Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (DS)

More on this product: review; screenshots; specifications; shop

Share
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
- Reddit
- Facebook
E-mail
Print

Screenshots

See all screenshots

CNET editors' rating: 3.0 stars Good
Detailed editors' rating

Average user rating:
Write your own review

Product summary

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is more playable than its predecessor, but it's just as muddled and unimaginative.

Specifications: ESRB: Everyone; Genre: Sports; Number of players: 1-4 Players See full specs

Price range: $18.99 - $19.99

See all products in the Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 series

Gamespot editors' review

Reviewed by: Guy Cocker
Reviewed on: 04/01/2008
Released on: 03/11/2008

UK REVIEW--Last year's Pro Evolution Soccer made a poor first showing on the DS, with the simplistic gameplay failing to provide any depth at all. While the 2008 edition plays a slightly better game of football than its predecessor, the rest of the package feels like a mishmash of ideas that once again struggles to capture the essence of the series. The game does offer online multiplayer support and a number of cups and competitions, but the poor team roster, the lackluster graphics, and the average gameplay mean that they fail to be much fun.

On the DS, PES 2008 is undeniably ugly, meaning that it's difficult to recognise individual players on the pitch. However, the animation system now bears greater resemblance to the console versions, so players move in a more believable manner than before. Although this means you feel more in control of your players this year, the control system remains simplistic due to the limitations of the hardware. For example, the different running speeds that Pro Evolution veterans will be used to are squeezed onto the one shoulder button on the DS. To sprint, you have to hold down the right shoulder button and tap in the direction you're running. It's also more difficult to perform tricks than in the console versions, although a limited number of moves can be performed by tapping the left shoulder button.

This year's edition of Pro Evolution Soccer doesn't look great or control well.

Like in last year's game, you can use the DS's touch-screen controls to adjust tactics midgame. By moving your thumbs to the bottom of the touch screen, you can quickly make your teammates play in a more offensive or defensive formation, something that can be quite useful if you need to change the run of play. You can also use the touch screen to control the camera angles and replay speed after scoring a goal, when the game goes into movie mode. Unfortunately, there's still no option to save edited replays.

There are a reasonable number of game modes in PES 2008, including friendly matches, cups, and training. The one thing that's missing is the series' much-loved Master League mode, which lets you both manage and play as your favourite team in other versions of the game. In its place is the World Tour, where you're assigned a random selection of players that you must take through the various tiered cups until you're eventually playing the best teams in the world. While playing with random players is arguably less satisfying than taking control of your favourite team, adapting to an unfamiliar squad does provide an interesting challenge.

You can upgrade your team thanks to a strange system of gambling credits. Gold, silver, and blue credits are dished out depending on your performance in each game, and you can then spend these in the game's Gatcha-Get toy machines or traditional fruit machines. Different coins win you different classes of players. Gold coins give you access to the best players, blue coins let you pick from second-tier players, and silver coins get you random players. Once you have players in your squad, you can increase their passing, moving, and tackling abilities in the PES shop. Ultimately, though, it all feels a bit unrealistic and leaves you with very little feeling of attachment to your team.

See more CNET content tagged:: Konami Corp.,; touch screen,; console,; gameplay

User reviews

Write your own review Be the first one to review Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (DS) and share your experience with the CNET community!

Submit your review

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (DS)

1. Rate this product:: (Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.): 0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.): 0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.): 0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.): 0 of 5000 characters; Submit