Gaming on the DS is a blessing to some and a curse to others. On one hand the DS offers innovative two screen game play that can utilize its touch pad to enhance the overall gaming experience. On the other hand the DS comes with less than stellar graphical capabilities. This is bad news to sports fans who want a portable solution to their football (err soccer) appetites. Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 brings its brand of soccer to a portable audience; the result is an overall fun soccer game if you can look past its "scaled down" makeover.

Living up to a very high standard?

Lets be blunt, Winning Eleven is the "purists" soccer game- you know, the type that go out of their way to call it futbol here in the states. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but the series does have a very prickly following. Its DS incarnation still bears the prestigious title, but what players find once the game loads up is a heavy focus on the National Teams, very few clubs, and atrocious graphics.

Lack-there-ofs

The game is missing a few things. How FIFA on the DS managed to include leagues from all over the world, their club teams, and club teams' rosters while Winning Eleven only offers ten club teams is beyond me. The rest of the playable teams come in the form of National Teams. The heart and soul of soccer is the club teams, and selling soccer fans short is disappointing.

The graphics are another story. The DS is limited to its own graphical power. It's no PSP; that is for sure. The character models are boxy, resembling legos more than their real life counterparts. The sound and most media are very mailed in as well. As far as aesthetics go, this game is not on the top of its game.

The actual soccer being played is very fun. While it's not the "realistic" soccer that Winning Eleven is known for creating, it's a fun portable game of, well soccer. Just don't be surprised when your defender takes it all the way down the pitch like he is Pele. The game play runs smoothly, players are competent, and runs are smooth once you're on the pitch.

The dual screen is an afterthought. It's used to show who is on the field with touchable attack and defense modes for your team. What I found weird is it would be a perfect place to put the "player map" showing where all the players are. Instead the map is right on top of the action on the top screen.

Modes

The game comes with a few modes including a world mode where you take your custom team against the national teams and earn points and players that will improve the team. There is also a custom tourney mode where you can put in any teams you wish.

The download match option is a great way to play with a friend with only one cartridge, and of course you can go WiFi and play with a friend.

For those looking for a soccer fix, this game may appeal to you. Having already played it while waiting in a long line, I found it to be a fun game of soccer. You have to play it for what it is, a way to get your fix on while flying on a plane or waiting in line. Like I said it is what it is. I would recommend purchasing it only if you are a fan.

Mar 7, 2007 | 1 comments
Mike Carabajal