Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 (PES 2011) is a football video game in the Pro Evolution Soccer series being developed and published by Konami with production assistance from the Blue Sky Team. This is the unrivaled and award winning football simulation starting its first season on Nokia’s new Symbian devices! Konami has a deep, rich history in creating top-notch game titles such as Metal Gear, Dance Dance Revolution, Contra, and many more. Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 lives up to the Konami name in gaming.

OK, let’s talk about graphics first.

Playing this on the Nokia N8 fully utilizes the graphic processing and raw speed of this device. Smooth, crisp, clear graphics and animations that will leave you left in awe.

The game play is real nice. With the 5 different game modes (Quick Match, Exhibition, UEFA Club Competitions, League Cup, and Training), there are always new challenges ahead of you. In UEFA Club Competitions mode, I currently started a career with my favorite team, Internazionale (aka Inter Milan). As you can see, you pretty much have full control of nearly every aspect of the game. You can edit your lineups, change your depth charts, swap out your team strategy and formations, you name it and you can edit it. Once you finish with the settings, you’re ready to hit the pitch.

I really appreciate the simplicity of the game controls. Again, on the Nokia N8 you have a virtual key pad on your left, and your action buttons on the right. At first you might run into the same problem I had while starting this game… you turn over the ball every time you touch it. Don’t worry! The more you play, the more you will get a feel for how and where you should move, as well as when to make a quick pass or a short cross to your striker for a last minute goal to send your squad to victory! OK, maybe you won’t learn that over night, but trust me; keep at it and you’ll get there. And if all else fails, you can drop the difficulty mode down to rookie. That works just as well.

I can’t stress enough how much love and care has been put into this game by Konami. From the smooth graphics and animations, to the fantastic game play, down to the small details of the game menus; they really took out all the stops. I find myself getting lost in one quick game, that suddenly extends to 5 or 6 games instead. Another really addicting part of this game for me is the Penalty Kicks mini-game within the Training Mode. Great stuff all around. A strong recommendation to add to your Nokia gaming collection.

Take a look at Konami’s teaser video. Understood, the game play looks like it is from the XBOX 360, but still this will get you amped for the mobile version:

Cheers to Konami for the video.

Don’t try to cheat your way to the top. I tried and I got a Yellow card.

If at first you don’t succeed at this game, practice! That’s exactly what the Training mode is all about.

GAME ON.

This app is currently available for new Symbian devices including the Nokia N8 and Nokia E7. It can be downloaded for $4.99 (USD) in Ovi Store. Download it here.