Pro Evolution Soccer 2

What is Pro Evolution Soccer 2?

Pro Evolution Soccer 2 (often abbreviated as PES 2) is a critically acclaimed PlayStation soccer simulation game developed by Konami. It builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, aiming to deliver a more realistic and immersive football experience. Known for its deep gameplay mechanics, authentic team licenses (where available), and player likenesses, PES 2 quickly became a favorite among football fans seeking a more tactical and skill-based alternative to other soccer games at the time. It captures the excitement and strategy of the beautiful game.

Game Features

Pro Evolution Soccer 2 boasts a range of features designed to enhance the football simulation experience: • Master League: Dive into a deep career mode where you manage a team over multiple seasons, handling transfers, player development, and finances. • Refined Gameplay: Experience improved ball physics, more realistic player movement and animations, and enhanced AI for both teammates and opponents. • Licensed Teams & Players: Features numerous officially licensed national teams and club teams, along with accurately modeled player faces and attributes (availability varies by region). • Multiple Game Modes: Includes Exhibition matches, League, Cup competitions, and the extensive Master League. • Tactical Depth: Utilize detailed formation and strategy settings to tailor your team's playing style, including player positions, attacking/defensive lines, and individual player instructions. • Enhanced Presentation: Features dynamic camera angles, realistic stadium atmospheres, and commentary that adds to the immersion.

How to Play Pro Evolution Soccer 2?

Pro Evolution Soccer 2 is played using a PlayStation controller. Here are the basic controls mapped to keyboard keys for emulation purposes and core gameplay steps:

Basic PlayStation Controls (Keyboard Mapping):

• Movement: Arrow Keys or WASD keys control player movement.
• Pass: X key (Mapped to PlayStation 'X' button) - Short pass to a nearby teammate.
• Shoot: O key (Mapped to PlayStation 'O' button) - Shoot when near the goal. Hold for power, tap for placement.
• Through Pass: △ key (Mapped to PlayStation 'Triangle' button) - Play a pass into space ahead of a teammate.
• Cross: □ key (Mapped to PlayStation 'Square' button) - Cross the ball into the penalty area from the wings.
• Sprint: R1 key (Often mapped to Shift or Right Ctrl) - Hold to make your player run faster.
• Player Switch: L1 key (Often mapped to Tab or Left Ctrl) - Cycle through controlling different players on your team.
• Tackle/Slide Tackle: Press or double-press X key (Mapped to PlayStation 'X' button) for standing tackle or slide tackle.
• Dribble/Skill: Use the right analog stick (if emulated) or combinations of direction and modifier keys for advanced dribbling moves.

Basic Gameplay Steps:

1. Select a Mode: Choose from Exhibition, League, Cup, or Master League from the main menu.
2. Choose Teams: Select your team and your opponent's team.
3. Set Tactics (Optional): Before the match, you can adjust your team's formation, player positions, and strategy.
4. Kick-off: Start the match. Use the D-pad or left stick (arrow keys/WASD) to move your player.
5. Pass the Ball: Press the Pass button (X key) to make a short pass to a teammate. Use Through Pass (△ key) to play the ball into space.
6. Shoot on Goal: When near the opponent's goal, press the Shoot button (O key). Power and direction are controlled by how long you hold the button and your directional input.
7. Defend: Position your player using movement controls. Press the Tackle button (X key) to attempt to win the ball. Use the Player Switch button (L1 key) to select the defender closest to the ball.
8. Cross the Ball: When on the wings, press the Cross button (□ key) to send the ball into the penalty area.
9. Utilize Sprint: Hold the Sprint button (R1 key) to make your player run faster, useful for breaking away or tracking back.
10. Win the Match: Score more goals than your opponent within the match time (two halves) to win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pro Evolution Soccer 2 different from the first game? PES 2 features significant improvements over its predecessor, including more realistic player movement and ball physics, enhanced AI behavior, a more polished Master League mode with transfers and player development, better presentation with more licensed teams and players, and generally more refined gameplay mechanics.

What is the Master League mode? Master League is PES 2's deep career mode. You start with a default team of fictional players and manage them over multiple seasons. You can buy and sell players, negotiate contracts, develop your squad, compete in league and cup competitions, and aim to build a football dynasty. Player form, fatigue, and growth are key factors.

Can I play Pro Evolution Soccer 2 with friends? Yes! Pro Evolution Soccer 2 supports multiplayer modes. You can play against a friend in Exhibition matches, or even compete together or against each other in League or Cup modes, making it a great game for head-to-head competition.