T
toup
Guest
Having read locksley's first impressions, I was naturally very concerned - this is a man who knows his games, and he was far from impressed. My initial thought was to rent the game, but then my eagerness (and payday) got the better of me, and I snapped up a copy last night on the way home. Here are my initial thoughts.
Firstly, the game is a LOT slower than previous incarnations. I can see that some (locksley included) may find this offputting, but I would urge you to give it time. I have found that this actually leads to a more 'solid' feeling game, with momentum and player size really making a difference (watch your defenders dominate small forwards in aerial battles). I have read elsewhere that people have had problems breaking away from the defence, even with fast players. This is actually not all that common in real football, but it can be done - the same is true on PES6 with careful use of the 'knock the ball ahead' controls.
The ball physics are, as expected, spot on - and the through balls, particularly lofted ones, can lead to some spectacular goals. Shooting is initially very tricky, but it seems to really take into account the amount of pressure on your player, if he's just turned, etc. Heading seems to also take some getting used to, but I've found that defensively I have not been giving away soft headed goals like I used to on PES5... but then I've not been scoring too many either...
The AI is very good defensively, closing your player down and giving you very little time to think about what to do (making it all the more satisfying when you beat a man and suddenly you are in space, looking to play somebody in or go for goal yourself). I have noticed that occasionally your supposrting forwards don't make the runs you'd have liked, but I'm sure that this can be remedied by a few tactical changes.
Graphically this game is good, if not groundbreaking, with some player likenesses now almost perfect, others taking a bit of a step backwards. The lack of licensed kits will, as always, hurt this game, but many new international and club teams are now licensed (the premiership remains elusive). Probably the biggest missing point from this game is the editing. You can ONLY change player names - a massive step down from the extensive options on PS2.
To summarize then, I feel the gameplay is spot on, offering a very realistic game of football - with slow buildup play and patient attacks being essential. The slower pace takes some getting used to, but I'd urge you to persevere (PES5 felt 'weird' at first remember!). The lack of editing does take something away from it, but if it's gameplay you want, then this game has it by the bucketload.
Any questions, fire away... I'll be starting my master league after work today...
Firstly, the game is a LOT slower than previous incarnations. I can see that some (locksley included) may find this offputting, but I would urge you to give it time. I have found that this actually leads to a more 'solid' feeling game, with momentum and player size really making a difference (watch your defenders dominate small forwards in aerial battles). I have read elsewhere that people have had problems breaking away from the defence, even with fast players. This is actually not all that common in real football, but it can be done - the same is true on PES6 with careful use of the 'knock the ball ahead' controls.
The ball physics are, as expected, spot on - and the through balls, particularly lofted ones, can lead to some spectacular goals. Shooting is initially very tricky, but it seems to really take into account the amount of pressure on your player, if he's just turned, etc. Heading seems to also take some getting used to, but I've found that defensively I have not been giving away soft headed goals like I used to on PES5... but then I've not been scoring too many either...
The AI is very good defensively, closing your player down and giving you very little time to think about what to do (making it all the more satisfying when you beat a man and suddenly you are in space, looking to play somebody in or go for goal yourself). I have noticed that occasionally your supposrting forwards don't make the runs you'd have liked, but I'm sure that this can be remedied by a few tactical changes.
Graphically this game is good, if not groundbreaking, with some player likenesses now almost perfect, others taking a bit of a step backwards. The lack of licensed kits will, as always, hurt this game, but many new international and club teams are now licensed (the premiership remains elusive). Probably the biggest missing point from this game is the editing. You can ONLY change player names - a massive step down from the extensive options on PS2.
To summarize then, I feel the gameplay is spot on, offering a very realistic game of football - with slow buildup play and patient attacks being essential. The slower pace takes some getting used to, but I'd urge you to persevere (PES5 felt 'weird' at first remember!). The lack of editing does take something away from it, but if it's gameplay you want, then this game has it by the bucketload.
Any questions, fire away... I'll be starting my master league after work today...
