Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 VS. FIFA 08. Whose year is it?

It's a fact known only amongst friends that we at The Shed are transformed into rabid, shouting nut-jobs when we are exposed to Konami's definitive footy opus Pro Evolution Soccer. PES (we pronounce it 'pez') is the cornerstone of any multiplayer games session, instantly seperating the men from the boys when it comes to settling the order of our social gaming hierarchy. Only TimeSplitters comes close to emulating the argument resolving power of PES, its universal playability means that all comers invariably want to get involved, ultimately being ensnared by the intuitive nature of the game.
Frankly, PES has had no equal for years, its reign as the purist's football game of choice has gone unchallenged since Konami refined it's sublime footy formula with ISS Pro Evolution (1999) on the PSone. Integral to the innate playability of Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo's (KCET) masterpiece is all down to the silky smooth responsive game it plays. It's like real football, shrunk down and shoved onto a disc. It's nothing short of miraculous.
EA's chart topping FIFA franchise has never been able to keep up with PES in gameplay terms, despite retaining a loyal fanbase, enticed by the unparalleled level of authenticity offered by EA's financial clout lending the title a complete set of licences. PES conversely has never been able to keep up with FIFA when it comes to the sheer quantity of officially licenced teams, strips, players, stadia, leagues, advertisements, commentary...you get the idea. It's always been a case of having to choose whether you value authenticity over gameplay or vice-versa.
For us, gameplay wins out every time; there's simply no contest. But this year the gap between the two titles is narrower than ever as EA have refined FIFA to such a degree that the 2007 instalment played a virtually identical game of footy to PES. FIFA 08 is now available as a downloadable demo on the PlayStation Store and after an in-depth playtest for the first time since the first FIFA made it's debut on the Sega Mega Drive in 1993, we're very nearly sold on the new FIFA.
EA appear to have finally nailed the magic formula for reproducing the beautiful game on a games console and they've done it by, um, copying PES in every conceivable way. Yup, if imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery then PES must be blushing a deep shade of red. From a purely cynical standpoint you could accuse the latest FIFA of commiting an act of barefaced plagiarism, swiping Konami's near-flawless gameplay mechanic and dressing it in FIFA licenced clothes, but when you think about it, it's actually a very shrewd move on EA's part. PES has always maintained a high reputation amongst the gaming fraternity for playing a crisp, perfect game of football, whereas FIFA has always got by with its raft of liveries and slick presentation. PES has always compensated for its lack of proper kits and players by offering enough in-depth and detailed customisation options allowing you to create any GM Conference team you like should that be your desire. To our mind FIFA has never offered such editing bliss. Now that FIFA looks as if it may represent the complete package, PES' place as king of footy games could be under serious threat.

One of the most welcome additions to PES 2008 is the option to dive, a feature lifted from Sony's This Is Football. Remember? No? Us neither. ^

What's new PES-sy cat?
The real crux of the single player PES experience has always been the deep, all-encompassing Master League mode, but that's not what Konami are promoting this year. The big innovation that Seabass (that's Mr. PES to you. Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka) and his team are pushing is the new Teamvision AI system, which means that opposing teams will learn and adapt to your style of play resulting in a different, potentially more challenging match every time you play. Interesting stuff but not as promising as EA's 'Be A Pro' mode, which could possibly turn out to be a revolutionary addition to the game. Like dusty old Namco footy experiment gone wrong Libero Grande, you take control of a fixed player with the game camera positioned behind you at all times. Exciting stuff that could be great or utter toss depending on how successful its implementation is. If Namco's 1997 effort is any indication then expect a clunky, superfluous experience. If however FIFA 08's superb loading screen is to be believed then 'Be A Pro' could be an involving and visceral way to play the game. Placing you in the sweaty Nikes of buck-toothed Brazilian virtuoso and FIFA figure-head Ronaldinho, the game's loading screen plonks you in front of a goalkeeper (and goal, obviously) allowing you to get to grips with the game, try out the controls and knock in few screamers if the impulse grabs you. The great thing is you can do this to your heart's content: a nice little pre-match warm-up and a perfect example of the new FIFA's forward thinking. We're impressed.

Still, the burning question remains. Is it enough to knock the mighty PES from its high pedestal? Our verdict? Quite possibly, but ultimately inconclusive. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself trading PES for FIFA this year. Don't get us wrong, we absolutely love PES, but stranger things have happened and well, it's a funny old game...

Download the FIFA 08 demo from the PlayStation Store now and see if you agree with us.