Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

Even with its faults, PES 2008 is still unquestionably a better game than its predecessors. It may be lacking in a couple of areas (hell, they needed to justify making next year's PES 2009 after all...), but PES 2008 remains far more than a yearly update; it's the first true next gen iteration of Xbox World's most played game. [Dec 2007, p.64]

PES 2008's gameplay is a big improvement on last year's effort. PES fans can forgive the poor graphics, the God-awful music, the embarrassing presentation and lack of licensed teams because the core of the game is so mind-bogglingly brilliant.

All in all, PES 2008 adds significant depth and realism to the in-game experience. Seeing as this is what appeals most to the average PES gamer, we can state quite confidently that this year's game is a resounding success.

We’ve been beside ourselves with excitement about this finally arriving at GAMER towers, and it hasn’t disappointed. Great fun in two player, a decent challenge and lots to do in single player – and we haven’t even taken it online yet. Fan-bloody-tastic.

A great game that has the feel and look of the old PES titles with the visuals of a true next-gen game.

Not a masterpiece, but still a highly addictive football experience. The new AI system does not have great impact on gameplay. However, there are a lot of minor improvements, such as advanced set pieces and a brand new Master League. [Nov 2007]

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.

The simple fact of the matter is Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 should have been released last year. But still, it feels a bit like we're getting the same game over and over.

More than any other Pro Evo, this one spits in your face and laughs at your pathetically predictable attempts to play it, again and again, until your old ways are eventually stamped into the dust...It still plays a beautiful game. [Dec 2007, p.80]

A festival of both passing and movement, which is probably appreciated best by fans of the series. Pro Evo just - and we mean just - manages to trump "FIFA." [Issue 26, p.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]

It does what it does very well indeed providing a version of football that while not hugely realistic plays the kind of fast exciting all action game you wish you watched week in week out on the terraces. Put it this way, my England vs. Croatia game this morning ended 7 - 1 (4-4-2, Beckham on from the start and no untested young keeper), hands up who'd have rather watched that on Wednesday night.

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.

After raising the bar higher and higher, this version seems to come across as underwhelming.

PES2008 brings nothing new to the table. It’s the same old gameplay (which isn’t a bad thing), with subpar visuals and just passable sound. There’s nothing to keep you from sticking with PES6. It’s still good enough to play and enjoy, but not even having a reasonable online game is pathetic.

Over all PES 2008 for the 360 is a mixed bag – it plays better, it looks better and you can edit everything; however it still doesn’t have the variety shown on the Wii or PS2, and the online play is only bearable if you can find an opponent to play head to head on the same console.

Built upon a strong engine, but not doing much to keep up with the Joneses.

Konami's seventh Pro Evolution Soccer is a small improvement in terms of playability, but there's little else to make it worth the upgrade.

Those searching for an exact simulation of the sport should go for FIFA. Those looking to score spectacular goals, have end-to-end matches and play at a ridiculous pace should plump for Pro Evo. [Dec 2007, p.134]

Despite the shiny graphics, catchy music and long-awaited additions and tweaks, PES is showing its age as it's flogged again for another year. It's a great experience, the best we've got so far in fact, but is more of a small step than the giant leap we were once again really hoping for.

While Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 plays a good game of footy, one can’t help but wonder what more could have been done on the PS3 or Xbox 360. Or when we’ll actually see it.

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

The PES brand is currently sinking into shark infested waters and it seems that no matter how loud people shout the problems that have plagued the series since the beginning still aren't being addressed.

Slowdown in single player is unforgivable, particularly because the replays were done fine last year. To see them so broken on what should be a superior version is very disappointing. PES 2008 is more of the same in most areas, with slightly improved gameplay mechanics thanks to better physics and speedier reactions to fouls.

The game plays well, but hasn't changed that much from last year's edition, outside of some ridiculous diving moves and artificial intelligence that's too attentive for its own good. The graphics still appear several notches below current-gen standards and the online play constantly slows down.

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.