The Pro Evolution Soccer series is renowned for its realism, and Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is abundant with new gameplay additions. Player AI has been massively upgraded, with players running intelligently into space when not in possession of the ball and pointing where they want the pass placed to continue the attack. Similarly, the physical side of play has been refined, with players working to turn a defender as they receive the ball, while defenders must learn to stand off slightly to prevent such moves.

Series creator Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka has also worked to refine the shooting system of the new game, and players will be able to attempt more snap shots than in previous versions, while volleys and half-volleys have been redesigned. Other new moves include the ability to retain control of the ball when sliding in to tackle, while all-new feints and backwards dribbling are now available thanks to the improved dribbling controls, while headers have been changed to allow players more movement in the way their strikers jump and head the ball.

Pro Evolution Soccer 6 also has a number of new teams licensed for inclusion, with the International roster now featuring the official kits for Argentina, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Sweden. Details on official club teams and more national squads will follow.

Other new additions include more balanced referees, and a selection of exciting new gameplay modes. An International Challenge involves leading your home country to victory through a series of entry and tournament rounds, while a Random mode lets the player play quick games within randomly-generated match day settings. The much-loved Master League also returns, allowing players to experience the many highs and lows of steering a team through years of competitive games. Aging players, injuries and pressure from the board all combine to create a truly immersive game where results are everything...

With its slick moves and realistic action, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is certain to glide past rival titles with ease and enjoys an impressive roster of new moves, licensed clubs, and gameplay modes.

Winning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer

Most sports games come in two varieties: EA's version, and the other version. In soccer, the other version comes from Konami with the popular Winning Eleven series. The series is generally accepted as the better soccer offering, but has rarely found its way to Nintendo's platforms. Now that the series is moving online, it's moving to DS.

Winning Eleven stays 3D on the handheld, but didn't quite have the graphical punch as EA's 2006 FIFA World Cup DS demo. The models were somewhat pixilated and showed few visual differences from player to player. The game only allowed the traditional side-to-side camera, which will likely be the only camera option. On penalty kicks, however, the view moves behind the player.

E3 demos, which are often early builds, are generally limited in options. Not so for Winning Eleven. A series known for providing a deep experience showed off its intricacies on DS. Along with the basic options of choosing formations and subs, individual players can be assigned to mark a specific opponent player throughout the game. Players can also be assigned to play man or zone defense along with an option to set individual player aggression levels. Even in the demo, the number of customizable gameplay options exceeded those on most console soccer games; this appears to be more than just a stripped down handheld port.

Button combinations set off different maneuvers similar to how a console game would handle the moves. Also like a console soccer game, it's a lot of buttons to remember, but nothing console sports gamers can't handle. The action takes place on the top screen, while the bottom screen displays the formation and player information, rather than a radar as might be expected. With each player represented by his own icon, it was a quick and easy way of checking currently assigned defensive tactics and yellow cards, while keeping the top screen less crowded. The trade off relegated the radar into a cramped rectangle at the bottom of the top screen that was too small to use.

The special sub on the bench is Winning Eleven's online mode-- fitting perhaps that the world's most popular sport would be the first mainstream sports title to use Nintendo's worldwide network.

Konami is bringing the Winning Eleven series to Nintendo DS. Celebrated for its smooth, realistic gameplay, online play via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and detailed game modes, the Winning Eleven series has consistently been a favorite of soccer fans around the globe.

With Winning Eleven's release not scheduled until early 2007, Konami has time to clean up the graphics. The game's certainly heavy on options, as it tries to be the handheld choice for the hardcore soccer fan.