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The latest in the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise features
a brand new intelligence system, called Teamvision, that adapts
and reacts to players own gameplay styles to ensure that the
computer controlled opponents are always challenging. It learns
counter attacks that target player's weaknesses and exploits
any repetitive tactics used. Defenders react better to danger,
closing down the ball and charging at shots and the goalkeepers
hold shots that are closer to them. Teammates make more intelligent
runs into space and the close control has been sharpened to
ensure quick and fluid passing and speedy attacks can be built...
Much
was made of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008's (PES 2008)
proprietary adaptive A.I. system entitled Teamvision - an
advanced A.I. programming that learns and adapts according
to an individual's style of play. The sad truth is that Teamvision
doesn't actually seem to work. It was supposed to build attacks
and counter specific movements such as previous attacks or
defensive errors, ensuring games are more in line with the
real thing. No! Sadly you can still just run past all the
players with ease and blast at the goalie time after time.
Fans
of the series may be disappointed with this latest release
in the franchise. In an obvious bid to attract new players,
it seems that Konami has decided to make this game overly
simple. This does have the required result that you can pick
up and play this game in minutes, but it also takes away some
of the fun of the previous games.
There's
no skill to scoring goals. All you have to do, if you really
want to just score as many points without really trying, is
never pass to other players. Simply run up the pitch until
it's you and the goalie... and shoot! That's it! More often
than not you'll score. There's
also no skill needed to take the ball from the opposition.
It's simply a case of pressing a button and your computer
controlled team mates will run for the player with the ball
- fantastic!
There
are a number of problems with PES 2008. The most annoying
is the referee, who hands out red and yellow cards like Smarties.
This is particularly noticeable in two-player mode. Basically,
don't use the sliding tackle, as almost every single instance
will result in the ref reaching into his pocket. In one game,
it got to the point where the match was cancelled because
there were not enough players left on the pitch to play.
Then
there is the advertising! Play.com?!!? What were they thinking.
And games website IGN.com?!? Odd isn't it that their Xbox
360 review gives it 9.2, while their average reader review
score is 7.7.
While
this is far from a disaster of a game, it's really only one
that will appeal to those with a short attention span who
just want to be able to button mash their way through. I have
to admit that I felt more than a little cheated by this title.
Nick
Smithson
Buy
this item online
We
compare prices online so you get the cheapest
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Click on the logo of the desired store below.
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£37.98
(Amazon.co.uk)
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£39.99
(Play.com) |
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£39.99
(HMV.co.uk) |
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£37.99
(Game.co.uk) |
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£42.49
(WHSmith.co.uk) |
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£35.93
(Asda.co.uk) |
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£35.93
(Thehut.com) |
All prices correct at time of going to press.
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