There are a few drawbacks in WE9 which we have to address. First, there’s a lack of linesman on the field. Offsides are still called, but how they do it is beyond me--must be an invisible linesman. Second, the menu system is just plain bad. It does not have the polish of the “other” series and just feels bad. There are lots of icons, and I find it difficult to navigate through some of the options. Again, the manual does a great job in explaining it, but there are so many option menus, it feels like there’s a lot of work just to change a formation.

One in game drawback is the substitutions. I have no problem loading data to go to the subs screen; however I do have a problem having the screen go pitch black with just crowd audio while the sub is taking place. You have no idea if your PS2 has died or locked up during this time. It’s extremely noticeable and rather annoying. Luckily you’re going to experience this at most 6 or so times during a game but here’s hoping next year this can be addressed.

Overall, if you’ve been dying to play WE online, run to the store right now and pick this one up. The ranking system is a novel idea and gives plenty of incentive to practice. Non-online gamers may have a tough time shelling out for an ‘update,’ however with new licensed leagues and club teams; I can say that this one is very much worth it. I just hope for a bigger graphical and audio overhaul for Winning Eleven 10.