Interfering With Play 01/07/08
Posted by Dan Bolas in Interfering With Play on Tue 01 Jul
Welcome to this week’s Interfering With Play. Two subjects, Euro 2008 and the PES 2009 release date, have dominated this week and in true Interfering With Play fashion, we will take a look at both of these topics, as well as another couple of points raised for e-mail or comments. Lets get started.
Viva La Revolution
Firstly, may I highly congratulate Spain for an excellent showing in the Euro 2008 final. Many people around me tipped Spain from the start, and on paper, there is no denying they have the strongest squad, with maybe Holland for company. However, as many England fans know, potential doesn’t win you anything and only sets you up for heartbreak, so it is great to see a side come through and win a tournament in this manor. Yes, I personally wanted a Croatian win, but I would begrudge the Spanish their victory.
Watching the Euros these last few weeks has brought out a few interesting points, some which are not worth mentioning now, but a couple which I would like to share with you. The first is a testament to how teams play their football. Whilst Turkey’s smash and grab style was a times entertaining, the tournament was won by a side that played progressive attacking football throughout. Not only were they the better side in each one of their matches but also they looked to create opportunities at all stages of the game, irrelevant of the score. Two points spring to mind, the first against Russia in the group stages and the other in the final. In both games, the Spanish took the lead but instead of trying to sit back on it, they pressed for another goal. They kept on working for one another, and they looked solid in defence, but when they got the ball, they tried to make things happen. In other words, just like Manchester United in the Premier League, they were rewarded for their attitude to the way they played the game. If Klose had scored in the first couple of minutes of the final last night, I am pretty sure the Germans would have shut up shop and tried to defend out, a policy which has been a trademark of German sides for years. Spain’s victory was a victory for progressive entertaining football, and that sits well with me.
The other thing that has made me smile throughout the tournament has been people saying ‘99% of the Russian/Italian/Spanish Squad play their football in their homeland’ as if this is a dig at too many foreign players ruining the English game and national team. Looking at the recent England games, the only English player to play outside the Premier League is David Beckham. You can question the coaching, the tactics, the manager, the player’s commitment, the attitude or the performances, but one thing that is definitely not to blame for England’s problems is too many foreigners in our domestic leagues.
Pre-Order or Not Pre-Order
With the unofficial release dates of PES2009 starting to flow through, it is no surprise that he online stores are beginning to offer a pre-order service to get people committed to purchasing a copy of PES2009 from their site. Having been a sucker for the pre-order service in the past, my advice is pretty simple, wait a bit closer to the time, or even pick the game up from a high street retailer on the day. As soon as you pre-order the game, it is a semi commitment to picking it up from that e-store. Yes, you can cancel but chances are by the time it comes to release you will end up sticking to the purchase. I have picked up every update of PES in local game shops earlier than the official release date, and in some cases days before the sites like Play.com dispatch their copies. Anyone who knows anything about this industry knows that release dates are very much subject to change, and your best bet would be to wait until a month or so before you start making your decisions about pre-ordering. Any views on the pre-ordering situation would be welcomed.
We Are Top Of The League
This next topic is something I have been planning for a while, and have found it impractical for PES2008. However, with the 2009 edition starting to gather up pace, I was wondering about the interest in an Interfering With Play league. As I am not responsible for the content of PESGaming.com, the league would be linked to regular posters on this very article, with league tables updated weekly alongside each new column. The online play on PES2008 was exceptionally disappointing, so we will be waiting with baited breath to see if PES2009 sorts this problem. If it does so, just out of personal interest, how many gamers out there would be interested in taking part in such a thing. If so, could you e-mail me to the usual address (found at the bottom of this article) stating your name, location, age and system of choice for playing PES.
Your So Last Generation
The biggest surprise for me on a personal level, when reading about the new PES, was that it is going to be released on Playstation 2. I am fully aware that in the past, PS2 PES was released on Playstation One for a couple of years, as a way of covering for the change over to PS2, but we are in an age where technology is moving so quickly, that concentration needs to be focussed upon the future, and not consolidating sales by the past. Most of my PES playing mates are waiting for PES2009 to buy their next generation machine, and those that are left behind with PS2 systems will have to make do with playing older versions of the game. Granted, I say this as a PS3 gamer who sees very little need for ‘new’ PS2 titles, but other gamers out there, what do you think about support for the last generation. Should it still be receiving developer’s time, or should they just pull the plug and concentrate on PS3 and 360?
Unfortunately, due to a hectic week, that’s your lot for this week’s column. I have a couple of points, including those regarding the speed of PES2008 to address, and will do so during next week’s article, along with feedback regarding the potential Interfering With Play league. danbolas@hotmail.com is the place you can contact me, or just leave a comment below.
Thanks for Reading
i like your text, expecialy bcs you support Croatia, and i’m from Croatia…
Greetings from New Jersey,USA… I personally been thinking of buying a PS3, but the more I think about it, the more I just rely on waiting for it to come down on the cost! My PS2 works fine…PES 2008 wasn’t what I spected, so I still play PES 2007 (specially online). I am hoping that the 2009 comes out for NTSC( N. America), and for PS2 this year also! But if not (PS2), it won’t make me buy a PS3(Like Grand Theft Auto 5 almost did!!!)
I am from Costa Rica, and I will like to add that in the 2009 version(NTSC),at least a couple of Latin American (Not counting these: River,Boca,or Brazilians) should be put in the game…maybe MLS..or a couple of mexicans..and why NOT..From COSTA RICA!! It would be nice to have a couple of these teams in the US & Canada version of the game! NOT AN Option File Update…but in the ORIGINAL game since is for NORTH AMERICA ONLY…right? Thanks for letting me comment!!
Spain’s victory was a sporting triumph for open attacking football of the highest technical level.
Spain never had to rely on lucky breaks against opponents, or deploy negative football. They were truly worthy champions.
I would have to disagree with you Dan on the manc footballing philosophy though. They do not play open attacking football against all teams. Against better teams, they play very negative football, defending very deep, and relying on their big name players to produce. Last season they were heavily reliant on ronaldo running the show all the way.
I don’t need to remind people of the manner in which they ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run a couple of seasons ago, when they kicked everyone on the pitch - Reyes being the prime target, and a good old fashioned dive from shrek resulted in a penalty win for them. Hardly the stuff of champions - and definitely not tactics Spain would have deployed to beat any team.
PES2009 - play.com are taking pre-orders now too.
I’m still keeping my feet firmly on the ground for the game too. I won’t be buying it on release, unless i can get a guarantee that I can return it if its not up to scratch.
I can’t be optomistic about the game, and fully expect us to be beta testers for at least 3 to 6 months before patches make it acceptable….
Hi Dan,
Nice article. I would definitely be interested in joining the league, but just like some of your friends, I am thinking about buying a PS3 this year to play PES2009.
It’s nice that Konami is still launching the new instances on the PS2, but I must say that they are more an update from a menu look & feel perspective that with respect to the actual gameplay.
Unlike every other year, I will not pre-order the game, but wait for the feedback on the PS2 and PS3 (and perhaps XBOX360) versions of the game and decide for which version of the game I will go. If I’ll spend the money on the PS3, it better be worth the money…
I personally wanted Hollad to win Euro 2008 but, Spain were definatley worthy winners and im glad the tournament was won by a team that play positive football. I fully agree with your point on england and the “foreign players” i mean how can you complain about foreign players when you just employed a foreign coach? Platini is poison hes only doing it because he hates how strong the EPL is and because he never wants to see an all english final in the Champions League ever again!
I Would be interested in a league, I play on a xbox 360.
About the ps2 I was thinking the same whats the point its no different like Jasperinho says its more of a update than a new game.
In regards to releasing Pro Evo 2009 for the PS2 - the reason they are doing this and why they released Pro Evo 2008 for the PS2 is because the PS3 is just not selling.
This is why Metal Gear Solid 4 will be released on the Xbox 360, so that developers like Konami can make as much money as possible. The more platforms a game is released on the more money it will generate.
If the PS3 was successful, then Konami would not be putting out Pro Evo 2009 on a last gen system. The PS3 has unfortunately flopped badly, and with the Wii and Xbox 360 miles ahead I can’t see that changing anytime soon.
L is talking total trash, firstly the PS3 is not a “flopped” machine, it is in fact a machine which is both great and powerful. The true reason you “IDIOT” why they are still making the game on the PS2 is because not a lot of people can afford to buy the PS3. As you may know prick, the machine was far more expensive this time last year and still the price is coming down further. I believe by the 2010 version, that would surely be the last one.#
SO my idiotic friend get the fact right before you start getting on your high horse and slagging one of the best 3rd gen machines out in the market. YOU idiot.
@L
“This is why Metal Gear Solid 4 will be released on the Xbox 360, so that developers like Konami can make as much money as possible. The more platforms a game is released on the more money it will generate.
If the PS3 was successful, then Konami would not be putting out Pro Evo 2009 on a last gen system. The PS3 has unfortunately flopped badly, and with the Wii and Xbox 360 miles ahead I can’t see that changing anytime soon.”
I’m afraid, even as an Xbox360 owner, your comment is absolute nonsense.
I have issues surrounding why i do not own a PS3, price, lack of exclusives etc, but, to say that the PS3 has flopped badly is, at best, ill informed, but, most likely, just plain stupid.
If Metal Gear does release on the 360, which I have no doubt it will not, it does not mean the PS3 has flopped.
One thing the PS3 can do that would encourage a purchase relates to the functionality of the PSP. Did you know that you can effectively use the PS3 as a server for your PSP?
I can be on a business trip in India and stream content via wireless internet straight to my PSP. This function alone shows what potential the PS3 has. Sorry L, but, fanboy stuff just doesn’t wash on this site.
I would be up for a league
im 23 London Based and play on a 360
I kind of agree with L by the way. The Ps3 has sold relatively dissapointing numbers, compared to what was expected. I’m not saying it is ‘flop’, just not reached its potential yet. And you guys branding L an idiot, prove how idiotic you are. That is his opinion, it might be wrong, but theres no need to get abusive. Also I found it profusely funny that someone mentions “fanboy stuff” as Gaz is clearly A massive PlayStation Fanboy.
Can’t we all just get along, games are supposed to be fun afterall!
@R
I mentioned fanboy, Gaz did not. I was commenting on L’s post that had clearly no basis in fact and appeared to be no more than a fanboy rant. I agree that the abusive language of Gaz’s post is way over the top, however, to find something “profusely funny” and then immediately commit a similar sin, appears to show a lack of understanding of the English language! Please try to distinguish between people’s views before you mount your high horse!
I was caning GTA and Metal Gear last night when my mate phoned and told me he’d started a Spanish league and it was monumental in how different it plays. So I set one up as Villereal and would you believe it, it was amazing. Plays slow and built up, its really technical, they even have an official ball that u can’t use elsewhere. I know ive been flogging a dead horse with everyone all year trying to get people to see 2008’s qualities but just try it, its ace.
I was just tryin to get a point across about the Pro games still being released for PS2, but i can’t really explain myself very well.
I’d like a PS3 or any next gen system for that matter. if we see a price drop for the PS3 then sales would definitely pick up. the Xbox has also taken some exlusive titles from the PS3 which can’t of helped either.
I have a PS2 so i am grateful they are still putting the Pro Evo games out on it, but if the PS3 was performing better then they could stop the PS2 version and fully focus on the next gen systems.
I mean developers like to see a return for all the effort they put into designing a game, that is why Konami would probably think about putting MGS4 out for the 360 - to gather more sales.
I may have came across badly, but i didn’t mean to cause trouble. however, there’s no need to get personal though. you don’t know me.
Firstly to L, i want to apologise for over reacting with the language. I just go wound up because a few people come on this site not for a debate but total negative thoughts.
To assache, thanks for understanding chap!!!
Lets all just hope the 2009 version is absolutley amazing.
I have to say that I think the PS3 has been a disappointment so far too. My personal experience of having owned a 360 and then moving to PS3, only to move back to a 360 within 5mths of having the machine pretty much says my views on it unfortunately (and this comes from a long term backer of Sony consoles)
Looking at it from a business point of view Sony may have ‘won’ the HD film war but their persistance on bringing out different spec systems has undoubtedly left gamers confused and in limbo, especially with the, now, lack of PS2 compatability. (at least they’ve finally sorted out the issues with the dualshock wrangle)
From a gamers view, the PS3 just doesn’t offer enough variety still. Sure I can play the 5th iteration of an old game but there still isn’t much thats exclusive and actually looks appealing. Online wise, I found very few people talk to each other and as a player you almost feel alienated from what should be an interactive experience.
Also whilst the 360 is so popular I can’t see any reason why developers would want to try and develop on a PS3 to then port over to 360.
I hope they sort it out on the ps3. I understand it was there debut on the console and i could understand that they had teething issues but they must of seen how bad the frame rate was when they tested it surely? Im not worried because i have faith in konami! I hope they prove all critics wrong! I would love to work with konami and guide them to making a fans game! Its not just a game, its a religion. Whos with me?
Amen!
I’m one of those holding out, still playing a PS2. I’ve been playing WE:PES 2007 (North America) and using OFs that do a pretty good job for the 07/08 season (though I had to make do without a update after winter transfers).
I’m leaning towards buying PES 2008 for PS2, in the next week, for two reasons: (1) The price is a fairly good deal, it’s down from the initial release (in N. Amer.) four months ago. (2) As far as I can tell, the PS2 version still allows for considerable editing of the OFs.
From what I’ve read here and elsewhere, I haven’t seen much positive about the editability of PES 2008 on the next-gen platforms. So although I don’t intend to buy PES 2009 for PS2 (it won’t be here in the US until next spring anyway), if it’s done away with the editability *without* having licensing, and if a new next-gen console still costs more than twice what I paid for the PS2 when new, I won’t be in a hurry to get it (or the console).
Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!Fifa 4 LIFE !!!!!!!!!
PES = NI
pro is da best n fifa is ****