This generation has not been great for the once-imperious Pro Evolution Soccer, with some ropy instalments seeing it finally fall behind the FIFA behemoth. However, Konami have at least had the decency to allow PC gamers in on the party, with the same PES being released on the three main platforms (unlike FIFA - see the next page).

Never is this more in evidence than in 2010, with the PC version coming replete with Xbox 360 instructions -press A etc - and even a great big picture of a 360 pad in the configuration section. Which brings us clumsily to the games major improvement, that of 360 dribbling. Like this years console FIFA, the arcane eight-way control system has been replaced by a more realistic affair, and once youve tried it there really is no going back. This new system offers far greater control over player movement, providing of course you have a decent analogue pad.

Elsewhere, for the brave (or stupid), manual goalkeepers are available, enabling you to take complete control of the hapless berk between the sticks.

The player animations have also been improved, and their little legs pump away at a frantic pace, with a largely high-tempo approach. With practice, some intelligent possession football can be played however, and its not simply a case of tearing down the wings and whipping a hopeful ball into the mixer - although that of course is still effective.