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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Pro Evolution Soccer 5
Universal acclaim
Based on 13 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 86 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo
Genre(s): Sports, Soccer
Players: 8
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Release Date: October 21, 2005
Summary
Arsenal's Thierry Henry, and Chelsea's John Terry stare out from the box of Pro Evolution Soccer 5, both men at the top of their game in the Premiership, and both are die-hard fans of the PES series. The retuned controls in the 2005 edition give players more control over weighted passes, one-twos, and so on. This ties in with the improved animation, which not only looks more realistic, but requires you to time kicks and shots perfectly for maximum power - you're more likely to scuff the ball and make weak, inaccurate shots if you attempt to play them while off balance or out of step. In order for you to enjoy the full benefit of the updated controls, Training Mode is extended - rewarding efforts with points used to unlock secrets within the game. The new licensed clubs are all meticulously detailed, including the authentic representation of names and numbers on their backs. Increased detail in all players has been transferred to the Player Design mode, which has been hugely expanded to include more factors determining skill and ability. Master League, in which you guide a lowly team to glory, now allows player-managers to monitor individual players and see when their health declines and includes European teams. In all games, weather conditions can be set to 'variable', leading to patchy rain or snow. The new weather conditions further enhance the realism and unpredictable nature of PES matches. Rain or shine, PES 5 will be the greatest console football you've ever experienced. [Konami Europe]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Pro Evolution Soccer Pro Evolution Soccer 2 Pro Evolution Soccer 3 Pro Evolution Soccer 4
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Boomtown Preview Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Boomtown
In spite of the graphical and sonic shortcomings, we’re looking at another thundering [100]. Once the ball is in play, nothing else matters but the battle between the twenty-two men on the grass... It really is as good as it gets.
Read Full Review >RewiredMind
New animations, a slicker graphical performance, and gameplay that’s more compelling and involving than ever mean that Pro Evolution Soccer 5 is the only simulation that any true football fan could want. PES gets a maximum score for the fifth year running, and has never deserved it more.
Read Full Review >Thunderbolt
Some will moan that the new tweaks make the game too hard, but in all honesty each new addition in the history of PES has required players to take the game from a new angle and aspect, going back to basics in an attempt to master the new game engine.
Read Full Review >Pelit (Finland)
Once again, the best football game gets even better. The controls are dangerously complex, though. If the trend continues, hardcore gamers will get a previously unseen advantage. [Nov 2005]
Sydney Morning Herald
This time the AI is a harder nut to crack, requiring more thoughtful passing to open up your opponent before you strike. So long as you're thinking like a footballer, you're going to score goals.
Read Full Review >Total Video Games
It's simple, Pro Evo IS football and the latest version makes enough enhancements to continue the series onward march to perfection. If you're a footie fan you need this, casual fans however might not necessarily appreciate the subtle modifications compared to previous titles.
Read Full Review >AceGamez
The difficulty does indeed keep things fresh for the fans, but I fear that the casual gamer might have troubles with some of new things on offer.
Read Full Review >Eurogamer
Indeed, one of the things PES5 does best is to punish the indolence and complacence of the average thrill-seeker. And, rather neatly, that's also the reason it's close to toppling an empire.
Read Full Review >Computer and Video Games
FIFA 2006? You can keep your fancy licences, clever match-intros and shiny presentation. We want to play great football. Without the grass stains. Even more than any game before it, Pro Evolution Soccer 5 lets us do that - and then some. [PSW]
Read Full Review >Play.tm
The pure footballing pleasure of Pro Evo 5 serves as a reminder of what it all should be about. Some fans of past iterations may not like the tweaks made here to a formula loved by so many, but evolution is inevitable and I think we're just about heading in the right direction.
Read Full Review >3DAvenue
The new teams have helped the licensing issue but it still remains the aspect that has to really be looked at for the next generation title. With that aside, this truly is the closest thing to playing soccer in your own lounge room.
Read Full Review >PALGN
The tweaks made on the gameplay aren’t really something that can be unanimously agreed upon and the game is extremely demanding, especially on those who have never played. Still, PES5 provides the most realistic and satisfying game of football on the market today.
Read Full Review >IC-Games
There are far more offsides than I was used to (negating the through ball), the foul count is horrendous – a whistle every few seconds till you wise up, and passes go astray from even the best of your talent.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 86 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Adam N. gave it a10:
I can't get off this game, I'm gripped on the master league and designing the kits is just a brilliant touch, its miles ahead from FIFA and though you ain't get all teams, you can get CHELSEA!
Chris gave it a10:
What a brilliant game. The best. FIFA doesn't compare.
Charlie S. gave it a6:
A good game with alrite graphics, but it is annoying that they didn't use the proper names of the english teams.
Dragan S. gave it a5:
This game is by far the best soccer game, but its frustrating and very shit players period since when does a player follow U around step by step & u cant simply do any sort of tricks to get rid of them passes are poor And gamplay is few. Basically what i mean is that you only have one or two good moments in the game, only thing the makers at konami can take from this game is the freedom they give you here but the comp players seem to follow you like friggin magnets... . but it is the best game simply cos fifa sux but then again so does this.
Danilio gave it a5:
Play 4-3-3 with two quick wingers that are good at passing like Joe Cole and Robben. Have two fullbacks that have good long range passing such as Roberto Carlos and Zambrotta. Have a Striker like Van Nistlerooy or Crespo. Then give the ball to the full-backs, wait for the opposition's full-backs to step out of position, play a through ball to your wingers, then dribble into the space, get towards the 18 yard box, pass accross and there's an open goal and you can't miss. I scored 80 goals in one master league season with Van Nistlerooy on the highest difficulty. The Game's far too easy
Sujan V. gave it a10:
Simply the best. FIFA can never match this game!
J. Fh gave it a7:
This game is great to play with friends as both of you are resricted by the errors in the game. Crossing in for a header is near impossible (my brother saves the goal each time because they're so rare). The one player is terrible as the AI is woeful. In the first level difficulty there is no point in playing as the computer seems to like scoring own goals so much. Level two is a bit better but opponents barely run after you. Level 3 and above is pretty much the same as the computer becomes near perfect. If Rooney, Ronaldinhio, Van Nistelroy or Henry have the ball you can kiss your chances goodbye as the computer seems able to shoot and score with these players no matter the distance ouy from the box. Pro evo 4 is much more fun despite the poor defence by each team but be honest, doesn't it feel great creaming a buddy 6-1.
