Page 1 of Winning Eleven 8 (Pro Evo 4) first impressions...

First impressions then, and they are... mainly tinged in disappointment. For me, it just doesn`t feel different enough from Winning Eleven 7 International (an upgraded version of PES3). The graphics largely remain the same, though with new FIFA style lighting effects on the players. Other touches like dirt on players shorts are all well and good, but you can`t help but wish for an overhaul in the graphics engine.

The gameplay itself hasn`t really evolved that much either, with more time it seems being spent on special trick animations (that most players probably won`t use anyway). There has just been a feeling that the game hasn`t progressed enough - maybe if Konami need to spend longer making the next version of the game - the turnaround on new versions is possibly too quick imho.

That said, the game is still the best incarnation of football yet on the home console. It is the best version of PES/WE so far, and fans of PES3 will probably notice more differences than those who prefer WE. I have only been playing it for about 3 days, and like any PES game you need to give it time, and I`m sure it will improve. But for a game I anticipated so much, I just feel a little let down. :(

I agree.....no progressive scan either, PS2 games look s*** on my 36 Tosh Tv unless running in Prog Scan. :(

I wouldn`t say Im getting bored of the series, just less and less interested. Lets see, Indirect freekicks, pitch wear and tear/kit wear and tear, a ref on screen, better animation (again)...It really comes down to Online play for me.

I`ll probably still get it, just part exchange it for the most recent version, as I`ve done throughout the series.

Almost ready to take back everything I`ve said. Gave the game a rest today, and then had two of the best games ever against my brother this evening. I`ve never ever moved the ball around the pitch in the same way as I did today, and there are so many things that I notice every game. Today in particular was a point where I knocked a fast long ball up to Pauleta, who on the turn cushioned the ball down on chest into the path of Maniche for a volley. Looked amazing - it was the first time I`d seen that chest animation in any WE game. :D

I was beginning to get worried then by the negative comments..... I cant wait until this comes out over here.

I haven`t been buying many games this year, but thats a definate buy.