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Given the constraints of the PSP’s relatively small screen (at least when compared to that 60” plasma in your living room), creating a playable soccer game on the system is a bit more of a logistical hurdle than one might expect. Even on consoles, fitting the enormous pitch on the screen—along with 22 constantly moving players—is easier said than done, often making the action feel—not unlike an estranged lover—oh so very far away.

Konami’s PSP port of the latest in its seminal soccer series, Winning Eleven 9, addresses this problem by keeping its camera constantly zoomed in on those closest to the ball. While the result is impressively big players and a crisp, up-close view of the action, this also proves to be the game’s biggest failing: the inability to see enough of the field means too many blind passes, and the fact that the camera is locked in this position means you’re simply stuck with it. For a sport that’s so reliant on one’s view and understanding of the entire field, this proves detrimental.

That said, the game still manages to shine on nearly every other front. Like its PS2 sibling, WE9 manages to effectively capture the pace and subtlety of the sport with ease. Leading your opponent, playing the ball to space, and plenty of on- and off-the-ball options (chip passes, a number of different dribble moves and jukes) are all integrated well, giving the game the realistic tempo the series is now famous for. Consistent with other games in the series, the animations are extremely well done and varied, making every fight for possession, every dribble move, and every shot on goal feel like a small battle unto itself. Indeed, this sort of faithful, varied action does more to make you feel like you’re playing a real soccer game than any number of intro sequences, fancy menus, or in-game announcers ever could (we’re looking at you here, FIFA).

That said, it lacks some of the niceties of EA’s rendition of the sport: the aforementioned in-game commentary, the PSP-friendly, pick-up-and-play situation-based modes, as well as the licensed soundtrack and generally superior presentation. Also, as is the case in EA’s game (and many other PSP games, to be fair), the analog nub can be a bit fidgety; it’s too easy to dribble the ball out of bounds when you’re simply trying to race down the sideline. We know it frustrating, but remember: Don’t throw your PSP. It will break, and you will be sad.

An online multiplayer option and the ability to share data between the PS2 and PSP versions of the game extend the action nicely; you’re able to start a season and go back and forth between the two along the way, maintaining your stats and scores on each. But at the end of the day, it’s that winning Winning Eleven feel that makes this one as addictive as ever: expectant WE9 owners should anticipate plenty of sore thumbs and “disappointed” spouses in their near future…