Pro Evolution Soccer 3 (PS2)

As befits a series widely regarded as the definitive football experience for console, Pro Evolution Soccer 3 PS2 represents a mammoth step forward; every aspect of the game has been massively reworked, with new player models, on and off-the-ball moves and key additions to the Master League incorporated into the new game. The game's menu screens have been simplified to cater for the wealth of new modes on offer--in addition to cup tournaments, friendly matches and a new, four-division Master League, there's now a Shop element to the game. This adds additional depth to the series, as players accumulate points via the training and exhibition modes. These in turn can be traded for new stadiums, crowd effects, teams, players, strategies and hair styles, rewarding the player for prolonged play.

Over 80 per cent of the in-game animations have been renewed, and a new graphics engine allows the greatest level of detail seen in the series--meaning players that not only look identical to their real-life counterparts, but move like them, too. Similarly, the players have improved AI and ball physics that allows them to pull off moves specific to particular situations. As such, long-range drives are now more controllable than before, while players can flick the ball over a defender with their heel and perform deft turns to bypass oncoming defenders. Other features include a multi-player mode accommodating up to eight players, referees playing the advantage in foul situations, the option to control one player as opposed to switching between them, and new modes to select referees and switch fatigue on and off.