Until the PSP was released, the only soccer games that were worth playing lived on the consoles. This changed with the release of World Tour Soccer when the PSP launched in PAL territories last year. For what it lacked in depth, reality and options, it made up for in some very addictive and enjoyable arcade gameplay. FIFA 06 came… And went just as quickly. It was definitely better than any previous Game Boy outing, but their take on simulation didn’t quite stand up.
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Essentially, Pro Evolution Soccer 5 for the PSP is pretty much an downgraded port of the console versions. When we say downgraded, we don’t mean bad. It’s just that there are a few things (some crucial, some not) that didn’t make the cut. However, the most essential component that made the cut has got to be the simulation gameplay that was done so well on the consoles. It’s just a shame that some of the modes and additions from previous Pro Evo aren’t there as well.
The critical thing with the PSP version is that it’s lacking a pair of shoulder buttons and a second analog stick. Unfortunately, this takes out a lot of the highly advanced manoeuvres that were controlled with the shoulder buttons. As debilitating as this may seem, the developers have still managed to get most things together. Another issue with the control is that it will take time to get used to both the analog nub and the face buttons. The analog nub is very sensitive, as are the face buttons. The buttons are more traditional in their build when compared to the PS2, so play at the beginning is likely to include a lot of over pressed shots at goal.
Now before you break out the riot gear, know this. Once you get over the initial learning curve, the game is just as good as it’s console counterpart. It still manages to retain the majority of the realistic characteristics that made the console game so popular. Without the really advanced moves, it almost feels a bit streamlined. Believe it or not but it actually work and it works well. Where as the console games had something of a game that was paced, the PSP feels like the streamlining has made it a little bit faster. This definitely suits the handheld nature of the game.
You can watch a lot of replays of goals scored against you
For anyone who is worried about the on-pitch gameplay, they needn’t be. Despite the minor concessions, the game plays very faithfully. Moves are still seamless to perform and it still plays like Pro Evo. The defenders are aggressive and it’s still notoriously hard for anyone who is a newbie to actually score a goal. The game still plays as it would on each of the five difficulty levels. That and the amazing differentiation between a top player and an ordinary player is still very evident.
While the actual gameplay has managed to be translated with little concession, major concessions have been made with the game modes. Where as the console versions had an excellent and very informative training mode, the PSP version has had the mode been stripped down to the bare essentials. No longer can you practice those harder moves under guided tutelage, but you can still have some decent practice. However, the big thing that didn’t make the cut was the Master League. This will obviously disappoint veteran Pro Evo fans, as it takes out one of the most endearing features of the game. The League mode is still intact but it doesn’t deliver the same satisfaction as competing in the Master League and watching the team grow.
It seems that there is something of a focus on the wireless multiplayer. Even though you can only play with two players, it plays well. Still, it’s a bit of a missed opportunity, as we’re sure that there has been many a night were four people (and more) played through to early hours of the morning. Sure, this wouldn’t be possible on the PSP but more than two players would’ve been welcome. Only Ad-hoc mode is available so you can only play against someone in your vicinity.
Interestingly, the game holds up surprisingly well as a portable title. The load times are very quick and the general presentation is both faithful to the console versions and to the Pro Evo crowd. The game can also link-up with the PS2 version and you can transfer data between the two games. Regardless of this however, the redeeming value of this game is only going to be determined to anyone who really wants portable simulation soccer. The fact is, the game is so similar to the console versions, that people are going to have to think long and hard as to whether this game warrants a purchase. Especially when you consider that most have been playing the console version for months now.
PSP or PS2 visuals?
In terms of visuals, Pro Evo 5 for PSP is very impressive. It really isn’t too far off the PS2 version. All the animations and movements have made a near perfect translation, as have the physics and most of the mechanics. Even the crowds and player likeliness have made it through. Despite a lack of bells and whistles, it’s easily one of the most visually impressive PSP titles. In terms of sound, the commentary has been forsaken but all the sound effects are intact. Rather than feeling like the game is on TV, the sound effects – especially the lively crowd – almost make you feel like you’re at the game.
Pro Evolution Soccer 5 for the PSP has got the essentials from the console version right. The gameplay on the pitch is spot on and exactly what you’d want and expect from a title with the Pro Evo name. However, despite the worthy accommodation for the handheld and the wireless multiplayer, Pro Evo is for the fans and whether or not this title is worth it, is highly subjective. The only thing that can be said for this, is how badly do you want a portable soccer game? If you can put up with the less modes but essentially the same game, you may find something worthwhile.
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PS2: Pro Evolution Soccer 5
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