Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

 Xbox 360
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
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  1. TeamXbox
    73
    Built upon a strong engine, but not doing much to keep up with the Joneses.
  2. GameSpot
    70
    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.
  3. games(TM)
    70
    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]
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  5. Thunderbolt
    70
    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.
  6. PALGN
    70
    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.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    66
    But gameplay is no better this year than it was last year and everything else is quite poorly done.
  8. Gamestyle
    60
    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.
  9. Xboxic
    60
    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.
  10. GameDaily
    60
    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.
  11. G4 TV
    60
    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.
  12. GameSpy
    60
    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.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
53
#53 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 43
  3. Negative: 4 out of 43
  1. IamNader
    May 14, 2023
    8
    PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 is the best game in whole franchise, I spend many hours on this one - 8/10
  2. drlowdon
    May 3, 2020
    6
    Pro Evolution plays a pretty good game of football as per usual, but Konami haven’t really evolved this series since it’s PlayStation 2 days.Pro Evolution plays a pretty good game of football as per usual, but Konami haven’t really evolved this series since it’s PlayStation 2 days. As a result I lost interest in this game quicker than I have done with previous iterations...… Full Review »
  3. Defer94ARG
    Mar 8, 2019
    4
    Incredibly easy and with a terrible, TERRIBLE AI, the game isnt a good sequel for previous PES. The gameplay is really basic (in the hardestIncredibly easy and with a terrible, TERRIBLE AI, the game isnt a good sequel for previous PES. The gameplay is really basic (in the hardest difficulty, you only need to run towards the goal, and the rival defenses are going to run alongside you, almost never trying stopping you), The keepers are awfull, not being able to catch the ball most of the times and running towards the rival striker in situations were isnt needed (maybe you are 30 mts from the goal sourrounded by 2 or 3 defenders, and the gk is going to be running toward the end of the area). It doesnt add anything new from the previous version, and, what is worse, the games lacks of many features from the previous games, like a proper editing mode (only 6 models of shirts and no emblems editing), the lack of the Pes-market that allowed you to earn in game points to unlock new features and items, etc. They even cut the amount of space you have to save your goals replays (only 20 vs the 200+ you had in PES6 or previous).

    So, basicly, this is a half baked game. The only change from its previous iterations are its graphics, and nothing more. The rest of it, is just a shadow of what the previous games were. It can be fun only if you arent paying enough attention, but definitely not worth a buy.    … Full Review »
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