Pro Evolution Soccer

Pros

• Training Mode - This new version features a training mode. Gamers will get the opportunity to hone their skills before heading to the field of competition.
• Graphics - The graphics related to the players and player movements are realistic enough to give this game an air of quality.
• Highly Addictive - The level of game-play makes this game enjoyable for hours at a time. With more strategy involved, gamers will spend more time developing the skills necessary to master the game.

Cons

• Lack of an Online Mode - This game screams out for a presence online. The ability to sign on and play against gamers all over the world would be a major coup for a game that involves so much skill and strategy.
• Sound - The audio commentary on PES 2004 continues to be a mess. The calls are often out of sync with the action.

With each additional version, Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) continues to tweak the game format and make impressive improvements. The release of Pro Evolution Soccer 2004 represents a material improvement over the 2003 game. Overall, PES produces one of the most realistic football simulators on the market.

Some of the changes from prior versions need to be discussed. First, the addition of an actual referee on the field is a nice touch. It gives the game a more realistic feel. In the 2004 version, the rules appear to be more strictly enforced, especially in off-the-ball play. The only issue with the referee is that is tends to slow things down a bit, even if the hand ball calls have been dialed back a bit.

The graphics in this latest version are a huge improvement over prior versions. Popular players are much easier to recognize. There is still room for move improvement, but the game is headed in the right direction. The other improvement that warrants comment is the addition of a second player to "tee" the ball up during free kicks. Again, this is another stride towards realism.

Player movements continue in much the same way. It is annoying when a player receiving a pass hesitates for a second before moving into action. This could be corrected if the developer decides to use an analogue platform in the future. Otherwise, the action has a nice flow. Kicks require a little more oomph to get past the goalkeeper, but a good game controller eliminates this issue in a hurry. In the end, the action is very realistic.

The menus are improved and are very easy to navigate. First time players should have no problem picking up the appropriate techniques for dribbling, passing and kicking. Veterans of the PES series will most likely have difficulty adjusting to more strict enforcement of the rules, but the learning curve should be temporary. Both soccer fans and novice gamers will enjoy the action and the ability to face-off with friends and family in head-to-head matches using dual controllers.

Pros

• Training Mode - This new version features a training mode. Gamers will get the opportunity to hone their skills before heading to the field of competition.
• Graphics - The graphics related to the players and player movements are realistic enough to give this game an air of quality.
• Highly Addictive - The level of game-play makes this game enjoyable for hours at a time. With more strategy involved, gamers will spend more time developing the skills necessary to master the game.

Cons

• Lack of an Online Mode - This game screams out for a presence online. The ability to sign on and play against gamers all over the world would be a major coup for a game that involves so much skill and strategy.
• Sound - The audio commentary on PES 2004 continues to be a mess. The calls are often out of sync with the action.