bit-tech Shopping: Konami World Soccer Winning Eleven 8 International (Xbox)

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Excellent control, very realistic

Weaknesses: Very tedious, sometimes frustrating, no lisences

Summary: This is definitely a great soccer game. Anyone looking to acquire a quality title need look no farther. Several people have complained that it does not have the licenses that other titles may have, however, I do not feel that this is really that big of an issue. The game itself is very well constructed and put together in order to make the player feel as though they truly are in control. In a way, you actually need to know something about soccer in order to play this game well. Understanding techniques such as the wall pass, give and go, etc, all help make this game (which is very detail oriented) a much more enjoyable title. However, the good thing about it is that the training modes help you to do this things. Unfortunately, there are also some weaknesses to this game. The main thing being along the same lines as the strength listed above. Because more than a basic understanding of the fundamentals of the sport is necessary, this may turn off some people who would just like to dribble all the way down field every time and just take a shot. In a game like this, you will not be able to do so, and it will be very tedious for you to learn to play the way the sport is intended to play. Overall, I'd say that any fan of the sport with a little bit of patience should definitely pick this title up. Personally I think it far exceeds any competing titles out there.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 4 Months

Strengths: VERY realistic; great ball physics; in-depth training mode; emphasis on player strategy; solid career mode

Weaknesses: Unlicensed teams; graphics not as sharp as FIFA's

Summary: Winning Eleven 8 is KCET's attempt to develop a soccer game that successfully captures the feel of the world's most popular sport, and it does so in remarkable fashion. The gameplay in Winning Eleven 8 makes you feel like you're actually on the pitch. The ball does what it's supposed to do. Every goal looks unique. It's simply as realistic as you can get. The game also pays great attention to details off the field such as player development with a training mode and the ability to modify player strategies. The career mode will also keep you busy for quite a while. The two main things lacking in this game are the lack of licensed teams (which is important for gamers looking for name recognition) and the overall polish of the presentation. If it wasn't for these two blemishes, I'd label this as the best soccer game ever released for the console.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 30

Strengths: Game controls are good. Can easily pick this game up and begin playing. Large diversity of countries and stadiums to choose from with lots of play flexibility. This is by far the most realistic.

Weaknesses: Game is solid, but the graphics could be better. Wish there was offical licensing as well.

Summary: Game is a winner, but wish it were Xbox Live compatible. Even if you already own Fifa, this game is different enough that having both in your game library is worthy.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Unequalled re-enactment of the beautiful game.

Weaknesses: Graphics are not quite as good as the competition. Lack of liscenses may bother some players.

Summary: This series from Konami just gets better and better with every release. Eventually WE9 will arrive but until then this is the best football (or soccer if you must) game on the market. In order to be successful in the game you really have to play the game the way it is played on the field. Unlike FIFA (although to be fair this aspect is improving in EA's game) one cannot simply run around with the ball at the feet and score every time. To play this game well you need patience and a footballing mind. If you want a game with flashier graphics and all the real players then FIFA is the game for you. If, however, you are after the feeling of the playing the beautiful game then look no further than Winning Eleven 8.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: 1. Realistic: it seems to be closer to a real game.2. Training: it has a challenge mode that forces you to improve in order to go to the next level.3. Team Strategy: you can define it by player.

Weaknesses: 1. Graphics / Audio: it is much ... much worse than Fifa 2005.2. Players / leagues: it doesn't have so many players or leagues as Fifa has.3. Doesn't support Live or HDTV.

Summary: I do have both, Fifa 2005 and Winning Eleven 8, and I would say if you are a soccer fan you should have both of them since they are very different games.