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Evolution Soccer 2009 (Wii)
Despite arriving several months after versions for the other consoles, the
Wii version of PES 2009 is still
worth picking up for soccer fans thanks to its unique controls and
interface. Refining last year's installment, this year finds several new
modes in play. While you can still use the wii-mote to point at players
and perform passes, older players will be happy to learn that the game now
institutes a more traditional control system with the wii classic
controller. Another new mode allows for a hybrid of both styles, which
gives the game added flexibility. Aside from this, the game offers the
UEFA cup license, additional modes of play such as training and cup modes,
and the traditional PES play. This makes for an excellent soccer title
that Wii owners will probably enjoy. |
The last PES from Konami's famed soccer studio arrived on the Wii to good
notices, and the latest installment adds several new features to the mix
that make for an enhanced and deeper simulation. The highlights this year
include added customization features, new multiplayer modes and a
generally smoother gameplay interface. The biggest twist this year is the
inclusion of three unique control interfaces. First up is the Wii-mote and
nunchuck mode which offers a unique system where you use the wii-mote to
point at the player you wish to control. Once you have the ball in your
possession, you choose which direction they run using the nunchuck, while
using the wiimote to aim shots and passes. When you want to shoot, you
simply shake the wiimote to kick the ball, where the velocity and height
is determined by how hard you shake. It takes some getting used to for
players accustomed to more traditional soccer interfaces, but the PES
control system works well once you get used to it. Players looking for a
more traditional style of play will be happy to learn that PES 2009
supports the classic controller, which allows for a very normal style of
play in the usual Konami style. If this isn't enough, you can also choose
to use a hybrid system where you use a combination of both styles
throughout the game. All of these modes are fairly well implemented, and
the gameplay doesn't change dramatically if you use different systems.
What's interesting about the way Konami has designed the game is that it
plays to the Wii's strengths in terms of controls, showing that the
console's unique interface is particularly well-suited to sports titles,
helping to bring a new dimension of control to the gameplay that the other
systems can't duplicate.
 The
changes to the game are subtle, and for the most part, PES 2009 on Wii
looks and plays quite smoothly with pacing and function very similar to
last year's installment. One of the subtle changes that you might notice
is the increased difficulty in the AI mechanics, where your opponents will
more aggressively charge and tackle your team. The increased pressure
makes things more difficult, but ultimately more satisfying. A deep layer
of tactics and techniques underlies the action, and you'll need to study
and counter your opponents' moves on and off the field as well. The solid
gameplay mechanics extend to individual players as well, with each having
their own strengths and weaknesses. Getting the right players to the
perfect locations isn't always easy, but it pays off when the situation
falls in your favor. Its this detailed and sophisticated approach to
soccer that makes PES so appealing. From a gaming standpoint, this
installment delivers what players have come to expect from the series.
It doesn't have all the officially licensed
teams and players that other games have, but PES 2009 has a number of
high-profile teams including AC Milan, Manchester United, Celtic, Real
Madrid and many other teams. You can also edit your own teams to fill in
any gaps, though its time consuming to make up kits and enter your own
rosters. Even though the team logos and kits might be slightly different,
the game compensates by including an impressive roster of licensed
players. Big names like Beckham, Ronaldo and Kaka make appearances in PES
2009, which gives you access to plenty of professional soccer players on
your team. While its not as logo heavy as other soccer titles, PES' most
significant change this time around is its use of the UEFA Champions
League license, which adds an entirely new mode of play where you can
compete in this world famous tournament with your favorite team and see
how your squad compares against the elite clubs. It makes for a much
deeper and more satisfying experience overall, with the enhanced
production values and added dramatics spilling over to the rest of the
game as well.
Adding to the UEFA mode, you can choose
from a number of modes including a Training mode where you can learn how
to use the wiimote effectively during a match. Learning the techniques
behind passing, shooting, tackling and running doesn't take too long
thanks to the speedy tutorial mode, which unfolds quickly as a series of
mini-games. You can also take your club through the UEFA tournament in
Champions League mode, where you compete for the famous trophy. There's
also the usual expected Single match, and Cup modes that allow you to play
either a short tournament against other teams in your bracket. You can
also create and customize your own leagues and championships, which adds
to the game's replay value. All of this builds successfully on the
previous installments, but Konami hasn't stopped there. The biggest new
addition to the game, from a gameplay standpoint, is PES 2009's Become a
Legend mode. This is an exciting mode that allows you to create your own
player from scratch. You can customize their appearance, set up their
position and build up their skill sets. Once created, your avatar can,
compete in matches with your club, go up the ranks depending on your
performance on the field. It marks a nice change of pace from the
team-oriented gameplay in previous titles, and it's a bit challenging to
hold back in your position. You have to be careful not to make a mess of
things and not get in the way, since you're being watched by scouts for
other teams at all times. As you compete in matches in this mode and add
to your skills, you'll be rewarded with better contracts and transfer
offers. Once you've created your character, they can be used in many other
modes of play and you can even use them online against other players. The
system in this mode is well designed, with easy to navigate menus making
it easy to track your progress.
In addition to these standard single
player modes, you can compete against other players online using the
Network mode where you can set up and play matches with players around the
world. Matches are easy to set up and play using the onscreen menus and
lobbies, and the games unfold at an excellent pace that delivers the same
level of excitement you'd expect from a console game. PES 2009 also offers
a deep, simulation style of play with its Master League mode where you can
compete over the course of a season against other teams both on the field
and behind the scenes using transfers and trades. Before each match
begins, players can set up a variety of options including formations,
length of matches, rosters and positions in addition to weather and
difficulty settings to name just a few. This gives you plenty of
flexibility and allows you to play the game in whatever style you like and
allows you to experiment with different formations and strategies to
figure out which one best suits your team's abilities.
 One
area where the Wii version falters is in its on-field presentation, which
lacks the polish and style of other versions. Instead of multiple camera
angles available in other versions, you are locked in with two above the
field modes which are fine, but somewhat limiting. Given the requirements
of the Motion sensing controller to point at players, this is probably the
only decision Konami could have made, still it would have been nice to
zoom in on the action. The character models and animations are decent, but
those expecting the Wii to match the HD quality visuals in other versions
are probably going to be disappointed. That said, the game's unique
controls and interface show the Wii console's strengths in other ways, and
make this version play and feel quite unique when it comes to the on-field
action. Implementing classic controls is probably a smart move as well,
though it does kind of miss the point. In terms of its overall pacing and
feel, the game offers players the same high-quality PES style of play
they've come to expect and while its basic mechanics haven't evolved too
much with this installment, there's still plenty enough here to like that
PES 2009 merits a strong recommendation for Wii owners looking for a solid
sports title.
- Michael Palisano
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