Publisher: Konami
Ages: seven & up
Parental
Advisory:
None
For fans of football, the kind that the rest of the world follows, Konami's World Soccer Winning Eleven 7 International is the finest soccer game on the market. Konami's hype is no exaggeration. Winning Eleven 7 game offers unparalleled virtual soccer that captures the excitement and essence of the game.
The title features some 100 national and club teams, and 21 well-rendered stadiums. Players can play in their choice of several cup and league modes, and manage teams in an in-depth franchise mode. A new player "search engine" helps managers find the right player to contribute to their team's success. There's also a new "Shop Mode" that lets players earn points that may be traded for new players, teams, stadiums, crowd effects, and strategies.
What make the game stand out is its amazing and detailed player control that allows for some serious showing-off, and excellent ball physics and playmaking capabilities. The game's artificial intelligence is strong, which contributes to cunning computer-controlled players and competent officials.
New this year, the game displays a gamer's name above the on-screen player, which makes it easier to identify characters during multi-play bouts. For newcomers, there's a well done training mode that teaches the basics. Beyond managerial strategy and gameplay action, the title's graphics engine delivers an astounding amount of detail that truly recreates the game. The players in this game look and act like real ones.
While the title lacks an official soccer license to feature real teams and players–something the competition, Electronic Arts' FIFA soccer games, offers--World Soccer Winning Eleven 7 International delivers where it counts. For great gameplay, excellent managerial possibilities and fantastic graphics, Winning Eleven 7 is the best soccer game yet.
4/27/04 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
