Pro Evo 2008 Wii edition

I loved 08; just picked up 09.

Downloaded new rosters before I started (all the transfers are done!), changed the generic team names, and jumped in.

Now I've put a few hours in with it, and there are some fairly obvious improvements. First, the controls are a better tuned version of last years; finer dribbling control with the stick and better indicators and AI on defense. Secondly, and the biggest thing for me, is on defense; marked men don't lose their markers until you've reestablished control, so no frantic clicking on clearances that aren't possessed or throw-ins etc. The AI was cheap with that last year. Thirdly, the whole game plays faster, both in game speed and in less control lag. I went back and forth between the two versions, and it is noticeable. I think they slowed done last years because they hadn't gotten the control parameters set correctly. It feels better.

Most annoying carryover - no new commentary. Yes, that's my biggest complaint so far. There has been some graphic facelifts to menus, but the guts are the same, the options are all the same, etc. Haven't tried Master League (looks to have all the features of the other current versions) but did start the Wii only Champions Road. Same basic premise, but more options for fine tuning your side. Menu changes make some previously hard to access functions easier to find, and overall feels like an improvement.

How about the new shooting mechanic? Am I right in thinking you can actually aim where you shoot now, instead of just shaking the controller?

Yes you can; aim with the "B" button and release "B" to shoot. Works pretty well, and is nice when you get a good run. Still shakin' it for corners and such. I like that I have options.

In addition, you can now move the joystick up or down to pick the side to aim for on free kicks.