Pro Evolution Soccer 6

Seeing the 6 on the end of Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is actually quite scary. I can remember playing the first game in the PES series as if it was yesterday, and the years in-between have simply flown by. Konami's approach with the series has certainly been one of slight tinkering rather than all-out revolution, but changes from game to game have been no less significant. With FIFA 07 making huge strides in the right direction, is more tinkering going to be enough this year?

Die-hard fans may well scoff at the thought of the mighty PES being challenged by FIFA, but in all seriousness, this year the gap is closer than it's ever been. Still, it only took a single game with PES 6 to realise that FIFA still has some work to do. There has always been the argument that PES is too hard for newcomers, but with FIFA's numerous tricks and other advanced controls, that argument is now harder to make than ever before. The only real drawback for casual players is the lack of many officially licensed teams.

This year's PES has once again changed things, but nothing drastic. PES 5 players will appreciate that the refs are now a little less whistle-happy, and no longer blow up for a foul when your player happens to brush another. This change alone makes games in PES 6 flow far better than in 5. In fact, that pretty much describes what PES 6 is like; it simply flows very nicely indeed. You can even perform quick free-kicks if you hit the right buttons in time, getting the game moving again without everyone getting into position.

Shooting has been tweaked and now requires even better timing. Hit a shot while your player is off balance slightly, turning, or with the ball on his wrong foot, and you'll more often than not see the ball fly over the cross bar, and almost out of the stadium. The controlled shot modifying button (R2 button on PS2 and RT on 360) is even more useful this year, and careful use will result in a larger percentage of your shots hitting the target.