If I had to choose one version from all PESes to represent the essence of the series, it’d be tough but I’d go for PES3. That was the last version where I never noticed any scripting. There probably was scripting, but it was so subtle that I never noticed it. Also Stoichkov in PES3 was the best left-footed striker I’ve ever played with on PES.

I have spent the afternoon revisiting PES tiltles, my favourite being PES4. Played 4 games in ML, I like that the players are chunky, like the old days on ISS. Your defenders don’t go wandering, when you play a pass it sticks like glue to players feet (granted I am Barca in the ML) lofted through balls are more accurate, scoring opportunities are harder to come by, although I did scored 2 long range screamers with the left foot of Motta. P4 W2 D2 F4 A2. A classic game, think I will compete in a ML on this version with the defaults.

It’s a shame as there are some genuine must-have games on the PSP in my opinion. Syphon Filter, Metal Gear, PES (of course), Monster Hunter, Patapon, Disgaea, Final Fantasy Tactics (the FFVII-derived Chrono Trigger is out next month), and many many more. Sony, if you’re reading this, hire me.

My last handheld was a Gameboy Colour, that use to lock up after you’d forgot to save it for half hour, always annoying!