Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

The best footy game on PSP and quite honestly as good as it gets on handheld. [Mar 2008, p.75]

A bona-fide PES game on the PSP, PES 2008 admittedly only takes small steps from last year’s title, but it takes all the right ones.

For those who were rightfully disappointed by Pro Evolution installments on the PSP in the past, this is a great improvement.

A very impressive soccer game, mainly because it mimics the console versions so well. While it would have been nice to see a few specialized PSP mini-games, the fact that we can play through years in Master League with a created player and watch him develop is cool enough.

Much the same in terms of gameplay, but still ace. We're not sure there's enough new here, though. [Mar 2008, p.72]

It may be a little rough around the edges, but PES is still the most action-packed footie game on PSP. [Dec 2007, p.122]

The core gameplay is so well-balanced. [Mar 2008, p.103]

What it lacks in authenticity, it makes up for in gameplay. Arguably the best football game on the system - once you've mastered the basics.

We can't help but feel that PES 2008 PSP puts the more illustrious versions of the game to shame, a bit like Barnsley knocking Chelsea out of the FA Cup.

Seen on its whole, PES 2008 has all the virtues of the series, managing to be fun and thrilling. However, as a new edition, it's far from essential.

It can be so fluid and so slick at times, but by God, it's so bloody annoying sometimes. [Issue#163, p.87]

It won’t set your gaming world on fire, and FIFA might even be the better option (it’s a close call, much closer than on the PS3/360) but if you do have the PS2 version and fancy carrying on with your Master League on the move (and are prepared to put up with the control foibles), or just have to have the latest version, PES 2008 is unlikely to disappoint.

The ability to download existing leagues, cups and tournaments from the console game to the PSP is a fine addition to the core gameplay, which is fundamentally the same as in the last two games.

Pro Evolution Soccer returns for a third PSP outing, and though it still plays a good game of football, it offers relatively few new tricks.

It's competent, it's fun, it's certainly good - but unless the PS2 to PSP transfer stuff tugs your whistle, it's not easy to justify the upgrade.