Compared to the PS3 and 360 games, the Wii version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is a whole different kettle of ball-shaped fish. It's got a kinky point-and-click style control system that completely changes how the game is played, effectively booting preconceptions of what a football simulation should be out of the ball park and smashing through the double-glazed windows of convention. But despite being radically different, the game's producer, Akiyoshi 'Greyhound' Chosokabe, seems to suggest that some of its ideas could find their way into new versions of 'proper' PES.
We met with Chosokabe at a Konami press event in London yesterday and asked him what the PS3 and 360 PES dev teams thought of his avant-garde Wii interpretation. "They recognise this version as a totally new and different one. I'm sure they're stimulated by it because I have used a totally new concept and control system." And might the Wii version influence future iterations of traditional PES? "It will have some effect on the other versions of PES," Chosokabe told us. "I don't have any idea which feature will be adapted for the other versions, but it will have some effect."
Above: Akiyoshi 'Greyhound' Chosokabe has created a uniquely different football experience
Without doubt there are plenty of mechanics at work in Wii PES that we could imagine inspiring some changes to the other versions. The amount of control you're given to off-the-ball players feels liberating and on-the-fly defensive options certainly has huge potential. Of course, we could be barking up the wrong goal post completely - it wouldn't be the first time that true meaning has been hopelessly lost in translation like linguistic loose change down the back of the sofa.
Either way, Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 on Wii is unlike any football game we've ever played but - we're pleased to say - it succeeds in being an extremely enjoyable RTS PES hybrid. We'll have a full review for you next week.
