Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

There is no other game on PS3 that you're guaranteed to still be playing this obsessively this time next year. [Nov 2007, p.84]

A backward step in some ways. But it's still PES, and so remains horrifyingly addictive. [Dec 2007, p.62]

The list of features may not have any true standouts but it's tough to argue with the sheer amount of fun that can be had with a game of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Pro Evo appears to be tired and probably needs a break. It’s still a great soccer game, and when enjoyed with friends it’s still one of the best multiplayer games on consoles, but its stagnant state has to be recognized even by the most ferocious supporters. [Nov 2007]

For the on-field experience, PES is an astounding recreation of the beautiful game, and we just hope that the license restrictions are alleviated by 09. [May 2008, p.76]

PES 2008's entertaining match improvements, exhilarating action and solid additions mean it just about scrapes another 8, though at no point does it come even close to flirting with higher scores. It's fast, fluid, fun and physical, an improved, revamped version of PES 6 if you like.

I continue to be a fan of this franchise because it offers the best soccer gameplay, hands down. But that sexy, albeit underperforming, ride on EA’s lot may win me over if Konami doesn’t step up and offer a better package soon.

With Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, Konami uses the points they believe having in advantage over their adversaries, and offers players a capable but flawed game.

PES 2008 stumbles, rather than sprints onto the PS3, leaving us with the first Pro Evo game that falls short of the FIFA franchise. We expected a revolutionised football title that'd set the series back on course, but this is just shameful. [Issue#159, p.78]

They need to elevate PES to the next stage of its life that it so deserves, and the only way they can do that is to give players more of what they want rather than take from them.

PES 2008 on PS3 is for a next-gen console but it is not a next-gen game. You cannot ignore the fact that, for whatever reason, this is a poor effort from Konami.

But gameplay is no better this year than it was last year and everything else is quite poorly done.

The foundation of Pro Evo still supports enjoyable and technical soccer, but it badly needs something new for next season. [May 2008, p.78]

Konami's first Pro Evolution Soccer game for the PS3 plays well but suffers from noticeable slowdown and feels somewhat unfinished.

Taking into account the design flaws, AI inconsistencies, the lack of progression and that the PS2 version is arguably a lot better (and cheaper) than the ‘next-gen’ versions yet again (albeit very little different to PES 6 save for some subtle differences), but also taking into account that for some people the frame-rate issues and online play aren’t as bad as they are for others, PES 2008 still just about manages to scrape a six.

The gameplay is still the best out there but Konami needs to step up their game. The changes were very minor and the new AI is not as sharp as advertised. This would have been a solid first game, but this is pretty much an exact replica from last year’s version with a revamped AI and the same old online issues.

After years of living up to the name of evolving the beautiful game, Konami's latest Pro Evolution Soccer effort is an embarrassment for a series that has served as the dominant title in the genre.