When it comes to soccer games, fans of this international sport are faced with a choice. Do we go for the FIFA approved (and visually impressive) EA Sports FIFA Soccer franchise or do we go for the fast-paced, equally fun soccer game that is the Winning Eleven series? While EA Sports’ game has always been a more serious soccer simulator, Winning Eleven’s style is more about the arcade-styled soccer action. Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 for the PSP brings us more action-packed soccer that has enough soccer fun to give soccer fans a lot to like.

The PSP version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 includes a Training Mode that allows gamers to learn all the basic controls and player skills you can use on the field. There is, of course, Exhibition Mode that pits you against any of the teams available on the roster and you can even hop straight to the Penalties. Then there is League Mode, a kind of season mode that takes your favorite team through a number of matches in a single or multiple seasons. Then there’s Cup Mode, a mode that allows you to compete in a number of cup competitions like the International Cup or the made up Konami Cup.

While those modes offer enough soccer action for any fan, it is Master League Mode that is the real meat of the game. It not only covers every aspect of your favorite team’s every business but also follows them on qualifying matches through various cup games for their shot at glory through an unlimited amount of seasons. You can literally play forever as well as use WEN points you earn throughout the game to purchase new items and extras for your team. It is here where you will even take care of your team’s finances, enter negotiations to “buy” new players and even offer trades for star players. This year sees the additions of teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal as well as a few other club teams and international teams (say hello to Togo that played in the last World Cup).

As far as the controls are concerned, the second analog stick will certainly be missed but Konami does a great job of making use off the PSP. Making passes, dribbling and making shots at the goal are handled well enough for a PSP game and this makes the Winning Eleven style of gameplay work beautifully. Everything from free kicks to throw ins are easy to execute and it’s possible to not to see the same goal in an entire match. Even the teams don’t play alike; meaning many of the top teams such as Argentina will give your average ranking team a run for their money.

It is the FIFA Soccer franchise that actually has all the licensed players accurately playing for their team but Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 does bring star players to the roster. You can expect to see Crouch play for England, Dida play for Brazil and Marquez play for Mexico. The rest of the lineup is composed of players created to fill the roster list, but one of the best things about Winning Eleven has always been the options given to gamers to create their own players or design their own updated roster.

The graphics leave much to be desired, especially for those who have seen the console versions. Still, the star players are rendered beautifully and their faces do resemble many of the top players of your favorite team. There are also plenty of animations and the players move realistically enough despite some pesky clipping problems. The stadiums don’t look as impressive either as well but at least the replays look good and the best part is that you can save your favorite goals to your memory stick.

When it comes to the sound, however, the game lacks many of the things that would have given this game a televised match feel. There are no commentators to be found in the game unless you count the announcer who shouts “Goal!” As for the game’s music, a tune or two is used repeatedly and adds very little to the game. Hearing the crowds chanting, singing and cheering wildly does sound good coming out of the PSP speakers.

Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 is a deeply enjoyable soccer game that fits nicely on the PSP despite the lack of juicy licensed teams found in EA Sports’ own soccer game. Still, if you have been looking for an engrossing game of soccer that throws deeply involving game modes your way then this is a game you will want to buy. Believe me when I say that this is portable soccer at its most enjoyable so do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

Gameplay: 8.5
Fast-paced and easy-to-get-into, this is one seriously fun and addictive soccer title. While the PSP control scheme might not be most ideal for a soccer title, it’s not a bad one either. The game modes are deep and you can always create your own cup games or team.

Graphics: 7.0
Many of the recognizable players like Beckham, Zidane or Ronaldinho look like the real deal during replays and close-ups but other than that the character models are not as good as EA Sports FIFA Soccer franchise. Even the stadiums don’t look as good but at least there are plenty of animations and the replays look magnificent.

Sound: 6.0
The recycled music doesn’t suit the game at all and the lack of commentary during matches makes the game feel rather empty. At least you can hear the fans cheering and chanting and a commentator announce each goal.

Difficulty: Medium
The game is wonderfully challenging even in the Amateur difficulty setting and the other team is able to come up with some decent defensive strategies. Many teams play at the appropriate levels so expect Brazil to play like, well, Brazil.

Concept: 8.0
Master League is a deeply involving game mode and you have the freedom to create your team from scratch or update a roster to stay current. There are plenty of teams to take out into the field including the likes of Manchester United. Sadly, no Mexican or South American clubs make it this year (sorry Cruz Azul fans and River Plate devotees). There’s multiplayer and it is good despite the fact that there’s no option to play online.

Multiplayer: 7.5
Unfortunately, Konami hasn’t added online multiplayer to this 2007 edition but the two-player Ad Hoc multiplayer works perfectly enough without any glitches or slowdowns. It’s a fun mode worth sharing with a friend.

Overall: 8.5
While EA Sports has the more attractive-looking soccer game for the PSP, it is Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 that has the style and addictive gameplay. Even without licensed teams, there is a lot this game has going for it and enough game modes to make this is great portable soccer game for sports fans.