Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

 Wii
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. GameShark
    91
    Although a little player control is sacrificed, the amount of influence you have directly on your team’s positioning and the movement of the ball more than make up for it.
  2. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    90
    Easily the best football game on a Nintendo system. It takes a while to get used to the new controls but once you get your head round them, they become second nature. [Mar 2008, p.58]
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  3. Games Master UK
    90
    Initially bewildering, it makes great use of hte Wii controls. Give it time and you'll love it. [Apr 2008, p.68]
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  5. AceGamez
    90
    Minor reservations aside, Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is the rarest type of sports game; one that redefines the way you think of the genre.
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  6. Nintendo Gamer
    89
    Pro Evo scores a screamer on its Wii debut. Despite iffy defending and no Master League, this is top quality footie action. Champion.
  7. IGN UK
    89
    Providing a free-flowing football experience like no other before it, it’s not only the best title of its sort on the Wii, but also an indicator of what’s possible for the genre as a whole when genuine innovation is applied.
  8. IGN
    86
    For the first time in a long, long time, we're going crazy for a soccer game on a Nintendo platform.
  9. Cheat Code Central
    86
    PES 2008 brings soccer games back to life with its fresh approach. Plus, with hidden gems like the ability to field a team of your Miis, it is impossible for me to not lend it my staunch support.
  10. Console Monster
    85
    The control system is what stood out to me the most on PES2008 Wii. At first, it can be confusing, as players are pointing the Wii-mote and shaking the nunchuk all over the place but the superbly created in-game tutorials are there to help you understand.
  11. PALGN
    85
    This Wii version bodes well for the future of the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise. Hopefully Konami runs with it and continues to improve the concepts they've developed here. Recommended for those with even a passing interest in soccer, sorry - football.
  12. VideoGamer
    80
    A solid first effort, a great start for Konami's genre-scrambling control system and, with practice, extremely rewarding. I won't go as far as to say it's revolutionised the series - for me the traditional control scheme is still the best way to play PES.
  13. Eurogamer
    80
    The most innovative football title we've come across in many years.
  14. Game Informer
    80
    Although the game takes over for actions like targeting the goal, the normal list of soccer moves is not hamstrung, and I applaud Konami for its thoughtfulness in how to bring a game to the Wii with a new vision. [May 2008, p.92]
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  15. GameSpot
    80
    Thanks to a new control system and good online play, Pro Evolution Soccer on the Wii is a unique and enjoyable experience.
  16. N-Europe
    80
    This generations best version without a doubt, and the finest sports title on Wii to date. If you're a fan of football or the series, buy it now.
  17. 1UP
    75
    The less-technically apt Wii version ends up being the game to move the franchise forward.
  18. PTGamers
    75
    PES 2008 plays a good game, but is reserved for a special kind of players – the patient, persistent and willing to dive into the new control mode.
  19. Level7.nu
    70
    It’s a unique title in a lot of aspects. Instead of controlling one player you’re in control of the entire team at all times. It’s a system you’ll struggle with at times, but when you get a hang of it you’ll be awarded with an odd and equally enjoyable soccer experience unlike anything you’ve seen in a long time.
  20. n-Revolution Magazine UK
    61
    There are better sports games on the Wii, and far, far better versions of Pro Evo in the world of videogames. A shame. [Issue#21, p.74]
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Wii Game of 2008
47
#47 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
44
#44 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 47
  3. Negative: 6 out of 47
  1. oddozz62
    Sep 6, 2010
    6
    An incredibly hard game to get to grips with, however yet very unique in its own way using the wii remote and the nun-chuck to its fullAn incredibly hard game to get to grips with, however yet very unique in its own way using the wii remote and the nun-chuck to its full potential. The Single player campaign mode is very smart in its own way yet confusing, and i hate the annoying complicated compulsory training mode at the start of loading up the game and at various parts of the game.… Full Review »
  2. JasonM
    Jun 28, 2008
    8
    This is one of the best football games I have ever played. Your able to make crisp passes. You almost always know who you are passing to. TheThis is one of the best football games I have ever played. Your able to make crisp passes. You almost always know who you are passing to. The controls are completely revolutionary, and easy to learn. The only down side is that PES failed to get licenses for all the national teams and all the European Leagues. So some players and teams have incorrect names. The lack of a Master's League is disappointing, but the Champion's Road mode more than makes up for it. This is a must buy for any football/soccer fan.… Full Review »
  3. cycodamo
    Jun 4, 2008
    5
    I really wanted to like this game and part of me appreciates the innovative control method, but ultimately this game is frustrating and feelsI really wanted to like this game and part of me appreciates the innovative control method, but ultimately this game is frustrating and feels like you're never really in control. The most significant problems are:
    1) The fact that you can't defend consistently or with any great control. They could have easily made it that you can manually control a player on defence, and use a button to call others to help like in Pro Evo on PS2.
    2) The camera view looks like you're watching from space, it's so far away, meaning it's hard to see what's going on. And you can't even zoom in or change the camera like you could ad nauseum in previous iterations.
    3) Shooting is done by shaking the nunchuck, which is hardly intuitive and means you can't make quick decisions to snap a shot in a goalbox melee because it takes too long. It would be easier just to push a button. Also, you have no control over where the shot is going and how hard.
    4) Thinking about clicking on players and putting them in space all takes up time that will invariably end in your player being dispossessed of the ball.
    5) Maybe my connection sucks but online play is lagtastic and therefore useless.
    Don't believe the hype.    … Full Review »
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