Playstation 3 Review: Pro Evolution Soccer 2012

Except for American football, pretty much every other sport has at least two competitive video games for sports role-playing fans. What we refer to as soccer in the United States is no exception. 

The more popular game here is the somewhat arcade-styled FIFA, published by EA.  Besides the less technical gameplay, EA’s ability to secure official licenses puts Konami’s soccer sim at a disadvantage.  No LA Galaxy, Chivas USA or any of the other teams or players the more casual American soccer fans know are to be found in Pro Evolution Soccer 2012, which features Christiano Ronaldo and Neymar on the cover.

With so much stacked against them and with what many fans felt was a declining franchise, Konami was determined to give global football fans a realistic, immersive and playable take on the soccer.  According to Konami, creative producer Shingo "Seabass" Takatsuka went seeking out feedback from fans across the globe and worked non-stop on marrying the digital game to the real life game.  

All elements of the game were up for review - defense, offense, AI, penalties, officiating and graphics. The result of all of the hard work is a much better game than last year’s and a game that allows soccer fans an unprecedented level of control.

Konami promised a lot of improvements in Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 and for the most part was able to deliver.  The new teammate control system introduces a feature where a secondary player may be controlled with the right analog stick.

Manual and assisted versions of the feature allow players to make runs on the fly and shake off defenders before calling for the ball.  Collision detection has been overhauled and the graphics have been updated, making movements, facial representations a little more authentic although, the lack of licenses takes away some of the impact.  The technophile and early adopter crowd of soccer fans will enjoy the well-executed 3D support.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 is all about the realistic soccer gameplay and if that is what you’re looking for, you’ll be happy.  Everything starts with creating an avatar and the game allows for a good amount of customization.  Once you’ve created your player (that will also work as your starting point to the “Become a Legend” mode) and set your playing preferences, you can get to playing. 

Article Author: RPGameX

Lance Roth has over 10 years experience in the video game industry. He has worked with developers along with retail outlets to develop training programs and sales strategies. He participated in all of the major console launches since the Dreamcast. …

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