Pro Evolution Soccer 2009

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 For the Wii


Pro Evolution Soccer 2009's motion controls are vastly different from other sports games on the Wii. Players are controlled with the Nunchuk, & the Wii Remote is used as an onscreen pointer. To pass the ball you point to a player & press B. You can also point & pass to an open spot on the field & hit a player in stride as they make a run. Where the passing controls shine are when you point at a player, press B, drag the pointer to where you need them to run, & then release the button to make the pass. The ability to control over one player makes it feel as if you're playing a team game & drastically alters the way you play. seldom will you need to try & beat a defender off the dribble; it's easier & more rewarding to pass the ball. Shooting is performed by either shaking the Nunchuk, or pointing at an open area of the objective & pressing B. Neither process is perfect, but having multiple options increases the likelihood of you being comfortable with at least two.

A lack of game modes is not a problem this year thanks to the addition of the Master League & the UEFA Champions League. Champions Road, where you better your squad by collecting players off of vanquished opponents has been improved, & online play is once again, stellar.

Playing defense was a chore last year, & while the controls have improved, it's still not much fun to be the guy without the ball. The main problem is that you don't have direct control over your defender & your players often do a poor job going after loose balls. As enjoyable as the motion controls are, they're not for everyone. Konami has added a few traditional control schemes for those who fall into that camp. You can now hold the Wii Remote sideways & use it like a traditional controller, or you can plug in the Classic Controller & go to town.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
More bang for your buck

PROS: Motion controls work well for passing & make it feel as if you're playing a team game; addition of Master League & UEFA Championship add much-needed depth.
CONS: While improved, defense can be frustrating; dated visuals & uninspired commentary.

It's a shame Konami spent little, if any, time on the game's lackluster presentation. Players are literally rough around the edges & the crowds (assuming the blobs in the stands are crowds), look downright pitiful. The announcers are competent, but unenthusiastic. Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 isn't a huge step forward, but it's better than its predecessor in every way. If you found last year's game enjoyable, but lacking in depth you should be plenty happy with what Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 has to offer.