I recently , forked out just under £50 for PS3 version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008. After spending most part of the last year on the PS2 version, i thought this would be an excellent game for a slightly higher price, but i thought it would be worth it on a next gen system.

However after playing the game for the first time, i was shocked and annoyed at the amount of advertisement in the game. Now im not just talking about the adverts of the side of the pitch, i think that adds to the realism of the game and is generally a good thing. However the menu system is plagued by adverts from companies such as MySpace, Play.com. IGN.com and Zoo Magazine. How much money does Konami need to make?

From the last game, the main developments i can see are they new the AI system, better graphics, and more licenses from the clubs. And of course the pictures of “crying-boy” Christiano Ronaldo and others on the box.

Despite the consumer emptying their wallets for a next gen gaming system, whether its a PS3 or an Xbox 360, and paying an ever increasing amount of cash for the games, now are they expected to endure adverts too? Now i know this isn’t the first game with advertisement, but the last game i saw such flagrant advertisement was when Ubisoft was giving away Prince of Persia FOR FREE.

IGN.com gave the game a 9.2 out of 10, now is that based on the actual merits of the game or some sort of deal between IGN and Konami in exchange for the advertising?

This isn’t supposed to be a rant about the actual quality of the game however, Pro Evo is still one of the best football sims out, better than FIFA i think. And the new AI system is amazing, giving the player a challenge every time they play, by seeming to learn its own flaws. The HD graphics look anazing, and player details looks good too. I’ve not even tried the online play yet. I’m also considering renting or buying the Wii version when its released with the new point & click style of play, and hopefully without the adverts.

What do you guys think?