Pro Evolution Soccer 4

After being unsatisfied with the quirks of FIFA2005 I decided to go out and buy myself a real football game. FIFA has an image of providing the glossy coat to an otherwise average game, where Pro Evo has been said to be all about the gameplay. What has forgotten to be mentioned is the fact that Pro Evo not only has the best gameplay, but it has a very silky coat too. The graphics are very good indeed, better than that of FIFA. Some may argue this to be not so, and what those people need to realise are that the only graphic advantage FIFA has over PE4 is the facial likeness. However, PE4 may not have the likeness spot on, but the facial expressions in the game are fantastic and alone are better than what seem to be stiff faced FIFA players. Pro Evo game characters actually look like they have emotions; you score a goal you see smilies through-out the scoring team and looks of shock and unhappiness on the conceding team. The way the players move is fantastic too. Every visual aspect of PE4 is brilliant and every bit as good as - or better than - FIFA's.

Over with the graphics and onto the gameplay. The gameplay easily surpasses all other football games out there with it. FIFA can't even compare to that of Pro Evos. Sure FIFA is fun to play and they have massively improved over the previous games, but they can't compete with this level. Firstly FIFA's gameplay is hard-coded - you pass, it reaches a player, you try a long pass, it reaches a player - In Pro Evo the ball ends up where you tell it too. The atmosphere in matches is second to none and is so involving it really does feel more like a real match than a game. The tension to score a late equaliser, the joy of smashing home a volley and the broken controller that lies on the floor after an unsuccessful penalty shootout.

The modes offered are very sufficient in keeping this game in your machine. The Master League allows you to take a team from the bottom, all the way to the top. The beauty of the Master League is that it will never end. You can go on and on and on until you see fit for you to stop. While you are going, fear not, you don't have to stick with the poor aging players provided for you at the start of the game, no, you have the chance to buy your own superstars - and even players you created if you so wish. The transfer system - or "Negotiations" - is very well done. If you're currently chugging along down the bottom of the hierarchy of leagues then it is very unlikely that you will be able to obtain your very own superstar, as you rise through the competitions and gain prestige - and the all important points to buy players or spend in the Shop - the big names will be more likely willing to come to you.

Along with the Master League there is also: Exhibition - for playing friends, having a muck about or just practicing - and a variety of other leagues such as the Premiership, Serie A etc. and all the other big tournaments for you to test your skills in. By winning games, competitions and leagues you obtain points which can be spent in the PES shop. In here you can find lot's of nice extras to brighten up your game - you may also receive points by completing the challenge training modes.

Overall this game is untouchable by all it's "competitors". If you are a hardcore footy fan, or just someone who enjoys the sport then don't settle for anything less than the best; Pro Evolution Soccer 4.

*Not all team names, competitions and player names have liscences. If you come across this it isn't fault with the game. It can be corrected easily by hand or via a CD.