System: Xbox 360, PS2
Publisher: Konami

Ahh the good ole days of the N64. I remember hearing about some import-only soccer game by Konami, called: ISS Pro, or International Superstar Soccer. So, being the knucklehead that I was, I called up my favorite importer (NCSX), and promptly dropped 80 bucks on a Japanese text only soccer game. It was unequivocally one of the most rewarding purchases I have ever made~ even today. The game was fluid, exciting, had variable weather effects, and handled like a dream. Konami also released a game called Winning Eleven, for the Playstation console. Not knowing that the games were actually helmed by different development houses, I immediately began to play Winning Eleven….and LOVED it. I couldn’t believe, even back then, how many teams, stadiums, and player names/faces were part of the package. Of course, I also had to try EA Sport’s FIFA series; what I found there, however, was great graphics, terrible play control and less than stellar animation.

After my disappointment with other “footy” ball games, this lead me BACK to the Winning Eleven series…the game just always seemed to accurately portray the feel of “real” football. The movement of the characters is uncanny; you’ll see different players put their hands on the back of opponents, just to “feel” where they are- subtle nuances that speak to the realism of the game. The pace of the game is also exactly where it should be; the stats of the various players from around the world are not only accurate, but also have an effect upon their stamina. This is why this game is the greatest thing since refrigeration in Europe; wildly popular, and instantly addictive, Winning Eleven has certainly been the “football” mainstay for years.

Winning Eleven Pro Evolution 2007, is the first foray into next generation soccer for Konami; I was incredibly eager to get my hands on it and immediately realized one thing- What’s old, is new. Again.

The first thing that I noticed about the game was how undecidedly NOT next-gen the graphics were. Even though I am not a typical graphics whore, I expected more from my dear friend – after all, the PS2 version of Winning Eleven looked great. I had really hoped that Konami had taken the time to optimize the graphics and create a unique visual experience. Sadly enough though, the game looks identical to its PS2 counterpart. This in and of itself is not a bad thing, but simply upping the resolution and calling it “High Def” doesn’t really do it for me. Admittedly, players looked very good up close; the interaction between players’ was realistic and exciting- It truly left me wanting more. After my initial shock, I jumped in to see 75 licensed leagues included; recognizing the stars of Arsenal, Manchester U, amidst others. Customization has always been a staple of the game as well; users spent countless days updating their favorite teams’ statistics in various categories. For the 360 version however, the only option that can be edited are players’ attributes. A rather strange omission, to be sure. Only the faithful and hardcore will actually recognize the “alternate” names of their favorite squads. I cannot imagine Konami not addressing these standard omissions for next year’s iteration; after all, so many fans have stayed faithful to the series throughout the years and expect the deeper customization. Not to mention that these features are still included in both the PSP and PS2 versions of the game.

Presentation is also bare bones; the main attraction is clearly the enjoyable but-flawed Master League. The concept is simple: take a band of young players’, slowly win matches to develop skill, and progress to bigger and better leagues. Along the way, you will have to earn money to acquire other talent to help bolster your squad. Unfortunately, while the mode is lengthy, it only slightly differs from early versions. The announcing, while being handled by Trevor Booking and Peter Brackley, is serviceable. The duo tends to lag behind the action occasionally, but overall they dole out the color commentary and statistics accordingly.

Gameplay has always been the standout stalwart of this series, and once again, it is the best part of the game. Passing, headers, and trapping the ball all come across very convincingly; I definitely recommend playing with the D-pad, as opposed to the Analog Stick- it seems as though the game in not only more responsive with the D-pad, but actually designed for it. Different moves are associated with the D-pad and the various trigger buttons; these advanced moves are not available with combinations of using the Analog stick and the trigger buttons. Analog Stick notwithstanding, the game still controls like a dream- and remains the most consistent aspect of the series.

Online play is minimal at best. Sure, you can compete against other players, and earn rank within the various leagues. (Dependent upon your win/loss/draw tally) Of course, the real joy lies in playing against friends, and setting up huge tournaments for….oh-wait a minute…you can’t set up online tournaments against friends!!!! I know that Konami is still acclimating to this whole Xbox Live environment, but this is another standard feature that is a MUST. The game plays extremely smooth over the XBL network, with nary a hint of lag in sight; definitely a positive online gaming experience.

All in all, I still love this game- hard to believe after I seemingly blasted it; but after all, I just have high expectations for a title that has meant so much to me over the years. Maybe I am an overbearing parent, looking to see how his baby has grown. The game is such an unbelievable blast to play, anyone who loves soccer will be able to pick it up and play immediately. Highly recommended to those that enjoy a game of footy, without all of the glitz and glamour.