In something of a shocker (inasmuch as there are “shockers” in the realm of imaginary soccer video games), Microsoft announced this week announced deals with both Electronic Arts and Konami that will make the XBox 360 the exclusive home of the next versions of FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer (Winning Eleven), respectively. So if you’re into video soccer, then the PS3 will not be the next-gen gaming platform for you!

Given that there really isn’t much of a convincing story around the PS3 right now (probably won’t be fully built out and stocked until late in the spring), this probably isn’t such a big deal. But I’m just psyched I’ll be able to rock the Winning Eleven on my XBox.

I look forward to seeing Camena in HD!

Link:
Xbox 360 Becomes the Home of Next-Gen Soccer [GameDaily]

So I’m playing a little Winning Eleven, guiding the boys through their first season, when the XBox crashes (it does that a lot these days; poor little guy).

So I switch back to TV to catch the end of the (always excellent, UK-produced) EPL Preview show on Fox Soccer Channel, and whose voice do I hear but Winning Eleven/ Pro Evolution Soccer commentator Peter Brackley’s! Peter Brackley on my very own TV! Just moments after he’d been pronouncing words like “Ximelez” and “Iouga.”

Anyway, that’s what he looks like. And I definitely need to know more about this “stand-up comedy routine” from his bio.

(This is all a long way of saying that it was almost like playing an American sports video game.)

So the Winning Eleven 9 West Coast squad has kicked off its 2006-2007 campaign. Which brings up an important queston. A very important question. Especially on Valentine’s Day. If you had to set up your sister with a member of the original Camena squad, who would it be? Remember, this is for posterity, so be honest.

If you’ve got ideas and/ or rationales, drop ‘em in the comments.

So today’s the big day. Or at least yesterday was supposed to be the big day, but due the peculiarities of the video game supply chain and distribution model, games that officially launch on a Tuesday don’t actually make it into stores until Wednesday. So despite the promises of game manufacturers and the gamer press, the February 7 launch date for Winning Eleven 9 actually means February 8.

(The folks at Konami really need to do something with the name — we’re edging ever closer to the release of Winning Eleven 11, an event which might tear a hole in the space-time continuum and make little Ximelez’s head explode.)

I really wouldn’t bring this up save for the fact that I rolled into two (2) stores yesterday trying desperately to purchase Winning Eleven 9, to no avail. I might also add that the exact same thing happened to me last year. And the year before that. I just keep thinking that this is going to be the year when they actually release the product on the day that the web sites say they will! I long to begin the extensive and arduous task of building up my Master League squad! And changing the uniforms!

And yes, I’ll be turning 30 this year.

Link:
Winning Eleven [Wikipedia]