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Wewp! Sports posted a hands-on preview of an Alpha version of ESPN MLS GameNight in early June. Even in its Alpha stage, the game played well. The developers have evidently been hard at work, as the Beta version contains some very noticeable enhancements. I have been quite vocal in recent years about console soccer games. I have maintained that Konami, hands-down, produces the best soccer titles on the planet. After playing the latest build of ESPN MLS GameNight, I have no reason to change my opinion.

ESPN MLS GameNight has licenses from both ESPN and MLS. The interface and graphics sport the ESPN logo and overall "look." All 12 MLS franchises are in the game, complete with updated rosters. Additionally, there are 53 International squads. The user can choose between Spanish and English commentary. Louis Tapia handles the Spanish commentary, while Bob Ley delivers the commentary in English. A full range of options is offered to the gamer, including a setting for speed of the gameplay.

Since I already covered quite a bit in the preview of the Alpha version, I will try to hit on the points that I missed in that particular preview. The introductory FMV is standard fare. High energy music plays behind a fast-paced sequence of MLS highlights. The FMV is done very nicely, and sets a good tone for the game. The stadiums and players look very nice (Be sure to take a look at the new screens we posted). In particular, the animations are varied and look convincing. Through playing 15 matches, I was still seeing animations that I had not previously observed. In particular, the play near the boundary lines looks good. The players will continue their animations, heading the ball or kicking, even as they go out of bounds. It is a realistic effect.

Player control was something that needed some tweaking. I am happy to report that control of the players has improved. The players move beautifully, and are very responsive to user input. Although ESPN MLS GameNight uses an automatic switching scheme when the user is on defense, the CPU's choice can be overridden by pressing the L1 button to switch to a different player. This game also has a realistic system of collision detection. It is the best of any console soccer title I have played. The players interact with each other in a convincing manner. Each player is rated in terms of physics. Some players are very easy to challenge and steal the ball from, while others are very strong and tough to successfully challenge. The great one-on-one element in MLS GameNight begs the user to zoom the camera. Overall, the gameplay has a realistic feel and seems intuitive.

I hate to make any bold predictions based on a Beta version of a game, but I can safely say that ESPN MLS GameNight is destined to be a fantastic soccer title. The physics of the ball and the players is second to none. The game has enough options, modes of play, and stats to give it a high replay value. Even if you are not a big fan of Major League Soccer you should be on the watch for this game later this summer. ESPN MLS GameNight appears that it might be one of those sports titles that transcends its genre in offering a fun gaming experience, regardless of the specific sport it portrays.