The postman was kind yesterday. In amongst the bills and offers of loans was a jiffy bag containing preview code of Pro Evolution Soccer 4 for PS2. Pro Evo is the best footy game around, far eclipsing the glossy FIFA series. After 3 hrs solid play it is clear that this is not going to change. PES4 is superb.
With every iteration, Pro Evo gets further refined. 4 picks up where 3 left off, especially in the speed of the game which seems faster. Combined with this is even greater control over the players and a real feeling that they are doing what you want them to do rather than the PS2 deciding. A classic example was when playing as Saints - yes, the mighty reds are included, plus most of the other premiership teams. A long ball up to Crouch was flicked on to Phillips. Shaka Hislop was favourite to get it but a swift tap of the x button saw Phillips lunge with the boot and hook it over the keeper. The point is that it felt right, looked realistic and was incredibly satisfying - far more so than the 30yard screamers routinely knocked in when playing FIFA.
This was only preview code so hopefully Konami will iron out the niggles, which are mainly presentational. The menu and option screens seem to have finally been edited by someone who speaks English, but they still look amateurish. The licenses are still lacking for English teams - so expect Soton, North East London etc - but this may change before release. Also the on-pitch ref - a first for the series - doesn't seem to add very much.
Overall though, PES 4 looks incredibly promising. You'll be able to play if you are going to Game Stars Live, otherwise release is due late October. All Konami have to do now is confirm online play for Xbox Live.
