PES Games - A History Of Pro Evolution Soccer Part 2

In 2003, Pro Evolution Soccer 3 was released and included a big game play engine update, introducing new features such as the advantage rule and much improved long-ball passing techniques. PES games were now starting to get their hands on lesser European licenses such as the Dutch Eredivisie, but at least this was a start or inroad into FIFA's dominance by Konami.

Pro Evo 3 was the first PES game to be programmed for PC via Microsoft and it was popular, but the lack of online mode disappointed. Further enhancements to the licensing agreement occurred over the next few PES iterations, with many more official teams and players included, but the big one, the Premier League, always eluded Konami - not something FIFA was willing to give up. The Master League (career mode) was expanded and editing options improved, making likenesses even closer to reality.

In 2005 Pro Evolution Soccer 5 finally cemented Pro Evo online, allowing players to play against other PES gamers anywhere in the world. Jubilation reigned in online forums as we finally got real English teams, albeit only two - Arsenal and Chelsea, but again it was a start.

At this point in history PES was still dominant over FIFA, generally getting higher review scores, despite the lack of complete licenses throughout the game. PES stood up so well against the FIFA machine because of the superb two player experience.

Playing against a computer can only ever be so good, as computer AI is still no match for the gaming experience of another human being. It was this sense of randomness and downright fun that kept Pro Evo at the top of the footy charts and this position was further solidified in Pro Evolution Soccer 6, which for many PES fans was the finest hour for Konami.

Pro Evo 6 or Winning Eleven 10 had most of the best elements that have survived to the present incarnation. Fast, fluid, attacking football, a combative tackling mechanic and a slew of new tricks and flicks. To go along with the ever present official Japanese strip, the England National team were now decked out in their official kit as well as other nations. The Xbox version even had next generation high-definition graphics and this would be the last version before Pro Evo made the transition to PS3.

There was no Pro Evo 7, the next installment would arrive in 2007 and the naming convention changed into what remains to this day - Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 or PES 2008. This was the first version to debut on PS3, but still remained on PS2 and the other consoles. High definition graphics enhanced the gaming experience and PES started to move away from FIFA in the player likenesses stakes, although at the same time the complacency led to FIFA closing the gap and it was around these years that FIFA for the first time started to achieve higher review scores, as ironically, it was likened to the PES game play of old.

Even though many things improved, PES games started to struggle during the versions 2008-2012. Improvements in graphics, master league, competitions, licenses and online play, were negated by fussy changes to game play, that made Pro Evo harder, but sometimes less fun. It seemed that the game almost had a cheat mode in player versus computer games on harder skill levels, as it could be almost impossible to win the ball back or keep it against the computer. Keepers would inexplicably parry weak shots straight back out to unmarked strikers for easy tap ins and referees could be incredibly harsh, sending players off for minor offences, whereas it seemed computer controlled players could get away with murder!

The last few years have been repeated 'overhaul' fixes for PES as they've tried to regain top spot. Shingo Takatsuka known as 'Seabass' has come up with multiple buzz words every year as Pro Evo innovates and pushes the limits of the high-definition consoles and what PS3 And XBOX 360 can handle. The online play has improved on PS3 as it struggled at first to catch up to the online system XBOX had in place and now the edit modes, coupled with the skill and efficiency of PES fans means that the lack of licenses is almost irrelevant.

PES games will have their latest blockbuster out in October 2012 and by all accounts, online rumours and playable demos, PES is back. The review scores were close to FIFA last year and although the FIFA machine now exudes a high level of polish and superb game play, if PES 2013 regains some of that magic from the mid noughties, it'll be top dog again this autumn.

In this second part of my PES games history article I have written about how the game has evolved into the high-definition era of PS3 and XBOX.

For a more detailed pes games history or if you have any comments or questions for the blog, please visit the Pro Evo website PES 2013 Games 2 article.

Soccer History Opens the Door to the Origin of Soccer

Soccer is a competitive sport with a long history and its origins can be traced back to the mid 19th century. Soccer history can be traced back to the different forms of football that was popular in England in the late 1840's. Even then, historians believe that soccer history can be dated back to 1004 B.C when players in Japan used to kick around a ball around a small field. Interestingly Chinese historical texts have revealed that a game similar to modern day soccer was being played out between teams from Japan and China around 50 B.C.

Soccer history also reveals that Romans played a version of modern soccer and it was even introduced in the early Roman Olympics. But in the early Roman Olympics, soccer teams had 27 players on each side battling for the trophy. According to soccer history, modern day soccer came into life when the first set of rules for the game was drawn up in 1848 at the Cambridge University. Come to think of it - England's King Edward (1307-1327) had actually passed a law threatening imprisonment to anyone who played the game. The truth is that Cambridge University is not the first to come out with soccer rules, it was Eton College and they introduced certain rules for playing the game in 1815.

The Cambridge Rules of 1848 has found a place in soccer history. These rules have played an influential role in development of modern soccer and were written at Trinity College, Cambridge. The rules for soccer were created by representatives from some of the finest colleges in England including Harrow, Eton, Winchester, Rugby, and Shrewsbury. Although the rules were not universally adopted, several small local clubs started playing the game based on the rules around the 1850s. Of course, some local clubs even went to the extent of creating their distinct codes of rules for the game and one such club is the Sheffield Football Club. Sheffield Football Club was actually formed by ex-public school students in 1857 and this eventually led to the formation of Sheffield FA in 1867.

The Football Association (FA) was formed in 1863 and the FA Cup was first organized in 1871. The FA Cup recreated soccer history and went on to attract huge number of Britons to the sport. In 1885, the FA (Football Association) took an important step by recognizing and accepting the legitimacy of professional soccer players. Three years later in 1888, 12 clubs joined in to form the football league in England and this was one of the biggest historical moments. In fact, this is where modern soccer history was established.

The first international soccer match commenced on 30 November, 1872 in Glasgow, Scotland. The two teams included an English all-star team and a Scottish all-star team and the match ended in a scoreless draw. The soccer world cup of FIFA world cup as we know now was first held in 1930 in Uruguay and they became the world champions as well!

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World Cup 2010 - New Horizons For African Football

Early reports show that even at this early stage, South Africans are more than eager to formally welcome and host the FIFA World Cup 2010. After losing the 2006 bid to Germany, the date of May 15, 2004 marked history when it was announced that it is time for South Africa to be the first ever African country to hold the much revered World Cup series and to be the 16th country to do such.

There will be two main stadiums in Johannesburg to be used for the event. Built in 1987, Soccer City is the venue for the first game. The stadium has a capacity of 94,700 people and is large and majestic enough to act as the springboard for the exciting tournament. Currently, renovations are under way to make sure the stadium is at the best it can be by 2010. Being constructed is an encircling roof while being developed are new changing room facilities and floodlights. The upper tier will also be extended around the stadium.

Another main stadium to be used for the 2010 World Cup is Ellis Park, just a few minutes away from Johannesburg City Center. Built in 1982, Ellis Park is a world class, integrated stadium that offers only state of the art features, facilities and security. The stadium is also being improved to be ready by 2010. Among the current developments under way is the construction of new upper tiers to increase the capacity of 10,149 seats to 60,000.

It must be said that the entrustment of the FIFA World Cup 2010 to South Africa couldn't have had a more perfect timing, happening in a period where African football is steadily rising in both quantity and quality, especially considering its difficult beginnings. In the early days, football in South Africa has been affected by a harsh system of racial segregation. South Africa's constitution prohibited racially mixed teams to compete in global tournaments and could only send either all-black or all-white teams.

Meanwhile, the history of football in Africa as a whole has been a deep story that doesn't involve games alone but a lot of magic, racism, money, and complexity. Football games were not just mere games but also reflected such uneven poverty in Africa through money in the form of income to players. Everything was highly monetized and the system was frowned at by European countries. Nevertheless, the complex system of African football continued to push on and the overall style was often characterized by a showy, individualistic kind of game instead of a team effort.

The recent years showed much evolution in African football, along with the rise and global recognition of African football players like Steven Pienaar and Aaron Mokoena. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Pienaar is a South African midfielder of the Bafana Bafana (South African Soccer Team) who moved to Germany and the Borussia Dortmund team in 2006. Meanwhile, Mokoena is the captain of Bafana Bafana and was the youngest player ever to play for the team.

One thing's for sure: regardless of the outcome, the FIFA World Cup 2010 would truly mark another history for the long evolution of football in Africa.

Visit us at http://www.football2010live.com and http://www.football2010online.com

Football - History and Rules in a Nutshell

History

Football was played in the Public Schools of England in the 1800's. In the mid 1850's efforts were made to standardize the rules that varied from place to place. The earliest rules were drawn up at The Cambridge University. Sheffield Football club was formed in 1857. Twelve football clubs got together at The Freemason's Tavern in Great Queen Street in London, in 1863 to form the Football Association.

Blackheath football league withdrew from it due to differences in ball ank kicking off. It formed the Blackheath Rugby league.

In 1886 The International Football Association (FA) Board was formed in Manchester.. consisting of the four countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland The first world cup was played between England and Scotland in 1872, at The Oval.

The worlds first Football league was borne under the Director of Aston -Villa William Mc Gregor. It consisted of 12 clubs from the midlands and north of England.

FIFA (Federation of International Football Association) was born in Paris in 1904

FFAB (Federation of Football Association Board) was formed in 1913 and consists of 8 members - 4 from FIFA and one each from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

The Game

The Game is officiated by a referee. His decision is Final. He is assisted by 2 referees. There may be a fourth.

There are 2 teams.. 11 players in each team. Each team must have a Goal Keeper.

Pitch

The game is played on a rectangular pitch.

Length = 100 to 110 metres: the 2 long lines are called touch-lines

Breadth = 64 to 75 metres: the 2 short lines called goal-lines

A rectangular goal is positioned at the middle of each goal line. The inner edges of the vertical goal-posts must be 7.2metres apart. The lower edges of the cross-bar supported by the goal post must be 2.44metres above the ground.

Penalty area is the semicircular area witth radius 16.5metres from the middle of goal line.

Duration

The game has two 45 minute periods separated by a 15 minute interval.

If there is a penalty at the end of the game, it has to be completed before the end of the game.

The team with the highest number of goals wins.

Rules:

There are 17 rules

1. Number of players

2. The field of play

3. The ball

4. The Referee

5. Assistant Referees

6. Player Equipment

7. Duration of match

8. Ball in and out of play

9. Start and restart of play

10. Method of scoring

11. Fouls and misconduct

12. Offside

13. The penalty

14. Free kicks

15. The throws

16. The Corner kick

17. The goal kick.

Soccer and Its History

Modern day soccer can generally trace it's beginning to England in the 1800's although many countries and cultures can lay claim to forms of soccer dating back centuries. Who knows ancient man likely kicked around rocks in prehistoric forms of soccer.

Among popular stories about the origin of soccer is from the 8th century when a Prince from Denmark was beheaded. The story is told that his head was kicked around on the ground and used like ball. King Edward III had to pass laws attempting to stop people from playing the game as it's origins are claimed to have resulted in injury and death.

But generally modern soccer can be traced to England in the 1800's played by the upper classes, the Aristocracy. It wasn't long before soccer was played by the common classes and that's where it's popularity ultimately took hold. Soccer is a simple and inexpensive sport and was easily adopted throughout the world. Many countries live and die by their beloved soccer clubs and teams.

Founded in 1863 the London Football Association formalized the games rules throughout Europe. Soon professional teams were formed and soccer heros were born.

Soccer spread quickly and was first played in the Olympics in 1900 at the turn of the Century. In 1904 the Federation Internationale de Football Association known as FIFA was created and the first World Cup competitions were held in 1930. Every four years the 24 best teams from around the world compete for the World Cup.

In the United States the United States Soccer Federation was formed in 1913, but soccer has never gained the widespread popularity that soccer enjoys in the rest of the world.

In America to call soccer "football" is unacceptable. Football in America is a completely different sport. Soccer has found widespread popularity in schools and soccer clubs throughout the U.S. since the mid seventies and American soccer teams have done well in international play.

Major League Soccer (MLS), founded in 1993, consisted of 10 teams when it began it's first season of competition in 1996. An estimated 3 million fans watched the playoffs that year. Today in 2010 MLS consists of 16 teams and will expand to 18 teams on 2011.

As the sport of soccer evolved so did the soccer ball. Possibly the very first ball was a human head, or human skulls. Heads and skulls not being acceptable today, the evolution of the soccer ball through the years has consisted of sewn-up wads of cloth, even animal bladders, to finally the introduction of a leather ball.

Later the invention of rubber led to Charles Goodyear creating a rubberized soccer ball in 1855. After FIFA was formed standardization of the soccer ball was included in the formal rules that were adopted. Today inflatable soccer balls are used that are not only suitable for kicking but can be "headed" without knocking out the player due to the heavy leather initially used.

Soccer shows no signs of slowing down throughout the world, it's growth in terms of both professional teams and recreational plays promise to continue and prosper.

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10 Interesting Facts About FIFA Player of Year Award

It is time of the year where the FIFA world player of the year award is decided by the votes of coaches and captains of national team worldwide.

An introduction of the mechanism of the system used to select the player of the year would be discussed first. The award was started in 1991 for the male player and in 2001 for the female player categories respectively. Basically, the coaches and national team captains would vote for players drawn by the technical committees of FIFA. The system used is called the Borda count where each coach and captain would get three votes (one of five points, one of three points and one of one point) to cast for the players of his choice. And the winner would be determined by the total of points received. The winner last year is Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro of Real Madrid.

And here are ten interesting things about the FIFA World Player of the Year Award

1. The winner of 2006 award, Fabio Cannavaro, is the first defender or a player other than a midfielder or striker to have ever won the award since its inception win by Lothar Matthaus in 1991. The closet any other defender or goalkeeper has came to the award before Cannavaro's victory are Oliver Kahn (Goalkeeper, second in 2002), Roberto Carlos (Defender, second in 1997) and Paolo Maldini (Defender, second in 1995).

2. In the past sixteen editions of the awards, it had been won by strikers and midfielders for seven times each. Thus making outfield players with the exception of defenders, a more popular choice for the award. It is summarized that as strikers and midfielders hoard most of the glory in competitions, therefore their chances are equally higher than defenders and goalkeepers.

3. There are two triple winners of the awards since its inception in 1991. They are French Midfielder Zinedine Zidane (1998, 2000 and 2003) and Brazilian Striker Ronaldo (1996, 1997 and 2002). The other player who has won more than once is Brazilian Ronaldinho (2004 and 2005).

4. No player has ever won the award for three consecutive years in the roll. The closet any one have came to it are Ronaldo (1996 and 1997) and Ronaldinho (2004 and 2005). It would take something really special every season for any one player to do so.

5. Although the award is meant for the world's best player, only players from Europe, Africa and South American do make it to the final short list. Hence there have been quite some critics from some corner in the world about the selection process.

6. Another interesting fact is other than Juan Roman Riquleme's nomination in 2007 when he is playing on loan for Boca Juniors, all the players on the short list came from clubs in Europe.

7. No English Player or Player from United Kingdom has ever won the award before. The closet any have came are Gary Lineker (1991, third), Alan Shearer (1996, third), David Beckham (1999 and 2001, both second) and Frank Lampard (2005, second). Maybe it would take England winning the World Cup or European Championship for a English to take the award.

8. Brazil has the most wins by nationality. Brazilian players have won the award a staggering seven times; four times more than the closet nationality of French with three wins. It could be the flair and attacking nature of the Brazilian players that clinched them the wins as players such as Ronaldo, Ronaldino, Rivaldo and Romario are all attacking players full of flairs. Or it could down to the names as all the Brazilian winners have a letter "R" to head off their names.

9. The last six winners of the award have come from teams in the Spanish La Liga. Hence it can be seen it is not English Premiership with the most star power, but the La Liga.

10. FC Barcelona had six winners from players within its ranks while great rivals Real Madrid had four. Thus making a majority of winners (a staggering sixty three percentage) from both of them for the past sixteen awards since the inception of the award. Their closet rivals for this honor is the Italian Giants Juventus with four winners.

Hopefully, the above can give one a better understanding of the FIFA Player of the year Award. And let's await the result in 17th December 2007.

For more news, predictions and results from English Premiership, Italy Serie A, Spainish Liga and Bungelsia, check out http://epllatestnews.blogspot.com

Meet FIFA's Soccer Ambassadors

Abedi Pele, former Ghanaian international soccer player and captain, is regarded as the greatest player in Ghana's history and amongst the best in the African continent. As a pioneer of African soccer in European clubs, Pele played for Italian, Swiss, German, and French teams. He also played 67 times for his country in the 80's and 90's. Named African Footballer of the Year in 1991, 1992 and 1993, his name was also included as one of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers in March 2004. Though he never got to play a World Cup, he dominated African soccer for nearly a decade. Today, Pele owns a club that nurtures young talent to join the fledgling league of Ghana. This legend is deeply involved with charity work and is one of the continent's most respected Ambassadors. As a member of FIFA's Football Committee, Pele has the honor of taking part in the maximum number of charity matches than any other African player.

Jomo Sono lost his soccer star father in a car crash at the age of 8. His mother abandoned him and Sono was looked after by his ailing grandparents. At the age of 10, he sold apples and peanuts during soccer matches. During a soccer match one of the players was absent and Sono was asked to quickly put on a soccer shirt and stand in for the player! That was the beginning of Sono's illustrious career. He soon became known for his incredible dribbling and accurate passing skills. A fan gave Sono the nickname Jomo, or burning spear, since he saw in him the same leadership qualities as the President of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta. And Sono sure did live up to his name! Having played for Orlando Pirates, he went to play for New York Cosmos alongside Brazil's Pele. On his return, he bought the Highlands Park Club and renamed it Jomo Cosmos in honor of his old team. The club achieved great success and Sono developed new talent for Bafana Bafana, South Africa's national team. Today, the Black Prince is the longest serving coach in South Africa's Premier League and is also on the board of the Premier League. Former Cameroonian forward, Roger Milla, is one of the first African players to become a major international soccer star. Having represented his country in three World Cups, Milla attained international stardom at the age of 38 when most footballers retire! Wearing the famous number 9 soccer shirt, he went on to score 4 goals in the 1990 World Cup, which got Cameroon into the quarterfinals. He also made it to Pele's list of the 125 greatest living footballers. Besides winning numerous distinctions on the soccer field, Milla serves as an Ambassador for Cameroon and UNAIDS.

Liberian George Weah played for clubs in France, Italy and England for 14 years. The year 1995 saw him become the FIFA World Player of the Year, European Footballer of the Year, and African Footballer of the Year. Considered as one of the best African footballers ever, Weah has since taken up humanitarian and political causes in Liberia. Through soccer he spreads joy and promotes education among children. As President of the Junior Professionals, Weah discovered many a talent who have gone on to play for the Liberian national team.

Lucas Radebe, former South African player and national team captain, began his career as a goalkeeper. He later moved to the Kaizer Chiefs where he played as a midfielder. Radebe then joined the South African National Team in 1992. The year 1994 saw him move to wear the Leeds United soccer uniforms, where he became a huge soccer star and captain. Radebe was also captain of the South African national team during the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Radebe is FIFA's Ambassador for the SOS Children's Villages.

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