Superior online multiplayer pushes Wii version of soccer sim past its high-def competitors.

Cristiano Ronaldo graces the PES 2008 cover solo.

Citing improved gameplay and better reviews, the lead designer of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 has proclaimed the Wii version superior to its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 counterparts. European Project Lead Jon Murphy stated in an interview with Next Generation on Friday that Konami's commitment to fine-tuning the 2008 game was critical in making the Wii version a success.

The game formerly known as Winning Eleven has apparently goaled on Wii, earning an aggregate score of 86 on Metacritic, which easily tops the 78 earned by the Xbox 360 version and 74 on PlayStation 3. Performance problems plagued the next-gen versions of the game, which have been fixed in the delayed Wii release. As Murphy claimed, "PES 2008 for Wii isn't just a good football game, it is an ambitious one - and the team's efforts have paid off enormously."

With so many multi-platform gamers struggling to determine whether the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 version of a game is better, PES 2008 is a radical departure from a trend in which Wii games are seen as inferior. Murphy contends that the game isn't just better on Wii because it fixes the problems found on the other two consoles though, going as far to assert online superiority. "The Wii version offers the best online experience to date. Online play is the logical next step to extend the competitive nature of the game and will be vital in the progression of the series."

Online play has been a point of criticism for many Wii games, marking PES 2008 as only the second title on the console to receive any praise for the quality of its online multiplayer. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, which experienced a number of server troubles following its release in early March, was the first.

we already knew this leo-j =), they have put much effort in the wii version, that's why it took so much time for it to come out.

i bought it yesterday, it's quite difficult but it's amazing, the controls work crystal clear!

What Im suprised the most of is that the online on the wii is superior? Thats something I didnt expect.

I thought MoH:H2 was the first game to be praised for its online quality.

Good that online play has been made with full of heart.

It'll be interesting to see what happens next year when the game releases simultaneously cross platforms.

Without a doubt, the besty forty dollar purchase I have made for Wii.

This game is better than the XBOX360/PS3 version simply based on controls alone. Thee online, while fairly nice, was just a throw in when you really think about it. The core of the game play is what makes this title outpace thee other versions.

I think all team sports game should go ahead and steal the style used in Pro Evolution. Moving players off the ball in a basketball game would be awesome (setting a pick on the blocks, running plays, lead bounce passes ect.) and we know how easy it could be used in American football games.

Moving players on the diamond for the best position in baseball would be very nice and hockey could basically play like a faster paced version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 and lose absolutely no integrity.

Come on developers, be lazy and copy this scheme for sports gaming.

Will this lead to great Wii PES sales in Europe/PAL areas? Either this year or next?

Good for Wii owners and PES fans. I still prefer FIFA simply because they have all the licenses etc

@smbu2000:

Well in the UK it's already being advertised with Ian Wright playing.