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For the love of the game

Konami`s Pro Evolution Soccer 4 delivers a hard knock to the competition, setting a new benchmark for console football titles, as its improved control and better realism help capture everything that makes football fun.
By Nemanja Krstic, ITWeb contributor
Johannesburg, 03 Dec 2004

<B>Pro Evolution Soccer 4</B>

[SidebarPicture]Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Type: Sport
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Number of players: One to four (with multi-tap)
Retail price: R489
Supplied by: Ster-Kinekor
(011) 445 7940

Konami`s Pro Evolution Soccer 4 delivers a hard knock to the competition, setting a new benchmark for console football titles.

Football is one of the most successful sports to hit the console gaming world. As far back as the first FIFA title on the old 16-bit SEGA Mega Drive, developers have attempted to detail and perfect the style in which the game is presented. However, making the game look too authentic has its downfalls.

This is not the case with Pro Evolution. The game is all about making you experience football the way it should be. Apart from being extremely realistic, this latest instalment also delivers a more refined playing experience.

Everything from player movement to actual ball movement has gained in realism. Also, player control has vastly improved. Changing direction while sprinting with the ball, avoiding tackles and even dribbling have all been enhanced.

The control system has remained simple. This is in stark contrast to games like FIFA where you actually have to spend time losing to even get an idea as to how the game should be played.

In previous versions of Pro Evolution, one would have to substitute a player as soon as he was injured. This time around, a player is actually taken out of the game for a short treatment and sent back in as good as new. This allows players to focus on the actual game.

As far as free kicks go, new features have been introduced to assist players with those situations by the edge of the penalty box. Pro Evolution Soccer 4 makes the grade when it comes to game modes. It features different cup tournaments, various leagues and a training mode.

Unfortunately, the names of the footballers are not up to speed. This would definitely have added a nice flavour to the title. Although the actual game-play is remarkable, Pro Evolution has yet to accomplish the great visual presentation of the FIFA series.

Pro Evolution Soccer 4 nonetheless captures everything that makes football fun.

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