Winning Eleven 9: Liveware Evolution Review

Imagine the gameplay of PES 5 minus fouls every 10 seconds. Imagine the graphics and kitserver functions of PES 6 PC version. And imagine a Korean guy yellling "Shooooooooooooo" every time you press the square button. The image now in your head is Winning Eleven 9: Liveware Evolution. It is the Korean version of Winning Eleven 9/PES 5 that was released months after those games hit the market. It was made for the PC only because everyone knows that Koreans are PC crazy.

I obtained this version after trolling the PES archives of best PES games ever made. This game was frequently mentioned. I had to try it out. And while I won't give my final verdict now, I will tell you that I was not disappointed.

Changes, Changes

What was apparent from the start was that it was tweaked version of PES 5. The gameplay was very similar but definite improvements are evident. First off, the glaring weakness of PES 5 was the overly frequent foul calls by the ref. That has been improved. They are still a little more frequent than PES 6 and the like, but it's manageable and avoidable with good defense(i.e don't hold down X the entire time). Also, the swerve on the ball seems more pronounced...in a good way. When you hit the ball on a Beckham corner, you can just feel the spin of the ball as curves across the screen. The game also feels smoother and more refined than PES 5.

The Look and Feel

Overall the game looks like an enhanced version of PES 5 and is almost to the level of visuals on PES 6 (PC). Maybe a few less animations than PES 6 and a slightly Asian feel, but not too much of a difference is noticeable.

What is great is that you can use Kitserver 5 to improve kits, balls, and stadiums. Though, unfortunately, kitserver support for PES 5 is dwindling. So I have not been able to update all kits as easily as I can on PES 6. Kitserver 5 is also not as stable as Kitserver 6, leading to more crashes.

Like on other versions, chants can be inserted for a more realistic feel. Korean announcers also are less annoying than the English guys in current versions of PES as well.

Overall, the atmosphere is not up PES 6 standards but it's close enough and the gameplay more than makes up for it.

Game Play

What can I say? Everyone knows I love the game play of PES 5. This is just a slightly enhanced version of the game play from PES 5/WE 9. But I will still go over the bullet points on what makes WE9:LE so great :

1. Maintaining possession of the ball is difficult but not impossible. I feel they nailed the possession factor in this game. You just can't run straight through a defender and expect to get by him. You have to vary your dribble speed, use a shimmy or two, or even attempt a trick to get free past a defender. And it feels so good once you get by a guy and get some empty space to work with. It gives you time to plan your next move or send a pinpoint pass where it needs to be.

This also makes passing all the more critical. Passing is the most important aspect of this game because long dribbling runs are realistically tough. This all factors into the buildup play which makes the game so great.

2. Attacking is much more varied and finding holes in the defense requires changes in attack patterns and patience. You can't do the same thing every time down the field. A certain player I know always says "It's too hard." Wahhhhh. Grow a pair and make something happen. I'm sorry you can't run into the corner and cut back every time down the pitch...just kidding, btw.

3. Getting good shots off is difficult but satisfying, which makes scoring a goal incredibly satisfying. A long shot outside of the box is an acceptable option. You won't get yelled at every time you take a shot from outside the box...ahem, you listening out there? But really, this game and the game it is based on has already given us so many great moments. ..unrivaled by any other version we have ever played. You have to admit that.

4. The release of tension after scoring a goal or even winning a game is unparalleled by any other Pro Evo. Again, I've heard that it's too hard too many times. To me that is fun. Beating the computer when we have no business beating the computer. Nothing beats beating the computer in WE9. Honestly, when I have the ball at the end of a tight game, my heart is pounding, trying to make something happen, and hoping that I don't screw up.

Overall, the gameplay just feels good. Difficult but not impossible. Quick passing, smart plays, some creativity. Individual brilliance may not be the norm, but when it happens, you know you earned it....which is the way it is in real soccer. Shots fly off the boot like a rocket when you hit right too...more so than in any other version. Also, the game flows better than PES 5 as the refs are not as whistle happy. Lastly, build-up play is crucial and adds to the simulation aspect of the game.

Final Verdict

This is my favorite version of Winning Eleven/Pro Evolution that I have ever played. Constant tension. Huge goals. Moments of pure brilliance. Long range bombs. Frustration and elation. Nothing beats it in my book.

95/100