bit-tech Shopping: Konami Pro Evolution Soccer 4 (Xbox)

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Xbox

The finest football simulation series receives further refinements in <I>Pro Evolution Soccer 4</I>. The presence of an on-screen referee is perhaps the game's most obvious new feature. What's more, this twenty-third being on the pitch is more intelligent than his invisible predecessors: advantages are played more frequently and the fairness of decisions is improved. Another welcome new feature is that of player-specific special moves, whereby only certain gifted footballers will have outlandish tricks in their repertoire--very much in keeping with real life. <P> Although there was little room for improvement over <I>Pro Evolution Soccer 3</I>'s supreme gameplay, Konami has seemingly found it. Dribbling has been given especial attention; the result is tighter control. Crosses, too, are now easier to perform exactly as desired. Also, penalty kicks and free kicks offer increased accuracy with their adoption of a new control system. <P> Some 136 club sides, including all 56 teams of the Spanish, Italian and Dutch leagues (these are officially licensed) are on offer in <I>Pro Evolution Soccer 4</I>, as well as 50-odd national teams. The Xbox version also features online play via Xbox Live. Typically, this new version of <I>Pro Evolution</I> is the most comprehensive to date--the new season in videogame football kicks off in spectacular fashion. --<I>Jonti Davies</I>