Pro Evolution Soccer 5 (PS2)
This new version of the Pro Evo series has a lot to live up
to given the
quality of Pro Evo 4, and the recent release of FIFA 06.
Gameplay:
98%
The gameplay
is fantastic and very realistic, and demands your full attention. As with
Pro Evo 4, you take control of a team and play the matches, as well as
buying and selling players as the player/manager (in the Master League
mode). As previously, there are the various different game modes:
Practice/Training, which as always is really helpful when you are a
beginner; Match mode, which is an exhibition game where you can be any team
in any stadium; League mode, when you want to play a quick season where
there is no transfer market, and is fairly easy; and Master League, where
you pick your team and starting division, and try and make your way to the
top (this includes player transfers and playing in European competitions).
Finally there is a Cup mode in which you can compete as a club or country in
international tournaments.
Playing
matches is superb because of the realistic passing and shooting, while
crossing and heading, which were only average in Pro Evo 4, have now
improved dramatically. The goalkeepers have also improved as they used to
make too many mistakes, but now you can rely on your computerized keeper
much more, especially in one-on-ones. The game is also strangely realistic
with regard to the referees, because they make a lot of bad decisions (as in
real life!!).
Graphics: 90%
Little has
changed in regard to the graphics in comparison with Pro Evo 4. The players
passing and movement is good, while their faces are very realistic. The
stadiums and crowds are okay, but nothing special.
Sound:
79%
Unfortunately
Konami have been unable (again!) to improve the commentary. Yet again, it is
poor as it is too simplified and repetitive, but they have been able to
update the background music which is why the sound score has risen in
comparison with Pro Evo 4.
Value:
92%
The lifespan
of the game remains very good, as the Master League mode will keep you
entertained to the limit. The only continued complaint is that most of the
Premiership teams are still not licensed, so you still have Man Red and Man
Blue for Manchester United and City. The only fully licensed leagues are
Italy, Holland and Spain, while the only licensed Premiership teams are
Arsenal and Chelsea.
Conclusion:
Pro Evo 5 has
improved a lot from the previous version as some of the match gameplay
issues such as crossing and heading are so much better. The Pro Evo series
continues to be great fun, and despite the continued sound issues, is well
worth playing.
Overall Score: 90%