Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. AceGamez
    90
    At present it feels like one of the worst games in the series to date, with issues such as slowdown and poor editing options hampering the experience. Yet it still has the potential to be without a doubt the greatest football game yet.
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  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    90
    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]
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  3. PSM3 Magazine UK
    86
    A backward step in some ways. But it's still PES, and so remains horrifyingly addictive. [Dec 2007, p.62]
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  5. IGN
    86
    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.
  6. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    80
    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]
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  7. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    80
    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]
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  8. Eurogamer
    80
    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.
  9. Game Informer
    78
    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.
  10. PTGamers
    75
    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.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best PS3 Game of 2008
49
#49 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 55
  3. Negative: 12 out of 55
  1. gregthreet
    Jan 13, 2013
    5
    If making a football team of wizards is your thing then I recommend buying PES 2008. But the overall game feels average and boring. But youIf making a football team of wizards is your thing then I recommend buying PES 2008. But the overall game feels average and boring. But you can pick it up for £1 at game nowadays so why not?… Full Review »
  2. FelixC
    Jul 31, 2008
    4
    It seems good at first, but once you get into it it's just infuriatingly inconsistent. One game your defence will be rock-solid andIt seems good at first, but once you get into it it's just infuriatingly inconsistent. One game your defence will be rock-solid and you'll score three goals, then the next game your defence will get cut through like water by terrible teams making runs from their own half, dodging all your attempts to get the ball (and pointing out the most glaring flaw, that player teams have terrible, terrible, TERRIBLE defensive AI), and then score from a place on the field that you can never score from yourself. Your players don't behave like real soccer players. More often than not, short passes go in the opposite direction to where you are trying to aim, or they will pass halfway down the field into the waiting defence rather than to the wide open man right beside them. Forwards NEVER match winger runs to the corners, and so are never in a position to receive crosses - which is good, because the defence never has them marked anyway. Just a few examples of the awful AI in PES2008.

    In short, the game is extremely flawed. The mechanics themselves are solid most of the time, but the AI is terrible enough that I hardly ever get through more than a game or two without getting mad at the game for just how irrational the events on-screen are.    … Full Review »
  3. WordyWordword
    May 29, 2008
    8
    Everything runs quite smoothly apart from the Network facility. Why oh Why oh Why cant Konami manage to sort the LAG out? Other than Tekken DREverything runs quite smoothly apart from the Network facility. Why oh Why oh Why cant Konami manage to sort the LAG out? Other than Tekken DR online, I havent played a game where the lag is so noticable it completely throws you off kilter. If other online programmers can cope (Warhawk, Resistance, Halo etc) with dozens of connections, why is there a problem with just 2???
    Konami = lazy. Rush to get the game out so more money can be made from the unsuspecting public, then sit back while said public struggle with the bugs.
    Do your own testing Konami. Bad bad bad.
    Other than that, the game is as superb as it ever was, rekindling my passion for a game that I still manage to enjoy even when losing.    … Full Review »
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