Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

 Xbox 360
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
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  1. 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. As a result I lost interest in this game quicker than I have done with previous iterations...
  2. NickT.
    Nov 8, 2007
    9
    As long as you don't play it on its easiest settings you will really enjoy this game (i won my first game 14-0 ). I own both fifa08 and PES08. Enjoy both, but you get the feeling Konami really know what the long time soccer gamers are after, thats why my PES08 will be spending the most time in my 360 for the next few months. - Still tossing up wether to sell fifa08 or not, cause i do As long as you don't play it on its easiest settings you will really enjoy this game (i won my first game 14-0 ). I own both fifa08 and PES08. Enjoy both, but you get the feeling Konami really know what the long time soccer gamers are after, thats why my PES08 will be spending the most time in my 360 for the next few months. - Still tossing up wether to sell fifa08 or not, cause i do enjoy it and it looks very nice.… Expand
  3. PhilipD.
    Nov 1, 2007
    6
    As a lifelong Pro Evo fan and a firm believer that Konami have brought us not only the best football simulation series ever by a long, long way but also one of the best games series I have ever played, it is with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat that I have to say that Konami seem to have finally given away posession of the ball. It seems that Konami are aiming for a bigger slice As a lifelong Pro Evo fan and a firm believer that Konami have brought us not only the best football simulation series ever by a long, long way but also one of the best games series I have ever played, it is with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat that I have to say that Konami seem to have finally given away posession of the ball. It seems that Konami are aiming for a bigger slice of the gaming market by attempting to downgrade the PES games into a fast, easy-to-pick-up, easy-to-score, arcade-like football game. If this is your cup of tea (which it may well be) then PES 2008 is the football game for you. Little skill is required as you pass the ball to Ronaldinho (or Eto'o or Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo or anyone with half-decent dribbling and pace) and run merrily through the entire screen of players and slot the ball in the bottom corner on the hardest computer setting. Furthermore, you no longer seem to be able to aim your shots except with the most accurate of players hence, shooting has become a button-bashing, precision-less task. Free kicks are far too easy to score with and the hardest AI setting is all too happy to illustrate this. A large amount of lag tends to ruin gameplay online although this is definitely the best way to play the game. The graphics are a let down - if you don't agree just put it next to any of your other 360 titles... it just does not measure up. The soundtrack is full of hideous independent music obviously comissioned by Konami to make 'football lyric' songs - whoever does their localisation testing for the U.K. should be shot. The commentary has been slightly improved although I can still rarely bare to listen to its inaccuracies. The international challenge mode has been removed and the only real addition to the game is a 'dive' action which never works. How on earth can I (a LIFELONG PRO EVO FAN) find this many wrongs?!? Quite frankly, I am disheartened, disappointed, shocked and thinking of buying Fifa 08.… Expand
  4. MattF.
    Dec 7, 2007
    9
    OK, so it's not the strongest football game graphically on the market, but PES 2008 is most certainly the best. New features such as replay saving, xbox live vision support, team editing, new stadiums and everything that was left out of PES 6, make this game awesome. The most enjoyable and addictive football game available. An absoloute jem. This title will be played alot by myself OK, so it's not the strongest football game graphically on the market, but PES 2008 is most certainly the best. New features such as replay saving, xbox live vision support, team editing, new stadiums and everything that was left out of PES 6, make this game awesome. The most enjoyable and addictive football game available. An absoloute jem. This title will be played alot by myself and my friends at parties. Kebab + Beer + PES 2008 = AMAZING. Buy this game.… Expand
  5. mikehawk
    Sep 5, 2009
    10
    I dont care about all the reviews saying fifa is technically superior with better graphics and more accurate functions. When it comes to the most important aspect which is, the gameplay, PES 08 is a sports game like no other. Master league is one of the most addicting and driving modes in a game as it makes you fiend for victory so that you can gain experience for your players, and earnI dont care about all the reviews saying fifa is technically superior with better graphics and more accurate functions. When it comes to the most important aspect which is, the gameplay, PES 08 is a sports game like no other. Master league is one of the most addicting and driving modes in a game as it makes you fiend for victory so that you can gain experience for your players, and earn money to buy better players as you progress. if you enjoy soccer games on the xbox 360, you would be a fool not to own this.… Expand
  6. MarcD.
    Nov 1, 2007
    7
    Plays a good game of football but is not much of an improvement on the last. Every aspect that has improved on pes6 is then balanced out with something else thats broken on this version. A rushed annual release that PES fans don't need.
  7. TridentS.
    Oct 30, 2007
    9
    It's the game of the year, if you're into football. So much to do and so much to lpay, great graphics *(better than last time), best gameplay for a football game ever, and it's Pro Evo all over, with a hint of classic Fifa!
  8. NigelE.
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    It is amazing. Full stop. I had a brief affair with FIFA08 for the week before PES2008 came out, and it was sluggish, unexciting rubbish. Have been playing the new PES since it came out, and it is so ridiculously playable, so many nice new touches, and you really feel in control of everything you do - superb. Best football game ever - fact.
  9. ChristopherH.
    Oct 31, 2007
    9
    A fantastic Football sim and again it seems that Konami have beaten EA once again this year. The gameplay is immense and the overall game is just excellent. Konami have nothing to worry about again this year even though the contest between Fifa and Pro has got even closer this year.
  10. fifafifa
    Aug 27, 2008
    5
    fifa = better graphics and look
    but pes has a better hardness and gameplay with the altering of tactics and annoyingly running it into the corner
    fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa fifa
  11. exfifahater
    Nov 3, 2007
    6
    If this was the first release in the franchise, it would get a 9 - but the apparent lack of effort to bring anything really fresh to PES for long-time fans drops it to a 7 immediately. Drop another point for total lack of next-gen ambition in terms of original presentation, menus, and online aux features as creative as FIFA's already old sports tickers and online league features. If this was the first release in the franchise, it would get a 9 - but the apparent lack of effort to bring anything really fresh to PES for long-time fans drops it to a 7 immediately. Drop another point for total lack of next-gen ambition in terms of original presentation, menus, and online aux features as creative as FIFA's already old sports tickers and online league features. Certainly not a BAD game, especially if you only want an unrealistically fast-paced arcady experience that bears more similarity to hockey than football. But I can't understand those reviewers who claim that this is a great SIM - wake up people, regardless of how much you hate EA in general, FIFA 08 is much more sim-like in terms of team AI and the necessity to use the entire team and strategic thinking to beat the defense. I personally don't see the much touted improvement in PES AI this year (it's only incremental), whereas in FIFA there has been a massive improvement over the past 2 years. Where is the ambition? Why do I feel like PES is WAY down the priority list at Konami? Yes, FIFA does feel slow compared to PES, and it would be nice if the overall contrast between fast & slow players was more evident in FIFA. But w PES, everyone is fast, period. You could probably run John Terry solo right through the pitch to scorch the back of the net if you felt like it, and that's just not a sim in my books. Too bad - used to bash FIFA and love Winning 11, but now it's reversed for me. Hoping for a comeback in 09, but not holding my breath.… Expand
  12. Eric
    Oct 16, 2007
    9
    This years PES is widely anticipated and from playing the demo on 360, this is sure to be the best in the series. I have been playing PES for many years and the gameplay is BETTER! Its amazing how "seabass" adds more realism to a game that was allready so REAL. I'm sure there will be some negative feelings about the game, but look at the total package. Full edit mode on next genThis years PES is widely anticipated and from playing the demo on 360, this is sure to be the best in the series. I have been playing PES for many years and the gameplay is BETTER! Its amazing how "seabass" adds more realism to a game that was allready so REAL. I'm sure there will be some negative feelings about the game, but look at the total package. Full edit mode on next gen consoles, master league tweaks. The graphics are a major upgrade, online multiplayer , and new gameplay techniques are more than enough to put this title far ahead of EA' FIFA 08… Expand
  13. EvanG.
    Oct 26, 2007
    8
    The first thing to notice about this years iteration is the presentation of the game, which is incredibly poor, especially when compared side to side with fifa 08. Fortunately it's the gameplay that counts, and pro evo still rules the roost here, there are so many subtle changes to this 2008 edition that really shine through after a few hours play. If you're after the glitz, buy The first thing to notice about this years iteration is the presentation of the game, which is incredibly poor, especially when compared side to side with fifa 08. Fortunately it's the gameplay that counts, and pro evo still rules the roost here, there are so many subtle changes to this 2008 edition that really shine through after a few hours play. If you're after the glitz, buy fifa 08: but if you want the best simulation there is get pro evo 2008, it really plays like the real deal. Note to Konami though- GET SOME OFFICIAL LICENCES, 2 real premiership clubs is not enough (even worse when it's mid-table fodder like Newcastle United and Spurs!)… Expand
  14. JamesH.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    So many improvements. Much, much better than the previous incarnation.
  15. FifaFanNow
    Feb 9, 2008
    3
    SOOOoooo disapointing, Ive played football games for as long as i can remember, and have always favoured pro evo over fifa. NOT ANY MORE! Im just getting sick of forking out 40 quid every year for the same game again, and again. Fair enough there have been minor improvements over the years but this year konami have taken a big step back whilst fifa have taken a huge leap forward. SoSOOOoooo disapointing, Ive played football games for as long as i can remember, and have always favoured pro evo over fifa. NOT ANY MORE! Im just getting sick of forking out 40 quid every year for the same game again, and again. Fair enough there have been minor improvements over the years but this year konami have taken a big step back whilst fifa have taken a huge leap forward. So enough is enough and until konami start making the effort to upgrade the game. its fifa for me. WELL DONE EA SPORTS!!… Expand
  16. JimmyS
    Apr 10, 2008
    9
    If you read "Emil C's" comments.........What is that dude talking about!?......pes IS winning eleven, so nothing was proven on "22. november". Players not moving realistic? He must be talking about FIFA 08! Those players look like they're skating around instead of running. Where do these people come from? Frame rate is not good on replays but otherwise , another great videoIf you read "Emil C's" comments.........What is that dude talking about!?......pes IS winning eleven, so nothing was proven on "22. november". Players not moving realistic? He must be talking about FIFA 08! Those players look like they're skating around instead of running. Where do these people come from? Frame rate is not good on replays but otherwise , another great video Football/Soccer game from Konami. Just all around fun to play.… Expand
  17. EmilC.
    Nov 1, 2007
    3
    Probably the WORST edition from beggining of series.Presentation extreamley poor.When you look at still pics it is very good, but in motion it all breaks down.Too many stupid and anoying things, players are not moving realistic, ball bounces in ways that is not realistic at all.It takes ref 3-4 sec to signal to play on after fouls. Yuou get yellow card for thing you cant get it in real Probably the WORST edition from beggining of series.Presentation extreamley poor.When you look at still pics it is very good, but in motion it all breaks down.Too many stupid and anoying things, players are not moving realistic, ball bounces in ways that is not realistic at all.It takes ref 3-4 sec to signal to play on after fouls. Yuou get yellow card for thing you cant get it in real football.Frame rate is not good, and in replays it breaks down even more.It is pitty to see PES to drop down this low.But the PES was never good enogh to begin with.Winning Eleven is where the real game is for real players and should prove it on 22. november.… Expand
  18. Barry
    Oct 28, 2007
    9
    Really good Pro Evo title.. addictive as usual and more realistic than it's predecessors. I went out last friday and bought Both PES2008 & FIFA 08 and this game edges the footie game war for this year. Pro evo is all about addictiveness and fun. Fifa is more a sim so involves more realism but requires more patience from the player. The graphics are not amazing on either title but the Really good Pro Evo title.. addictive as usual and more realistic than it's predecessors. I went out last friday and bought Both PES2008 & FIFA 08 and this game edges the footie game war for this year. Pro evo is all about addictiveness and fun. Fifa is more a sim so involves more realism but requires more patience from the player. The graphics are not amazing on either title but the award for most realistic faces goes to Pro Evo quite easily. This review makes me sound biased.. well, find out for yourself i say, just rent them and see what you prefer.… Expand
  19. JamesC.
    Oct 29, 2007
    9
    Such an amazing game. I played the demos of both this and Fifa, keeping an open mind this year. But there's just no competition. Must admit I didn't get into the previous version on 360, but here Pro Evo is back on form in a big way. I actually find myself saying 'wow' out loud at times, the action just seems to realistic. No major issue with framerate in the off-line Such an amazing game. I played the demos of both this and Fifa, keeping an open mind this year. But there's just no competition. Must admit I didn't get into the previous version on 360, but here Pro Evo is back on form in a big way. I actually find myself saying 'wow' out loud at times, the action just seems to realistic. No major issue with framerate in the off-line version. On Xbox Live there are a couple of glitches but it's still the best way to play this and I'm sure patches will improve it. One other thing - the only lack of licences I've noticed (from an English league perspective) is in the team names. They can be editted easily. Players all seem accurate. Buy it. Now.… Expand
  20. TimB
    Mar 13, 2008
    6
    The game is fun and all, but it simply feels so last gen. The controlls are really the only good thing about it, everything else is just par for the course. I was actually expecting a major gameplay upgrade from FIFA08, but I didnt find it here, the two games are actually pretty equal.
  21. freddorais
    Mar 17, 2008
    6
    i cant call a winner between Fifa 08 and pes 2008 i love them both , gameplay wise pes 2008 is strong ,graphicly wise fifa 08 is the strongest.
    i played about 10 games online and i can defenetly say that PES have a bug , IT LAG all the time even playing with a good ping , to bad that the best aspect of PES 2008 is that bad
  22. TomSorvqueringel
    Apr 29, 2008
    9
    PES has always been the dominant footy game on consoles since it first arrived despite FIFAs popularity. PES 2008 doesnt disappoint as it is one of the best in the series, combining next-gen graphics with the all-conquering gameplay which is the series main feature. Sure. at times commentary is not as good compared to FIFA 08, with commentators commonly saying random words which do notPES has always been the dominant footy game on consoles since it first arrived despite FIFAs popularity. PES 2008 doesnt disappoint as it is one of the best in the series, combining next-gen graphics with the all-conquering gameplay which is the series main feature. Sure. at times commentary is not as good compared to FIFA 08, with commentators commonly saying random words which do not relate tp the situation. The master league is not as good as FIFAs manager mode but PES is still the better all-round game. If you want a true, pure, realistic football simulation, PES 2008 is the game for you… Expand
  23. ApocalypseB.
    Nov 21, 2007
    7
    True it isn't worth the upgrade on the xbox 360, but it still is miles better than Fifa. Finally the proof that GamesTm reviews are a joke and that they are in the pocket of the money-men in gaming is clear when they plug Fifa over this. GamesTm, you lot are a joke and a disgrace! Thats why I will never buy your rag and will stick to a magazine that has just reviews - Edge!
  24. davidcraig
    Aug 13, 2010
    9
    This is the best Football game i've ever played. It's 2010 as i speak and it's so good i still haven't felt the need to get a newer football title. It may not be liscensed like the FIFA games but it still has alot of teams and cups and leagues.
  25. 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 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 rivalIncredibly 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.    … Expand
  26. 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

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    80
    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]
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  2. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    92
    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]
  3. VideoGamer
    90
    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.
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