Pro Evolution Soccer 2010

I've been a fan of this franchise from International Superstar Soccer on the SNES right the way through the PlayStation's ISS Pro Evolution and the PS2's many Pro Evolution Soccer permutations. After a year's hiatus, I've returned hungrier than ever to this, the series' latest incarnation.

As I'm coming off the back of a season of solely FIFA 09 on the football gaming front, it's been interesting getting back on board with Pro Evo. Some things have changed (the gameplay's grown even richer, the opposition AI's improved greatly, and the graphics are excellent, at times.) Some things haven't; the commentary's a long running joke and this year's is little different (Mark Lawrenson sounds constantly angry, as he makes typically peculiar observations.) The licenses, whilst an improvement on the old days of "Merseyside Red" and "Oranges OOO1", still have much room for improvement. This doesn't annoy me the same way it does some, but it's an issue nonetheless. The likeness of many of today's top stars and the kits they ply their trade in, however, are very impressive. This shines through during celebrations, in particular.

Has anyone else got this for the PS3 (like myself) or the 360? Does anyone else plan to, or are you all about FIFA?

My fledgling plans to form some sort of Chewer League/Round Robin tournament have been dashed. That's actually rubbish.

After a day or so's play, the three main areas I wish to see improved upon in future are:

1.) Tackling/ball-winning.
This used to feel almost surgical in the past, but FIFA is now vastly superior in this respect. It's so much harder than it should be to simply bump someone off the ball, since anyone with strength seems to have a force-field of some kind around their person. When you do have to dive in, it feels like anything could happen. Consequently, infuriating - and highly implausible - mazey runs from Darren Bent (true story) are virtually impossible to shoulder-charge into oblivion.

2.) Passing and ball physics.
On the deck and aerial manual passing are fine, occasionally even majestic. Through balls, however, have become tougher... and not because of improved defences. Far too often the obvious ball is screwed too hard and wide or lazily under-hit/sent to blatantly the wrong target. Moreover, the lofted through ball is still a total lottery. Aside from basic direction, there's almost no say in power and height on the player's part. This needs to be totally rejigged, because, once again, FIFA's system is now the benchmark. See also crossing. Which brings me to...

3.) Curling.
A sister point to #2. It's far too rigid. The unforgiving scale of curl application means that you either overestimate and balloon a shot into advertising boards/a photographer, or send shot after shot straight down the keeper's throat. Now, this could be the result of me still not quite being re-acclimatized, but when I think of the sheer joy of bending in perfect crosses and sublime long-rangers on FIFA 09, this pains me.

If I find FIFA 10 for a half-decent price come December, I might start dropping stocking hints.

I experienced something similar to your Football Manager exploits with the "Become a Legend" mode on P.E.S. 2010 last night/this morning, Rusty. It was the only mode I hadn't tried, at the time... and I couldn't have known I was saving such a gem 'til last. It was near 2 AM before I was hitting the scratcher.

The "Be a Pro" mode on FIFA 09 didn't really grab me and, while "Become a Legend" is essentially the same thing, I'm loving it. The satisfaction on offer rivals even the Master League and I've experienced genuine joy at nipping in to score or setting up a team-mate. Very impressed. The extra layers and improvements that could be made are almost drool-inspiring.