Interfering With Play 27/05/08
Posted by Dan Bolas in Interfering With Play on Tue 27 May
Welcome to this week’s Interfering With Play. The domestic football season is now officially over, and all the silverware has made its way to its rightful owners. Even the most die hard Chelsea fan would have to admit that Manchester United played some breathtaking football over the course of the season, and were worthy winners of both the Premier League and Champions League trophies. To shy away from giving out awards for certain aspects of the season just gone, this Interfering With Play will take a quick look forwards toward the European Championships, as well as touching upon ‘the Big Four’ and other musings from the world of football gaming.
Everyone’s A Winner Baby
It seems ages ago that we saw the most depressing site in recent memory, an under qualified England manager standing under a brolly as his side threw away qualification to a major tournament for the first time in 12 years. This image will be more painful to remember for any Englishman than any other football fans, but still none of the UK will have a team playing competitive football this summer, an issue that further raises doubts about the ‘golden generation’. So to Euro 2008 and the question seemingly on every TV networks lips, “Who Do You Want To Win?” I would much rather see England at the finals, but instead we have the opportunity to watch some top quality football in an unbiased frame of mind. Sure people will have their favourites, from world champions Italy to the silky football of the French to the underachieving Dutch, so I would like to know which team will you personally be following? I am going to back a surprise package, who were ultimately too good for England both home and away in the form of Croatia. I have enjoyed their style of play for many years now, and they were my team of choice on ISS Pro 98, featuring stars such as Boksic, Suker and Boban, and have brought together a new generation of solid footballers mixed with flair players. The loss of Eduardo is a huge blow to them, but players like Modric and Niko Kovac provide midfield guile that will be a handful for any of the top teams on their day. Your views on the tournament and whom you will be following are more than welcome.
The Big Four: Week Four
Over the month of May, Interfering With Play will be looking at four of the biggest titles in Football Gaming history, focussing on why they were so important and giving you the opportunity to decide on whether or not you agree with their place in the ‘Big Four’ category.
Pro Evolution Soccer 6 (2006) Playstation 2: The final offering in this section is hardly a shocking one. For the past three week’s I have chosen games that at their time, were either leaders in their field or brought something completely different to the table. Every since ISS Pro on the original Playstation, Konami’s football series has been offering the most realistic football gaming experience, but each time with something missing. The first few versions restricted you to International teams, and when the club teams finally game through, it was a very select group that definitely did not cater for everyone’s tastes. Pro Evolution Soccer 6 was the pinnacle of football gaming in its current form, and was the best football game of a generation.
Anyone who has been playing PES for longer than two years will need no reminding about the quality of the title, but just as a recap for those who do need their memories jogging, PES6 was the culmination of five years development and implementation of ideas. Features such as the ability to create your own logos, boots and players, some with ultra realistic appearances was present in the most comprehensive edit mode ever seen on a football game. There was an in depth master league that had been tweaked over 7 years in order to be the most addictive football gaming experience on the market and a shop where you could spend your hard earned points on unlock able items, some of which were silly, but most highly sought after. The game speed, controls and graphics were the best the Konami series had ever produced (at this point) with a collection of leagues, cups, stadiums and training modes to keep gamers coming back for more. To truly appreciate how good the game was, you would need to play a game of each Pro Evolution Soccer from the PS2 era, and notice each little change as the years passed. The end result, as many people support, is a breathtaking experience.
So why, I hear people asking, is PES6 the fourth game as opposed to the newer, shinier and ‘better’ PES2008? For the last 6 months, I have said, supported by many, that this PES 2008 is a better game than last years title, and that not too many people would be playing the old version of a PES when the newer one is on shop shelves. The simple fact is PES6 on the PS2 was as far as football gaming could go within that generation. It took 6 years worth of development, additions and tweaking but the end product was a thing of pure beauty. PES 2008 is the first coming on the next generation, and will only improve. All the games I have picked upon in this section, Fifa, Sensible Soccer and Actua Soccer all went on to improve, sell by the bucket loads and become better than their originals. My points with all of these was they brought something different, something that made a benchmark for others to emulate or even surpass. PES 6 was the benchmark on PS2 that, because of the next generation releases, will never be surpassed on that console. It is now up to Konami, EA Sports or whoever to start working towards making a benchmark for next generation gaming, because so far, there is no universal defining standard.
If you are still playing PS2, and are yet to invest in a next generation console, then I am pretty sure you will still be playing PES6 (PES 2008 was a meagre update) and therefore know exactly what I am talking about. Whilst playing it now after getting used to the next generation titles feels like a step backwards, anyone willing to will be able to pick it up for a reasonable price from your local computer game store. If your after a true trip down memory lane, a rummage through second hand PS2 games saw me find PES 1, 2, 3,4 and 5 for a combined total of under £20. A great way to complete your collection, if you’re into that kind of thing. Your views on the PES6 or any of the games included in the big four are more than welcome, either by e-mail or by comments.
Sometimes I Stumble, Sometimes I Fall
The single most controversial inclusion in PES2008 was the option to dive. Some people felt it was encouraging cheating within sport, others felt it was a natural progression and the way football is going. For its first time in a Pro Evolution Soccer game, the dive feature was actually implemented rather well. A player on a yellow card had to strongly think about whether or not to risk that fall in the box, knowing that the ref not buying his plunge would result in an early bath, At the same time, the button combination (three of the four shoulder buttons) made it literally impossible to dive by accident and made you more than responsible for your own actions. The feature should definitely remain in future PES, but maybe could be made more of a conscious decision, as opposed to downright cheating. Many times, my players are tripped, pulled back or forced to fall over under a challenge that would be 100% awarded a foul on any amateur or professional football pitch, however due to the players in ability to go down, a free kick is not awarded, and instead my player stumbles and loses possession of the ball. If you dive at this stage, you immediately get booked and although you were fouled, you end up getting a yellow card. There should be the option of ‘going down under the challenge’ whereby whilst your player is stumbling or having their shirt pulled, the dive button combination allows them to leave the ball and fall to the floor, emphasising the infringement and meaning play pretty much has to stop. It would also put the advantage rule more in the hands of the attacking team, as more often than not, the advantage rule works in favour of the defensive team on PES. It is something that players like Michael Owen have been doing for years, and whilst it is technically not diving, it is putting the decision of going on the floor totally in the hands of the gamer, as opposed to randomisation from the computer. I still think players should fall on their own regard, but this gives you as the player a bit more control.
How Much Is Too Much
My final point tonight stems from UEFA 2008 by EA Sports, and the fact that it costs a handsome £39.99 in order to purchase a watered down version of FIFA 08. Yes, some of the game modes have new names and yes ‘new features’ are added, but it is predominantly FIFA 08 with international teams. As someone who owns a lot of computer games and has been buying games for years, it is a very conscious decision when I decide to buy a new title. How does it differ from the others in my collection? Will I get my value for money from it? Is it going to be a game worth playing? Simple questions that most people ask when buying a new title, and for all the reviews and hands on experiences of gaming websites, the decision basically stops with you as a gamer. My argument is that the generic pricing of games at £40-£50 for a PS3 game or £30-£40 for a Wii game means that certain titles are not being represented as value for money, and may put gamers off paying the hefty sum. Grand Theft Auto IV is a bargain at £40, seeing as it will give you in excess of 40 hours game play, whereas a game like UEFA 2008 should be priced more appropriately for its content. I personally own 26 PS3 games, ranging from brand new titles picked up on their release dates to £17.99 bargains off Play.com. I would love to hear your views on the cost of gaming, and whether or not you think games should be priced at different levels as to regards their content. And just to show my age, you used to be able to go to a local games shop and pick up games for £3.99 for the Spectrum!
That’s all I have time for this week. As always your support is very much appreciated and welcomed. A quick shout out to Steve From Stoke, who has been involved with a number of e-mails over the past few weeks. Like I said I reply to as many as I can, but have a number of commitments that do limit time online. If you have anything to say about things you have read here, you can add a comment, which is public domain, by clicking on the red button below, or you can e-mail me personally, danbolas@hotmail.com
Thanks for Reading
I think the option of going down under a challenge would be an amazing addition to the game, I find the current diving feature terrible, some times really obvious dives are given and ones that look believable are turned down! I never use the dive feature any more because it is just so unpredictable! I also believe the whole free kick situation needs to be revamped as currently in player vs player matches it is very hard to play a free kick short which can be extremely frustrating if it is not in a good position to shoot.
Thanks for yet another great read Dan!
I personally think additions to the next game should be for one more team slots. At least 3 more leagues. Don’t care if they are licensed. Also there better be some better looking textures. One more thing. The referee is also unpredictable over tackles. I tackle the player from the front and take him out with no ball and get a red. I take him out from behind with no ball and it’s a yellow. It should be the other way around.
KingJack, the best method is to use the manual pass off the right analogue stick. I have no problem since switching to that for short passes from freekicks.
To be honest I had even forgotten the dive function was in this game because I have used it so little. I like the sound of being able to go down under a challenge (a la Gerrard!) but I think it’ll be hard to propoerly implement.
Easy boys,
Forget about the euros, i’ll be supporting england in their important warm up games for the world cup qualifiers. England v usa tonight should be good.
pro evolution soccer 6? The definitive game of the series is pro evo 3 - it went to commercial after that. My personal fave was pro evo 2 tho, top game.
Konomi shouldnt put diving in the game and instead focus their efforts towrds the gameplay cos pro evo is in decline. I been playing ‘this is football’ - mint.
Thats all form me so peace out
Holland for euro 2008!!
I have recently purchased all the pro evolution soccer games 1-6 for the ps2, as I found that the next gen titles can’t give me what I want. I have even just bought ISS Pro Evolution 2 for the ps1 and this game is amazing.
Pes 2008 is good but it’s definately lacking something. I find some games really easy to score as the keepers can’t save shots that are straight at them. Hopefully either if Pes do decide to come out this year or even fifa that they bring something worthwhile cause pes this year although i’m still playing it just doesn’t give the same feeling as previous titles in the pes range.
As for fifa it’s getting alot better the last 2 outings are a step in the right direction but it’s still to compact way of playing not as free as pes. If they manage to free it up fifa will be near perfect.
Excellent IWP this week.
I always back Spain….. it’s just nice to have a foreign team let you down as much as England do.
Completely agree with PES6. I took a week off work just to edit everything before I played a game….. Yep, I did not play a single game on PES6, when I bought it, until I had completed my pixel by pixel edit. Sad, but, ****ing genius!
Diving is great and being able to fall under a challenge would be an excellent addition. Win, who cares how, just win!
I try not to get too fussed about how much games cost (or anything). I see the ability for me to sit in a comfy room doing nothing more than passing time with something I enjoy doing as a bit of a luxury really. So many people in the world will never get the chance to have anything the lifestyle many enjoy, so, I count me blessings, pay me monies and thank God I can take it all for granted.
holland to win it and sweden with king henrik to come close.
Thanks mn9ajas! It sure takes some getting used to but seems to work better than the other methods
Portugal have a good shout this year
If this is a sweepstake, I’ll take the outside bet of Switzerland!!!
Mind you who do you think won’t go through in Group C? France, Holland, italy or Romania??
Kingjack - glad that helped. It definitely takes some getting used to. I find that half the time it seems to kick it in the wrong direction!!
I also agree on the comments about revamping the freekicks too. I’m still in favour or a Madden/Tiger woods 3 click system.
Can anyone remember the game in which you had a ‘ghost’ line that showed you roughly where the ball was going in a freekick prior to the kick? Was that Ronaldos soccer??
Still backing UEFA Striker as one of the best games, followed by the England game that game out a few years ago.
It is cool you like Croatia team … i am from Croatia and i am always glad when someone from outside Croatia cheers for Croatia!! You are now ace in my eyes especialy after we did at Wembley!!!
We’ll get our own back in the world cup qualifiers ;)
Bask in your glory for now as it will not last long! he he he
mn9ajas No not Ronaldo’s soccer bu I rember it was in Fifa for ages even though I never bought any of them. Then they went for the Pro evolution way. I think the circle of where the free kick will goish is good I need the assist and have never been very good at the frees otherwise! Never scored a free in Pro Ev even with my days spent on 6 on psp.
Anyway about the price of Euro 2008 erm I might get it! I haven’t had a footy game in ages and it seems quite good but on the difficulty in the demo is soo easy! I just feel like playing it attempting to get Northern Ireland or/and the Republic of Ireland to win the Euros in Be a Pro which I believe is good and should be implemented into a trpe of Pro Ev game. Also it is Konamis idea I think! Can anyone remeber the name of it, It was like Real football or something like that either on the ps1 or N64?
Any update files from Pro Ev 4 to 2008?
Being Dutch I will obviously support the Dutch national team. I am also curious how the Russians will play as they are an outsider which could be stronger than expected. If the Dutch won’t surprise the “Group of Death”, I may support Spain even though they usually don’t do that well in the big tournaments either.
With regards to the feature of having a circle to point out in which direction to shoot or pass free kicks: I am not really in favour of that. It will make it much more predictable for your adversory to guess in which direction you’re playing. I do agree that Konami needs to work on this to avoid faulty passes in directions that absolutely don’t make sense.
Being able to fall / dive under a challenge sounds great to me too. I am still playing the PS2 version, but I hope that this is something that Konami will address as well.
surprise = survive
The future of this series is doomed to say the least. There is no way they can turn this train wreck into something worthwhile in one year. They need to go back to their roots and actually play the older games. Even the intro videos for this series have gone commercial and no longer have that grassroots feel in which player’s emotion during and after a game were accurately depicted. Konami needs to delay the release for another two years and hire some American game programmers. Americans and Brits have taken over the industry and it is now the Japanese who lagging behind.
I have kept all of my copy’s of PES since the first one, my mate and I played through them all again the other day.
Head to head, one game on each edition, obviuosly best of seven.
It went down to the last game, in which he beat me, but only because of the annoying diagonal scoring angle in the ps2 version of PES 2008, which he has a knack for.
It was great fun, you forget how much fun the older editions are to play, with PES 6 being the best of the bunch, they really got the rhythm, feel and flow of the game spot on.
The way you can link one touch passes together and add all sorts of after touch to the ball is reminiscent of the days
of sensible world of soccer.
Even PES 2 in my opinion still feels more like football than the current editions of Fifa, and i have to laugh when I hear people saying their catching up, because lets face it if the roles had been reversed, and it had been PES who had the official licensing for the past seven years, i very much doubt Fifa would still be around.
You can dress a piece of crap up to make it look like its not a piece of crap, but underneath it all, its still a piece of crap.
Don’t get fooled by the commentators, the official teams , tournaments, and players, it still doesn’t feel like real football, it has no rhythm and the joy pad too on screen action sync is well out.
I think konami has had a bad year this year. Mainly because they rushed PES 2008 out before it was ready.
I really hope it doesn’t die out, like what some people are saying, because if i was forced to play Fifa as the only football game i think id sell my ps2 and ps3 and not bother.
personally think france will win the euros, mainy due to the strength of the midfield/attack with nasri and ribery. Think portugal will come close, even with no prolific centre forward. maybe play ronaldo at centre forward so nani/quaresma can play alongside simao on the wings. Don’t quite understand the amount of backing given to croatia…….oh yeah they beat england so that automatically makes them world beaters doesn’t it?, despite it being the poorest england side in years. Without eduardo don’t see where the goals are coming from, quarters at best for me
on a different note, don’t think the free kick system should be changed. don’t think in real football we have giant arrows or a target/circle in the goal do we??? (apart from challenge training of course, but thats fun!)
(assache) Completely agree with PES6. I took a week off work just to edit everything before I played a game….. Yep, I did not play a single game on PES6, when I bought it, until I had completed my pixel by pixel edit. Sad, but, ****ing genius!
I’ve just gone and bought another footie game with all of the english leagues in so that I can convert their stats into PES2008 for a ‘championship’ league as I’m fed up with Italian teams getting promoted to my master league!
That might be classed as sad too but hey it’ll be worth it!
Hey mn9ajas and assache, I don’t it could ever be classed as sad to do what you’re doing with the editing (me and a number of friends do the same) as it just shows how far gamers will go to keep away from the luring of FIFA’s licensing to keep with the realism that is Evo. Hats off to the diehards i say.
Cheers Steve! Sorry Assache, I wasn’t implying you were sad!! ;)