PES 2010 (US)

CNET Editors' review

by: Jason Parker on June 29, 2010

PES 2010 (or Pro Evolution Soccer 2010) has some of the most realistic soccer gameplay in the iTunes App Store, but it suffers from a lack of FIFA licensing and perhaps a slowish pace. Like many soccer games for iPhone, you can play in tournaments or league play, and you'll be able to select from teams all over the world, but the player names don't match up with their real-world counterparts, which will be disappointing for many fans. PES 2010 is also a bit slower-paced than most soccer games on the iPhone, but this is not necessarily a bad thing; it's just important to note that it's not as action-packed as other titles.

PES 2010 is slightly better visually than other soccer games on the iPhone, and the control system and timing of the game seem smoother as well. Move your players using the onscreen control pad and tap the two buttons for passing and shooting on offense, and aggressive guarding and sliding when you're on defense. Holding the pass button down will let you perform cross passes and long passes depending on where you are on the field. There's also an option for accelerometer controls, which let you tilt your iPhone to move, but though interesting and fun to try, it wasn't as efficient as the onscreen controls.

PES 2010 manages to be fun in spite of its slow pace and lack of licensing, mostly because the AI is quite good, and the graphics make the game more immersive. Incidentally, the higher-quality graphics make a natural fit for the iPad, but sadly, there is no HD or even pixel-doubling mode available. Overall, Soccer fans who are interested in the strategy of the game and want to deliberately form plays as they run down the pitch will like this slower-paced, but well-designed soccer game. Those hoping to play with their favorite players and teams (or on the iPad) should look elsewhere.