While the title competes with "supercalifragilistic expialidocious" for pointless length, the game better known as Winning Eleven 8 is pure simulation soccer, from David Beckham's newest 'do to Thierry Henry's impossible skill to Ruud Van Nistelrooy's monster schnozz. By comparison with FIFA Soccer 2005, its Hollywood-looking, brilliantly marketed competitor, WE8 feels like a carefully crafted independent film. It's a bit rough around the edges, but it plays like it was shaped by creators with a real passion for the sport, not as though it was pumped out of a big-time studio angling to make sales.
Capturing the fanaticism of soccer with plenty of did-you-see-that moments, the airtight controls–reminiscent of the Tony Hawk franchise, or the first two ATV Offroad Fury entries–allow you to create countless one-of-a-kind moments, so nothing in the game feels predetermined or canned. When you score a goal, you've earned it, whether by having Michael Owen streak past a defender and blast a laser beam into the corner, or having Ronaldhino push the ball through a backpedaling defender's wickets, then chip it up and over the goalie.
WE8's weightiest shortcoming is a licensing issue. FIFA 2005 boasts every soccer license imaginable, and thus every club team from Scunthorpe to Crystal Palace. While WE8 has added Spanish, Italian, and Dutch leagues to the game, it lacks the prized English Premiership, meaning teams like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal aren't in the game, though the players from those teams are. To counteract the limitation, WE8 features a marvelously complete edit mode, so you can change virtually everything in the game, including team and player names, kits, and even team flags, if you're willing to take the time.
One-upping the notion that simulation sports games should match real life, WE8 has created a realistic soccer experience. But it's so fun and so expertly made that after you blow a golden goal opportunity by striking the ball over the bar, you'll curse yourself, and not the controller.
Beyond the gameplay: FIFA may be America's choice for soccer games, but on its first day of launch, Winning Eleven 8 sold 1 million copies in Japan and 1.5 million in Europe, easily surpassing FIFA.
Worth playing for: From one-timers to diving headers to bombs from outside the box, goals in this game are like snowflakes and Eggos: You'll never score the same one twice.
Frustration sets in when: At the outset, it's easy to boot the ball 30 feet over the net. Mastering the shooting system and the power meter takes dedication that might cause casual footy fans to struggle.
Final judgment: Concise, deep control and great graphics make this soccer underdog worth cheering for. Only a shortage of hooliganism keeps it from feeling perfectly authentic.