PixlBit

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D is an adaptation of the PSP version, itself a continuation of the last generation PlayStation 2 PES games. From what I gather, the PES games on the PlayStation 2 are some of the favorites of the soccer sim community, thus making this 3DS adaptation a continuation of the better games of the series… with 3D. I’m not fully versed with said games, but I can say that PES 2011 3D provides an extremely deep soccer simulation that clearly caters to hardcore fans of the sport. This isn’t entirely appealing to me, due in part to the aggressive, nearly insurmountable AI (for a beginner) and my general disinterest in the sport. However, the game is occasionally enjoyable and with some of the best stereoscopic 3D of the launch 3DS titles, it does a great job of validating how great the 3D effect actually is.

While the 3D is stunning in the over-the-shoulder view, the game is nearly unplayable thanks to a camera that swoops in and out to a new viewpoint after every character switch. If players only needed to worry about controlling a single character for the duration of a match, this camera angle would be spectacular; however, with responsibility for the whole team, it’s impossible to effectively compete with this camera. It’s an odd choice in that regard for the standard camera in the game, but understandable given the undoubted excitement to show off how much depth and realism the 3D display adds.

After switching to the side camera which depicts a horizontal viewof the field, I was able to play more effectively and while the 3D effect was greatly diminished, it still helped in providing some perception of distance and depth.

While the change in camera angle made a significant improvement, it didn’t help that the game would often switch me from player to player without hesitation, regardless of whether I was on defense or if the ball was up for grabs.

This made for an unbelievably awkward experience as I always seemed to switch players at the most inopportune moment. Jammed full throttle on the circle pad in a given direction, the switch would happen and the new player I was controlling would often turn face and sprint in the exact opposite direction of the ball. Understandably, the function is there to keep players close to the action, but a button to activate the switch would’ve proved more effective.

Fortunately, the rest of the gameplay is pretty deep and more thought out. A laundry list of controls are available for performing real-life maneuvers to take and hold possession of the ball, but most take quite a long time to remember and execute at the right moment. Pulling off an elasitco - one of the more complex moves - requires bringing the ball to a dribble, holding the L button, and pushing the circle pad to the right. Many other moves have the same level of complexity, which creates a high learning curve and might make the game a bit too involving for a casual soccer fan.

Again, perhaps due to my lack of deep understanding of the sport, I found the computer AI to be incredibly difficult to defeat. Between my random bumbling with the controls and the hard push by the AI, bringing the ball all the way to the keeper was not a task I often completed. Even grabbing control of the ball back from the computer was a bit tough, due in large part to the player switching antics described earlier. By the time I was able to bring it to the goal, the keeper typically did a great job of stopping me in my tracks, which was frustrating at times, but this advanced goalie AI applied to my team as well, which more often was in my benefit.

Clearly though, the game does a solid job of bringing the sport into the digital space as evidenced by the fact that most matches I competed in seemed to play out quite similarly to how they do in real life. Plays can be set up with the touch screen and executed on command and seemingly each and every player can be used as intended to create strong offensive and defensive initiatives. While purists will likely love the constant back and forth and low scoring matches, I believe something a bit lighter would make for a better portable experience.

Those who are in the market for such a simulation will appreciate the two included leagues: Champions and Master. Here, players will find the deep long-running experience they are looking for as opposed to the simple one-off matches the Exhibition mode provides. A lack of licensed teams will likely turn off some in this same crowd, but the core experience, of course, does not suffer from this fact.

Finding a partner who also has PES 2011 3D is the only way to go head-to-head with another person; no single-card play or online mode is included, which is sadly typical for a 3DS launch title. Given the default camera, I can’t help but think that a mode that allowed 22 simultaneous players would be absolutely amazing. However, even a simple online mode would've gone a long way to improving the replayability of the game.

While Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D offers a deep soccer experience, it may be too advanced for casual fans of the sport. Combine this with the challenging computer AI and the overzealous player switching and the experience becomes even more limiting. The pacing is no help either – mimicking the real sport, the slower paced gameplay doesn’t mesh well with an on-the-go console. Finally, a lack of online hurts replayability, as does the omission of single card local multiplayer. All that being said, given the right audience, the mostly solid foundations of Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D will make it a good investment for 3DS owners looking for a launch title.