Let’s cut straight to the chase – Winning Eleven 7 International is the best soccer game on the market.

Period.

The others may aspire to the cup, but this game, from Konami for the PlayStation2 console system, has every nuance of the world-class game down. From offside traps to errant handballs in the box, WE7 is a wonder to watch and even more fun to play.

While the game does not sport online play, up to eight players can participate in the game via the multitap route. But even without online play, this game pulls out the stops and will bring a smile to the face of soccer fans throughout the world.

The game does an intensive job of setting up the play. The options package is rich and you can determine the playable length of halves, and enable offsides, maximum number of substitutions, and injuries. There are five settings for difficulty.

In addition to new animations and an expanded Master League, the game also features a shop where players can trade points earned in matches and exhibitions for players, stadiums and strategies.

There are four regional leagues, and national teams from throughout the world ready to take the field for you. There are stadiums from throughout the world as well, and while the facial animations are somewhat close, you may have a tough time recognizing some of the world’s greatest players – well, until you start playing the game. Then you will be treated to an amazing array of athleticism that will have you sitting back in amazement.

The ball is pushed down the right side, the striker makes a move to the outside, blows past the defender, gains space and sends a long cross to the far side of the 6. A teammate rises above the defender and attacks the ball with his head, deflecting it down into the low corner. The keeper is on the move and dives, but the ball squirts under his extended arms.

There is a fine line in the world of keepers between sitting back and waiting for the ball to come to them or attacking the ball on a through pass. WE7 seems to acknowledge that and the AI of this game is superb in allowing keepers to determine what to attack and what to wait on. Or you can take manual control of the keeper. Watch the ball, and tap the triangle button to set the keeper into a charge mode.

At the lower difficulty settings in the single-player game, the opposing players are little more than obstacles to be avoided, but pump up the difficulty setting and you had better bring your game to this. WE7 is tough, competitive and absolutely amazing.

The control settings on this title are very simple to use. You have basic control elements but can actually set up game strategies.

Peter Brackley and Trevor Brooking provide play-by-play and commentary and do a superb job.

Graphically, it just does not get much better. The player animations capture the intricate moves, the delicate traps, the explosive headers and the shots that are either marvelous examples of elusive speed or fireballs that rip at the goal.

WE7 has a variety of ways to play: there is the match mode, league mode, cup mode and Master League mode. In the latter you create and build your own team, and guide them through either the Division 1 or Division 2 competition in one of four leagues. From created players, to salary negotiations to challenge training, this is a complete journey into the game.

If you are a soccer fan, and have a PS2, you should own this game. If you are a fan of great console sport titles, you should own this game.

This title is rated for Everyone.
 

Gameplay: 9.2

The action is flawless. From the start of a match until the final whistle, the game is amazing to watch. The only thing that slows it down is the multiple replays, but you can key past those.

Graphics: 9.5

While the player’s faces may not really emulate those of the actual players, there is a close resemblance. When it comes to the animations – wow!

Sound: 9.5

The announcing is spot on and a delight. The announcers do miss a few steps, but not many.

Difficulty: Medium

You can adjust your settings to your ability level.

Concept: 9

This game has done a terrific job of updating the game in some key areas. The player interface is set up well.

Multiplayer: 9

The single-player mode is great and going head-to-head with another adds for some solid variety.

Overall: 9.4

WE7 is the best soccer game on the market. The animations are amazing and the gameplay is smooth. This is a blast to play.