It’s a weird feeling playing PES PS2 these days. Nostalgia gets the better of us sometimes, especially when reminiscing about older games, only to come back and realise things weren’t as good as they used to be. And it’s easy for this to apply to PES. A generation of consoles have past, crisp HD graphics and motion capturing for more realism. But as many fans of this series know, the PS2 days were the pinnacle, and the gameplay (as PC modders adhere to) creates timeless classics.

A proven gameplay formula, and a way to play game became engrained in our minds, meaning each year a familiar feeling encapsulated each iteration. The same distant fundamentals are true within PES 2012 on PS2, and something Konami have stilled failed to nail on this generation. While we change on a yearly basis with PES on PS3 and Xbox, the PS2 games are as consistent and familiar as always. And it’s a stark reminder to those who claim PES hasn’t changed since those high days that things have changed, and not always for the better.

The gameplay is as true as always. The same ethos of player individuality and control, with passing and moving as good as your memory. Where the game excels, and where the flaws of the nextgen versions really ring true, is the visual consistency which in itself impacts how you play. It’s responsive, but with restrictions to your movement depending on where you are positioned and where you are facing. The 8 way movement is now dated, but provides simple understanding of what you can and can’t do. Then there’s the obvious, yet understated tackling angles. No contain or the need to back off skillful players in this game, or extra layer of complexity to create an easy feeling when defending. A good defender, with solid stats, is a monster even if he’s not as quick. The physicality of a player creates a larger circumference, meaning a stab away might not be enough to evade him and create space. This becomes an important battle against the better teams, as even with Messi skinning the likes of Vidic isn’t an easy equation of jink and run. Adding in realistic turning circles means the game creates the element of individuality without the need of consistent results.

The passing is another element that needs recapturing in more recent times, with that extreme realism ringing true from the moment you press the button. Random outcomes with less skilled passers and slower ball speed means you are always trying to focus your attack through your better players. Passing the ball around with Spain is a joy, but more obvious than what we have on nextgen. Playing in a team of playmakers means an instant issue when passing with the likes of Ramos and Puyol. It’s a clear deterioration of speed and accuracy, and means you’ll appreciate those little things much more. Not as flowing or as fun as PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, but more realistic and in it’s own way more satisfying.

The keepers are also a joy to behold. A variety of animations which arguably are more than what we have these days. And that trust and consistency with their behaviour, and consistent visual satisfaction.

Taking visual satisfaction further, the passing animations are varied and look much (MUCH) more realistic than current gen. No weird animations with the ball going to an inconceivable place to how it was hit. Same goes for player interation with the ball and other players. Sure there’s clipping, but nowhere near as what we have now. The visuals in general play out much more realistically, and create a better playing experience.

Where the game takes some steps back, or perhaps where it fails to improve, is the shooting. It’s less punchy than before, as always predetermined to it’s detriment. Shots are often scripted although using R2 creates a more freer outcome in the direction. Perhaps this is needed to balance out the way keepers fail to make mistakes as often, and maybe a step worth taking.

Game modes in general are exactly the same as last year, and fail to welcome the redesigned look of ML. Lack of leagues (no Portuguese league) also means it will always remain an inferior product. And who can blame Konami, focus is certainly with the current consoles, and who knows how many more PS2 versions we will see from now.

To round off, PES 2012 PS2 is a lesson to many. One group need to realise PES has changed dramatically from the PS2 era. And one group need to understand not all it did was the answer to a perfect football game. HD remastering isn’t the answer. Saying that, Konami need to also realise they need to look back some more to move forward. Recapturing the essence of the games of old is key, and while they are moving forward, fundamentals continue to be missed year on year.

A lesson for all.

PES 2012 on PS2 is available in stores now.

Konami have sent some pics of the PS2 and PSP versions, as well as a short press release. Have a look below. PS2 and PSP pics clearly tagged so you know which one is which.

So, how many of you guys are still buying these version?

KONAMI unleashes PES 2012 for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and PlayStation(R)2.

KONAMI today released a series of screens for the imminent PSP(R) and PS2 versions of PES 2012. The game is released across the two formats on October 28th, priced £24.99. Both games feature returning cover star Cristiano Ronaldo on the pack front, and feature exclusive use of the UEFA Champions League(TM) within their options.

With that in mind we thought it worthy to post up that Famitsu have reviewed the game and have scored the PS3 version 34/40, with the PS2 and Wii versions scoring 30/40 and 34/40 respectively. Things looking good, with a solid showing for the game in it’s first review.

Expect more detailed content and comment from WENB once we get our hands on the game shortly!

A huge thanks to KAiWAi from the forums for this spot.

links after the jump!

Some details on the game taken from andriasang.com :

Originally announced just for the PS2, Aoki Samurai no Chousen is now a multiplatform release. It will hit PS3, PSP, PS2, and Wii on May 20.

The focus of this of this new Winning Eleven is on the Japanese national team, as indicated by the “Aoki Samurai no Chousen,” literally “Challenge of the Blue Samurai,” from the title. You’ll lead the Japanese national team against top national teams from throughout the world.

All the modes of play from last year’s Winning Eleven 2010 are in here, but the big selling point is the new “Japan Challenge Mode,” where you attempt to lead the Japanese national team to an appearance in the “International Cup” or its Asian preliminaries (Winning Eleven doesn’t have the World Cup license, so they have to come up with alternative naming).

Click HERE for the info compliments of andriasang.com and HERE for multiple screens of all versions of the title on famitsu.com.

Looks and sounds promising for the PES/WE completist among us of which I am sure there are many!

More news as we get it folks.

PES 2010 on PS3 and XBOX 360 it seems is regarded by the wider public inferior to EA’s latest offering, but there’s a reason why many still think the likes of PES5 & 6 are the best football games ever. From the individuality and flowing gameplay, to responsiveness and infinite ways of scoring, PES 5/6 encapsulated everything to do with the real life sport perfectly. Still to this day no game has come close to matching that level of authenticity. FIFA 10 does comes close in certain elements with its free flowing gameplay and 100% freedom in movement, but falls way short when talking about individuality and player look and feel. And with the competitor raising the bar consistently year after year, Konami have yet to react with great authority – or at the very least match past achievements.

While the next-gen platforms are proving to be a technical mountain to climb for Seabass and the WEP team, the PS2 platform is very much PES’s home. Since the move to XBOX 360 and then PS3 a year later, one eye has been taken off development of the PS2 versions – and it showed. When PES 2008 hit on PS2 it was ugly, and never had the TLC or focus PES 6 had. It was a shock to the system, but never was supposed to be significant thanks to the arrival of the PS3. Last year was a similar experience, although the game had more polish and a few additions from the next-gen versions.

So to this year, and what would again be seen as a low-key release has actually turned into something more significant. Talking about the game visually would probably be a bit of a joke to most, especially with so many having sold their PS2 years ago. As PS2 games go, however, it doesn’t look bad at all. Perhaps doesn’t have the sheen of PES6 or even my fave WE 10, but it comes a lot closer than the last 2 iterations. What hits you besides the PS2 graphics is how game feels and moves. Being a seasoned PS2 PES/WE player the gameplay loveliness isn’t as surprising, but to anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to play it for a few years it will be will be an eye opening experience.

If you’ve been playing the next-gen versions of the game (or even FIFA 10) its an instant reminder how good PES was back in the day, and how free flowing football was apparent on the PS2 days too. Not only that, it will make you realise how animations were integral to the way PES played. Its the one element the entire fanbase has been critical over, and it amplifies the need to sort it out on next-gen. They are varied and flow from one animation to the other seamlessly, without any response issues. This in-turn frees up the game, takes it off the rails and eradicates rigidness we all feel in the newer versions. This new found freedom allows for more instinctive and intuitive attacks, always making you feel you are in control.

Something that will surprise the ones who have stayed with the PS2 is how physical the game has become. Again testament to the animations, the interaction between players is to a higher degree I’ve ever seen in a PES game, with players never giving up when you try to take them on. It never gets as ridiculous as it is in FIFA 10, as we’re playing football not rugby, but getting eased off the ball down to physical superiority is common in the game. Messi is quick and very skillful for example, but going toe-to-to with John Terry for e.g. is something you should be wary of!

The final element in the PS2 version that shows the flaws in the next-gen version is goal keepers. They are awesome! From the animations to reliability, the behave and react just like you want them to. Mistakes are rare, after playing 3 days of the game I didn’t see the keeper spill the ball once when he should have caught it. Thats saying a lot as the shooting in PES is lethal, with players having the ability to launch missiles at the goal – similar to PES5.

Aside from gameplay, this year PES 2010 PS2 welcomes the Champions League, playable in ML and from the game menu. It shares the same razzmatazz as the PS3/XBOX 360 version, but without the same presentation benchmark. Edit mode and stadiums have taken a hit, with both seemingly meeting the next-gen versions half-way. Gone are the licensed boots, neck warmers and 3 sock lengths, while the stadiums are now at 27. Then theres the nets. Not something that bothers me, but the old square nets that graced the game a few years back have now being designed to match the ones that everyone hates. Not a good move then.

To round-up then, PES 2010 is quite simply an incredible football game. A few niggles aside (tricks on d-pad etc), Konami have proved they can hit the highs of old year-in year-out on PS2. Trouble is not many people care about the old black console, and achievements like this will no doubt go unnoticed. It very well dominating the PS2, PC, PSP and Wii formats, but ultimately it means very little when you struggle on PS3 and XBOX 360. I’m sure Seabass and the fans will be content, safe in the knowledge that its only a matter of time before the PS2 greatness is transferred over to the newer, sexier consoles.

PES 2010 PS2 is a must buy, get your copy now from ShopTo by clicking here.

November 6th, 2009

Sound progress for PES 2010

Konami unleashes PSP® and PlayStation 2 versions of acclaimed football series

As Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH releases the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation 2 versions of its popular PES 2010 title, it has released full details of the game’s fully licenced soundtrack.

PES 2010 is released for PSP® and PlayStation 2 on November 6^th, and shares many of the attributes of its next generation cousins. Both games enjoy much improved player and team AI, while the visuals have also been significantly enhanced. Every aspect of the game – from close control, through to commentary and presentation – has been thoroughly reworked, and follows a year of feedback and discussion with the PES community.

The use of licensed tracks was just one of the many requests asked by the PES fan base, and the Tokyo-based WEP team has incorporated over 25 well-known and specially selected tracks that suit the game perfectly. Tracks include ‘Dakota’ and ‘A Thousand Trees’ by the Stereophonics, ‘Again and Again’ by Keane, and Paul Weller’s anthemic ‘Come On/Let’s Go.’

PES 2010 is already available for PLAYSTATIONR3, Xbox 360 and PC-DVD, and as Konami releases its new iterations, the publisher is already discussing future plans with the PES community for ways to take the series forward.

PES 2010 will be released for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and PlayStation 2 on November 6^th.

No concrete details on the release date as yet, but these games tend to come out around August in recent years. Check out the official Japanese site for any information by clicking here.

Cheers to hideiker from the boards for the news. Comment on the news by clicking here!

Check it out and as always let us know what you think on the boards!

Note: We are experiencing difficulties with out current iTunes feed and setup. We will be migrating the accounts over the next fortnight which will mean podcast will only be available directly from the blog during this period. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The transition of the tricks being moved to the D-pad is one that is new and foreign to all the PES players out there. So here to help you out is a trick tutorial video!

With the tricks moving over to the D-pad making way for a fully developed manual pass system on the right stick, most of you out there will be having problems with the tricks, probably thinking that they have no real order and just come about with a number of button mashing combos. But judging by this video these tricks certainly need practice and refinement to get them coming off every time.