Pro Evolution Soccer 3

Game review

Pro Evolution Soccer 3 also known as PES 3, released in 2003, marked a significant advancement in the Pro Evolution Soccer series, known for its realism and strategic gameplay. Developed by Konami, this game introduced enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, elevating the football simulation experience to new heights. The cover features the image and signature of iconic Italian referee Pierluigi Collina, who had previously officiated the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final. This was unusual, as football games had come to almost exclusively feature only players and managers on their covers; plus, referees only appear in cutscenes in this game.

Among the game modes we can find friendly match, league creation, training and master league. The last two named are essentially the main modes in the entire game. In training, the game first familiarizes you with the controls and demonstrates them to you. After that, you actually start a kind of competition in training. You can choose to train basic skills (attack, shooting, centers). For example, in the first practice of centers, you will have to hit a certain area from 25 meters three times, then you will move to a distance of, for example, 45 meters. You will earn points for successfully completing training sessions, which you can then use to purchase stadiums, players or equipment.

In the master league, you will be able to choose one of the mostly unknown teams (Konami only bought licenses for a few well-known players and clubs) and lead it towards success. You will be able to exchange players on loan, buy or sell them. Before every match, you will have training, which plays an important role in the master league. Before playing individual matches, you will also be able to choose the weather, the time of year, the number of fans or the condition of the opposing team.

In the game itself, approximately twenty different actions await you. You will learn the basic movements and kicking in the already mentioned training. For example, there are approximately fifteen different types of passes. It depends on the position of the passing player and the effect the pass should bring. You will also be able to pass the ball between the legs of your teammates. When playing free direct kicks, you will be able to choose the technique you will kick them with, for example, technically with a slicer, centered, forcefully or you can play a signal.

Another important aspect in the game is tactics. You will be able to set or adjust your preferred play style. The settings are divided into the global expression of your team (line-up, type of defensive and attacking phase, type of counter-attacks, offside traps) and individual instructions to individual players (how much they should return to the defense, in which directions to concentrate their attacks and whether they should stick to the line or prefer to defend separately). You will be able to save the resulting tactics and then use them during the match.