Pro Evolution Soccer 5 (PlayStation 2 Version) - Konami Cup Longplay - Difficulty: 5 Stars

- Pro Evolution Soccer 5 (PlayStation 2 Version) - Konami Cup Longplay - Difficulty: 5 Stars -

While it's safe to say that Konami revolutionized the world of soccer video games, the transition to the PlayStation 2 was not without its hiccups. Some titles in the series had playability issues that strained the relationship of trust with fans.

Fortunately, Pro Evolution Soccer 5 set things straight. It marked an incredible change from the previous edition, with credible goals, improved goalkeepers, more lifelike animations, logical off-the-ball movements, and (finally) effective through passes. The graphics too were worthy of the name.

It was a solid, extremely fun game with immense replay value, thanks to well-calibrated difficulty levels. I played it throughout the 2005/2006 season and even arranged offline tournaments with my then friends, creating many pleasant memories.

In short, it's still my favorite PES title or - better said - the title that convinced me Konami aimed for soccer simulations, not just great soccer games. However, playing it again after more than 10 years, I can't help but notice some annoying flaws that I likely downplayed or overlooked due to my bias back then.

While it would be silly to compare it to newer releases, it has aged more poorly than I anticipated.
The strict refereeing can be a real nuisance, often unjustly blowing the whistle when players battle for possession. Failure to find your rhythm in a match can lead to frustration and so many anticlimactic interruptions definitely do not help.

Ball control is also problematic, especially when playing on the wings, as players tend to run out of bounds after receiving the ball. Similar issues occur in the center of the pitch, with your players unintentionally changing direction while running, after receiving passes, thus making it challenging to bypass opponents and leading to frequent tackles.

Players occasionally performing automatic sliding tackles in dangerous situations, resulting in penalties or send-offs, is the icing on the cake. Additionally, the intermediate speed button seems largely unnecessary given the style of gameplay - but it's possible that this issue is more related to my playing style, so don't take my criticism too seriously.

In summary, it's a game I've always loved to bits and still enjoy, but I must admit that it's marred by some programming flaws that can be exasperating, especially when judged by today's standards.

#retrogamingloft #pes5longplay #proevolutionsoccer5ps2

Дата на публикация: 10 ноември, 2023
Категория: Игри
Ключови думи: VERSION stars Cup Evolution pro soccer playstation konami longplay Difficulty