however, i cannot judge yet, as i have had it for a day.

Overall, PES2 is easily worth the price, and far far superior to Fifa 2003. And at amazons fantastic price ..treat yourself to a truly fantastic game.

9/10.

A. Maddox

This takes me to PES2, all i can say is WOW. The speed of gameplay has been upped and the reactions of the players to my control feel more natural and responsive. This really is an incredible game! There is now the inclusion of the UMBRO training menu which you can chose from various training exerises, the master league has also been updated to make it harder and there is much more to this game than meets the eye. Oh and the commentary is alot better that PES, but it still needs some improvement.

It is easy enough for novices to pick up but PES2 will take you quite a while to master

SUPERB GAME!!!