Pro Evolution Soccer Continues Tradition of Excellence

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

Everybody knows Konami's Winning Eleven series was pure brilliance. Well we now have a modern counterpart with PES 2011, one of the most realistic and fluid games to date. It is a legitimate competitor to EA Sports and FIFA Soccer 11, which has gotten a bit of a head start with an earlier launch date.

Choosing PES 2011 or FIFA 11 comes down to some simple choices. Do you want to play in the UEFA Champions League or Europa League? Do you have any interest in South America's Copa Santander Libertadores? Many would answer yes to both and PES 2011 is the only game to exclusively feature all three.

Menus are easy to navigate and the music is original and quite refreshing. Opening sequences are breathtaking as the stadium environments and player appearances are simply amazing. It feels like you are watching a real game in HD, but guess what you get to control the players. PES gets major style points in the visuals department.

Gameplay has always been a strong point for Pro Evo and this year further tweaks have made play even more crisp and clean. Control over players feels very natural and responsive. There is no lag in movement and the pacing and speed of play feels about right. "Total Control" gives you an added touch on the ball, which lends itself to a more realistic gaming experience. It takes a few minutes to get used to, but it is an excellent way of replicating real-life action on the pitch.

PES has beefed up its online presence, especially in the area of the always popular Master League mode. Online play has become a necessity and a priority for most gamers and Konami has risen to the challenge in this area as well.

Master League is consistently one of the better features and this year's edition is no exception. It is my favorite mode of play, one that blows FIFA 11 out of the water in terms of options and depth. It is almost like rolling Sega's Football Manager into a console game. The result is a wickedly good time spent off the field. Now you can take that mentality online to compete against other fanatics.

The only knock against Pro Evo is its lack of licensed teams and players. Konami has made great strides in this regard, but it still lags seriously behind. Don't expect to play in MLS or the A-League with PES 2011; it is not going to happen.

In closing, the positives surrounding Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 far outweigh any negatives critics may find. Simply put, watch out EA Sports and FIFA Soccer 11: PES 2011 for PS3 and XBOX 360 is available in stores now!

Stop by the Bothwell Cup in Canton, Ohio this weekend for your chance to win one of two copies of PES 2010 for the XBOX 360.  Win a great game and see thousands of youth soccer players and fans at the Diamond Sports Complex, home of the Concave Sports National Soccer Combine.

Concave Equals Innovation

There hasn't been much innovation in football boots for the past twenty or thirty years. Companies regularly change colors or raise prices, but there is no effort to inspire change. The Concave Sports line of football boots challenges the status quo with an evolved product that is technologically superior to anything else on the market. This is a rare thing, a boot that will turn heads and get people's attention.

The boot is stylish, comfortable, and advanced. Tests of the unique design were conclusive: the boot gave the user 30% improved accuracy and 15% increase in power. Our review found much of the same. The science behind the design is hard to argue with. I think it is safe to say that this boot will give you a slight edge against the competition.

We really liked the protection of the Metaguard, which shields an additional part of the foot. Perhaps the most attractive part of the boot was the comfort level it provided. It is literally like you are walking and running on air. At the same time your foot feels snug and secure, but never awkward.

We tried out the Concave PT+FG boot, which was designed especially for firm ground. This is just one of the options; rounded mould, hard ground, soft ground, and indoor/urban models are also available. This is a high quality product with good workmanship and a truly revolutionary design. Most companies wouldn't take time to research their product and try out new ideas.

Consider the Concave football boot for your next purchase. You won't be disappointed, but you will get noticed.

FIFA Soccer 11 Review: Oh Yeah, It Gets Better

By Robert Ivory

I am always stricken with the dilemma of buying a sports game year, after year. After playing FIFA 11, I am so happy that EA Sports picked up where the left off last year…and they have gone even further. Not to mention, you have listened as the game has sold 2.6 million copies in just five days…

Once you pick up this game, you are going to spend plenty of hours just drooling over the play that the game gives. The game gives a free playing feel, one that you really can play at 360°. To break that down, it means the interaction between you and the opposing team looks and feels even more real. Not to mention he gameplay is even more clean and crisp.

What makes the game even nicer it the new passing system that EA has introduced. No longer can you push a button and expect the perfect pass. You have to really understand how far your target is, how hard you have to kick it, and where your defender is. Perfect passing really has to come from the gamer.

The biggest introduction to the series is the "Be A Goalkeeper" function. As a goalie myself, I have been waiting for a football game to tackle this and I am really impressed. Yes, you have to judge angle, speed, and the forwards all looking to score on you, but you also change your camera angles when your team is on the attack and you have the opportunity to influence the attack.

Ok, so the gameplay looks fabulous, the controls are magnificent, and you are dominating the world as a goalie.
But you need a team, right?

Career Mode has also gotten a makeover and has an interesting twist in this year’s edition. You have the choice of being a player, a manager, or even a player-manager. I really like the player-manager route because you can make the squad changes and tweaks, but you can also play as your own created player or your Virtual Pro.

The one specific thing that I love from the game was the creation of your new pro. When you enter your name and pick your traits, you pick what body size and height your new player will be. What you choose effects your player’s abilities. For instance, lets say your height is 6'8", in no way are you going to be as fast as somebody 5’11". Just another little twitch that the game makes to make the gameplay and the realism come to life.

Players have finally gotten their true talents noticed in the virtual world. For the true fans that know their favorite players, the Personality Plus will be the biggest asset FIFA 11 brings to the table. More now than ever, players look, react, and play like they do in real life. The skill set that they bring to FIFA 11 are close to those that you see on TV. With that comes the ability to do wicked tricks that only the best in the world can do.

Online content is great as well. Creating teams and players on the EA website and then getting those onto the game console is fantastic! Not only does FIFA 11 add to what last year’s game was able to do, but it goes much farther!

EA Sports Comes Up with Another Gem

By Robert Ivory

Landon Donovan says that it’s “a cool game, authentic, and real.”

And you have to agree with LaDo that 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa from EA Sports is a cut above the rest. The presentation of the game is simply outstanding, with everything you would expect from an international soccer broadcast, especially one in the World Cup.

Included in that presentation is the continual successful management of detail that was put into the game, from the confetti and streamers on the field to great precision on the appearance of players and coaches. Yep, they even included Diego Maradona's stud earrings! Not only does the game give the precision of the world stars, but it includes shots of fans in the stands that you would usually see on TV and not on your video game console.

Oh yes, and even a continual appearance of the Vuvuzelas, that South Africa is famous for their bumblebee noise, makes it’s mark on the game. Speaking of sound, the crowd chants are authentic to the region as playing.

The World Cup tournament is great on the game, but it gives you so much more; from qualifying in a specific region to replaying qualifying moments over the past three years, from World Cup 2006 in Germany, and even World Cup 2010 (playable after it happens in South Africa, of course). Not to mention the inclusion of South Africa into the menu music and even talked about in the match commentary, including the significance of the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Think you can captain your national team to South Africa? EA lets you create your player and lead your team to the finals, climbing the ladder of competition in your own nation. Or, more impressionably, take your already created superstar from FIFA 10 and download them right into World Cup 2010!!

The computer AI is a bit tougher, so your better bring your "A" game to this creative and realistic portrayal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup!

FIFA 10 Ultimate Team is the Ultimate Choice for Soccer Fans

By Rob Ivory

Ok, admit it. You didn’t think that FIFA 10 could get any more addictive.

But with EA Sport’s release of Ultimate Team as an add-on for FIFA 10, fans can get a better grip on running their own club from scratch. Many psychics say that your future is in the cards and that is true of Ultimate 10.

The goal of Ultimate 10 is to make the best squad you can buy buying either packs of cards, or buying individual players’ cards that onliners are selling from their squad. Packs are either gold, silver, or bronze (bronze being the least expensive, and obviously less talented players). Not only can you get players from you pack, but you can get footballs, managers, coaches, stadiums, club crests, and rating boosters for your roster.

The main goal is to make the best club by having the best chemistry on your squad. Chemistry starts with players coming from the same nation, the same team, and the same league. Therefore, to get a top chemistry, you would want all players from the same league that can work together. You can have different squads ready to play at anytime, but players have contracts that are reduced by one each game they play. Word to the wise, use your best players in your top matches, don’t waste them playing bad teams.

Now that you are ready to play, you can enter a tournament either against the computer or online, versus other Ultimate Team managers around the world. Gameplay is great against the competition from around the world, but if you are not ready, you can play in single player against the computer in tournaments or a single game. The idea of making all the parts of your team work can be frustrating and rewarding at the same time. Ultimate 10 has a perfect blend of manager simulation games and FIFA 10 gameplay to keep the action going.

Not too many down sides to this add-on, just make sure you can beat your opposition and win trophies, because once you hit a stumbling block in a tournament, you have to start all over again. The best part of the add on is the option of changing your squad anywhere in the world, by logging on to EASPORTS.com. On their website you can move your squad around, see stats, and share your team on social media websites to brag, a great feature to keep you plugged in, even when you cannot get to your gaming system.

Can you make a five star team with total chemistry? Can you do without the divas and have complete team harmony? Add FIFA 10 Ultimate Team and get ready to get kill many, many more hours on the best soccer franchise in the world. Click here for a free five game trial from Xbox LIVE® and PlayStation® Network!

Simulating Real-Life Football

Simply put Football Manager 2010 is one of the finest games I have ever played.  It is described as a football management simulation game, but it is much more.  It gives the user an opportunity to try their hand at managing a professional soccer club on and off the pitch. 

Every aspect of the beautiful game is covered with stunning detail. You can manage the club’s schedule, coaching staff, strategy, and of course the players. 

The game has tons of depth and an incredible amount of features. The new user interface is easy use, allowing you to access large amounts of information in an instant. The match analysis tool and Tactics creator are nice additions as well. 

I had a great time whether it was managing an MLS club or a top-flight team in Europe.  This is an easy recommendation: go out and buy Football Manager 2010 on PC-DVD.  You won’t regret it and you won’t find a better product anywhere.

Enjoyment is the Name of the Game

By Graham Ward

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 is Konami's third attempt at a next generation soccer game. The first, PES 2008 was at best a poor soccer game, with jerky animation, constant slowdowns and graphics that had not improved over the PS2 version. Their second attempt, PES 2009, smoothed out the problems of their first release but never improved any aspect of the game, making it a collection of bug fixes. During this time EA have re-invented FIFA to become a superb soccer experience. Fans of PES have been desperately waiting for this new release hoping that Konami can fight back with a worthy next generation soccer game.

The menu system within the game has been updated with a modern look and feel. Background music has always been a little crazy with high tempo pop tunes playing, but they have finally improved the experience with a modern sound track including artists like the Klaxons. PES has the official Champions League licences and some minor European leagues, giving the major teams of Europe their real player’s names, but it still falls short of the full player coverage that FIFA contains.

The team tactic option screen have had a major update, with the hexagonal players ability view being replaced with a numeric values representing specific players ability. These now change depending on the position you currently play them, so a defender’s ability will go down if you position them in attack. Individual team style setting is now fully customisable giving obsessed players the ability to manage every aspect of how they perform on the pitch. Commentary is again provided by Lawrenson and Champion from the English Premiership, unfortunately it feels like they are both in different rooms, watching a different game of soccer.

The master league is back with improvements including the ability to complete in the Champions League and improved menu system, providing a highly addictive and enjoyable experience. The become a legend game is included again, where you control a single player on a team and shape his individual career. This has had small improvements, but is something that I struggle to find enjoyable.

Graphically the game has finally joined the High Definition world with players detail resembling their real world counterpart and stadiums looking and feeling like the real things. Animation has improved beyond recondition over the last two versions, though it’s still a way behind the fluidity that players move within FIFA.

The big feature PES has been showcasing this year is 360-degree player control, enabling players to move in any direction that they chose as oppose to the standard 8 directions available in previous versions. The player movement has improved and it feels more natural moving them around the pitch, but it feel more like around 16 possible directions than the 360 they boast.

The internet and PES has had a rocky relationship so far, from the constant laggy game play, to the hardship involved just starting a game. Fans have been hoping that they will finally iron out their differences with this year's release. They have finally removed the numerous logins and screens you go through to start a game and have widened the multiplayer features available. Though the biggest problem has always been the constant lag while playing online, and yes this has been improved with most games being lag free, but it’s still a long way behind the smooth experience that FIFA offers.

Overall comparing the two games, FIFA is a far more polished game with every feature and option available that you could ever want. FIFA offers an online experience that is smooth and feature rich and in theory is a far superior game. But playing games is about enjoyment and when I want to play some soccer I always end up putting in PES into my PlayStation. PES delivers on the pure excitement of playing soccer with fast paced and challenging games.

Our Take on FIFA 10

Where do we start? FIFA 09 was a such great game; it was hard to imagine that it could get any better. Well it did, in just about every possible way. The improvements are too numerous to mention each one. The Virtual Pro feature was not only innovative, but entertaining as well. You can now download your customized game face, play in a 10 v 10 Pro Club Championship, and work your way into legendary status.

Online play was tweaked in several areas. It is likely that FIFA 10 will now surpass the 400 million games played with last year's version. The most important changes were with the gameplay itself. A video game is nothing without solid gameplay. This game is superb in this element and produces realistic, fluid movements. The 360 degree dribbling was just fantastic. The AI was more appropriate as computer-controlled players behaved as you would expect in "the real world".

Our only complaint was that a few aspects of the Manager Mode were a bit inaccurate. Team budgets were tight and player transfers were unbelievably expensive. This was the only flaw we could find and it took us a while. Konami sure has their work cut out for them when they release their newest installment of Pro Evolution Soccer. It is going to have to be perfect to even compete with FIFA 10. We have no reservations about this EA product: go out and buy it!

Raising the Stakes with PES 09

We were given the opportunity to review Konami's newest installment of the Pro Evolution series: PES 09 for the PS3 and Wii. Overall, it is an excellent game that offers a great deal to hardcore and casual soccer fans alike. It accurately recreates the total soccer experience, which is not an easy thing to do. I have to admit that I have always been fond of Konami products. I remember playing Blades of Steel on my NES as a young child. I agreed with all of the positive reviews that accompanied the International Superstar Soccer (ISS) and Winning Eleven series. It is obvious that Konami has a strong tradition of excellence, especially with sports games.

This year's edition of Pro Evolution has far more strengths than weaknesses. The menus in and out of the actual games are incredibly crisp and stylish. I found the level of difficulty to be very appropriate with five different levels, from Beginner to Top Player. The learning curve was very minimal so that any gamer can pick up and play this game.

The audio, especially the soundtrack, was incredibly impressive. The crowd noise and color commentary were very authentic. However, the addition of the Champions League feature has to be the most welcomed change in the series. The TV-style presentation created an experience that was second to none.

As with any project, there are a few weaknesses. I found the controls to be a bit loose and unnatural at times. Soccer requires fluid movements and that didn't always happen. This seemed to be more of an issue with the Wii version. However, switching to the Classic Controller or a Horizontal Wii Remote seemed to make a huge difference for us. The load times were incredibly inconsistent. It seemed like it was extremely quick at one moment and lagging behind at another. Fortunately, the number of generic teams and stadiums is significantly lower than past edition.

EA Sports should watch out as they definitely have competition this year. Every soccer fan should take a serious look at this established, polished series. It has the potential to be the best series ever offered by this famed developer.