This product is like new. At NexWave Games, like new means:
Additionally, all discs at NexWave Games are carefully inspected and assessed for quality. When discs arrive, we do not accept any that are so badly damaged that they are unlikely to work. We only accept discs with light scratches at most. Discs with scratches are then treated in our professional disc repair machine. By warming the disc and polishing it with soft brushes, these machines can remove a very thin layer from the disc. This removes the layer containing surface scratches and improves the disc’s readability. This ensures the disc works properly, even on consoles with ageing lasers that have difficulty reading games! Great news for the player.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2 for PlayStation 2
Pro Evolution Soccer 2 for PlayStation 2 lets you build attacks through passing, runs and attention to the opposition. You choose when to accelerate, lay the ball back or send an attacker through. Differences between players affect those decisions: someone who holds the ball well fulfils a different role from a fast dribbler. Repeatedly taking the same route makes you easier to stop. Moving the ball between several players pulls the defence apart and creates space for a shot.
The Master League gives you a team to develop over time. A third division expands its competition structure, while contract negotiations and cup fixtures add further choices. You consider not only the next opponent, but also your squad's composition and fitness. Substitutions and rotation thus serve a practical purpose. Outside this career, you can play individual matches, leagues and cup tournaments or use the training section to practise the controls, teamwork and set pieces.
The editing options let you change players, names and kits, among other things. You can therefore put your own stamp on teams that are not represented entirely officially. You play the football itself alone against the computer or locally with others. Two participants use two controllers; more participants require extra controllers and PS2 Multitap accessories. The PS2 version supports up to eight simultaneous players, using two Multitaps. Cooperating within one team also calls for communication about positioning and possession.
Region and language
Our PlayStation 2 games are PAL editions and come with a Dutch or English box, unless stated otherwise. By default, you receive the version for the European market. We note it in the product details if the region is different or the box is in another language. In almost all cases, the game is playable at least in English, and often in the other five common European languages too.
Manual
Pro Evolution Soccer 2 for PlayStation 2 includes the manual unless the product title states otherwise. If the booklet is missing, the title says “No Manual”. This lets you see before ordering whether the game comes with a manual.
The manuals included with our games usually contain at least English and often around six European languages. The exact languages vary by edition, so Dutch is not always included. The booklet explains the controls and the main rules. You can use it to check how to control the game, which actions are available and how its different features work.
The history of Pro Evolution Soccer 2
Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo developed Pro Evolution Soccer 2, which was released for PlayStation 2 in Europe in October 2002. It was the next step after the first Pro Evolution Soccer from 2001 and belonged to the same international football line as Winning Eleven. Konami also released a version for the original PlayStation, but the PS2 edition has its own technical and gameplay characteristics. Support for eight local participants allowed a large group to join the same match simultaneously, sharing responsibilities within the teams.
Development went beyond new squads or a different year on the box. The Tokyo team worked on dribbling, passing and the attributes that distinguish footballers. At the same time, the Master League grew through a third division and more extensive player contract arrangements. Cup fixtures during the league season made planning with your available players more important. These changes strengthened the link between football on the screen and decisions between matches, without removing direct control of your team.
Konami also described Pro Evolution Soccer 2's European success in its financial reporting. The company reported more than a million copies sold in Europe during the financial year concerned. This places the release in the period when the series secured an established position alongside other major football names. The editor and Master League remained recognisable elements. This edition preserves their 2002 form, before later games restructured the career again and introduced additional rewards.
Similar games for PlayStation 2
The first Pro Evolution Soccer already combines direct football with building a team in the Master League. Pro Evolution Soccer 2 continues that approach but adds a third division, contract choices and cup fixtures. This gives you more reasons to plan ahead and manage your squad. The foundation remains familiar: better results help your team progress, while you still have to execute every attack yourself during the match.
Pro Evolution Soccer 3 retains teamwork and the Master League, but reworks movement and ball behaviour. The PES Shop also adds extras that you unlock with earned points. In Pro Evolution Soccer 2, long-term development comes primarily from the competition and your squad. Playing both therefore reveals a similar football philosophy, with different execution on the pitch and a more extensive reward layer in the third game.
This Is Football 2002 also offers competitions, tactical choices and customisable teams. Historic clubs and special tournaments give it a different range of fixtures. Pro Evolution Soccer 2 focuses longer-term development through the Master League on promotion, contracts and strengthening your squad. Both games let you adapt a formation to your players. The difference therefore lies not only in the controls, but also in the context in which you play an entire season.
This Is Football 2003 approaches team development through a Career in which you can grow from a lowly starting point towards professional football. Available money determines which reinforcements are attainable. Pro Evolution Soccer 2 also offers long-term development through the Master League, but organises it around its own divisions and contracts. Both link transfers to matches you play yourself. Sony sets out a different career path, while Konami further expands its existing Master League.
RedCard shares the football pitch, full teams and direct control of possession with Pro Evolution Soccer 2. Its emphasis shifts, however, towards heavy actions, exaggerated movements and temporary boosts. In Konami's game, a pass primarily needs to suit the receiver's position and qualities. RedCard instead makes physical incidents an important part of the entertainment. Creating a chance consequently requires different judgements in each game, even when the same attack starts down the wing.
