Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 PlayStation 3

Released on 23/10/2009

• Pro Evolution Soccer series receives 5million Facebook Likes

  
  Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer has achieved a social media milestone after racking up an impressive five million "Likes" on Facebook.

  To celebrate the occasion, PES cover athlete and official spokesperson Cristiano Ronaldo has recorded a special message to the game's five million online fans.

  Gamers who go to the page and view the video will even be able to enter a special competition to win one of five football shirts signed by the Portugal and Real Madrid superstar.

  Ronaldo became the official face of the PES series for its most recent instalment, the popular PES 2012, which was released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii and PSP last year.

  The game introduced a number of innovative new features to the classic formula, including improved AI and off-the-ball player control, as well as a wide variety of modes and options.

  It has since also been released in an enhanced handheld edition on Nintendo 3DS.

  Published: 31/01/2012

• Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Review

  PES and move...

  If you peruse the gaming pile of most UK based gamers, chances are you'll spy at least one of the major footballing behemoths. We're all football crazy after all. Even football mad, some might say. The king of the latter years has undoubtedly been EA's FIFA series, replacing the once essential Pro Evolution Soccer brand for our footie based addictions.

  It's a game of two halves

  One of the biggest plus points for this year’s iteration of the long running football series is the inclusion of the official Champions League license. Settle down in front of your console and you can settle into the whole experience, from the same classic tunes, through to a proper representation of that famous trophy. PES 2010 might lack the real names of all the clubs and players – though it does pack in a fair few – but for Champions League addicts, this little option is a real treat.

  If you're looking for constant goal mouth action, then PES 2010 offers it up by the truck load.

  While FIFA 10 remains the absolute best overall football title available on a modern console, that's not to say that PES 2010 wont find its suitors. The action on the pitch is much faster than EA's offering, and a whole heap of fun when you find a pair of you huddled around a single console. If you're looking for constant goal mouth action, then PES 2010 offers it up by the truck load. Shooting in particular has a much more varied feel than FIFA, and some spectacular goals will be seen right from the off.

  Single player gamers are well catered for too with a vastly improved Master League. This option allows you to either control your favorite team, or create your very own club complete with recognisable 'Master League players' you'll remember from years gone by, and take them to glory over a number of seasons. This time around you can even pick and choose the sponsorship that adorns the front of your shirt. So there won't be any embarrassing huge yellow and red sploges like what was plastered across the shirts of Sheffield Wednesday in the form of 'Chupa-Chups'.

  He must be sick as a parrot!

  Praise has to be levelled towards the sheer accuracy of some of the major stars of the footballing world. A large number of the best football players throughout the world look almost unnervingly accurate to their real life counterpart, with the likes of Torres, Gerrard, and John Terry in particular appearing almost identical. Even Gary Neville has that sort of 'tache that he refuses to remove.

  PES 2010 might not be the best overall football game out there – that crown is still sat atop FIFA 10's glowing head – but it certainly does a heck of a job at offering a fun packed representation of the worlds favourite sport. If you're looking for a fast paced, more arcadey representation of our second favourite pastime, then this is the one to plump for.

  GAME's Verdict

  

  • Player likenesses for the most famous players are top notch.
  • You can play the official Champions League.
  • Great fun for two gamers on one machine.

  

  • Players running looks a bit awkward.
  • Opponent AI isn't quite top notch.
  • Online options can be a bit laggy.

  Review by: Chris 'Off The Crossbar' Pickering
  Review Published: 05.11.09

  Published: 05/11/2009