World Soccer Winning Eleven 9 for Xbox Reviews by Gamers

Although the FIFA franchise is making up ground fast Konami has proved they still have the edge where it counts. Despite the lack of all the licenses that hinder the game somewhat, Winning Eleven 9 proves that with great control, intelligent AI, and the best game play out there it is still the best soccer game out there.
What separates Winning Eleven by far is that for any one out there that is an avid soccer fan and player the games interpretation of the sport and what makes it so unique and popular is obvious. The control over the individual player over the ball and the life like and realistic off the ball movement of team mates, as well as the passing mechanics of the game make it an absolute joy to play.
In other soccer games it would annoy me to heck when while trying to dribble the ball I was basically reduced to using the "trick move" animations and then mashing away on the sprint button to free myself from a marker, this usually led to frustration as my player would idiotically dribble himself out of bounds or right into a defender because I could stop my predetermined motion. The ability here to not rely on animations and the wonderful use life like movements, such as changing pace and cutting at slower speeds as opposed to at full sprint, lead to having the ability to be creative. And that for all you without a clue is the beauty of the sport. To be able to make a pass that I want to the player I want at the time and place I want is another aspect that stands out. How many times in a real game do you find the best option to continue the flow of an attack may be to send a ball past the nearest team mate on to the foot of someone making a run into space behind them or even clear on the opposite side of the pitch? Finally I can do that without some moron being marked by to men ruining the play by latching onto a ball clearly not meant for them.
Overall the games lacks some of the gloss and glimmer of others, but shines where it matter most, on the pitch.

I just got the game and am pretty much going to send it right back tomorrow. The gameplay graphics are shoddy, and everything with the English League is weird. Just get the team names already. But the most frustrating part of the gameplay is all the switching it does for you automatically on defense. If I want to switch players, I'll do it. Nothing like running toward the player with the ball and attempt to slide only for it to switch to another defender right before you do it. Blah.