The Retro-PES Corner

I have somethong else to say, though.
It is about WE6FE for the NGC.

I have translsted the game years ago (until 10 years ago, pretty much around this time), when i suddenly got heavy health problems, and since then, even though i beat the illness, i never felt "normal" since.
If its about life and death, at least in my case, i didnt think about gaming or anything else. Im sure the patch wouldve been finished already a long time ago if it wasnt for becoming (potentially terminally) ill.

A few month ago itried to look into everything again, but its overwhelming. I forgot about the majority.

And i would need help anyway, to finish this.
Especially with the bitmaps.
But im also looking for someone who might be able to make an option file editor for the NGC Version of WE6FE. That would be amazing.

I never wouldve put in so much work onto it, if it wasnt worth it.
WE6FE for the NGC is not only by far the best football game on the ngc, but it is also the superior version of the existing two (The other being the PS2 version).
And aside from WE9LE (and WE9JL), its my favourite football game ever.

So i would continue with the project, but only if i get some help from people who have the knowledge and who are serious about it.

There is obviously a lot more to talk about.
I also have some other ideas to improve the game. i tried out a few things, but wasnt actually very succesful.

Also im on my phone right now, and it sucks to type longer posts on the phone.



This looks wonderful. I also love your WE6FE goals compilation, showcasing this masterpiece. Pure football.

I hope you manage to find the help required to finish your excellent work. But of course, always health first and foremost. 🙌

 
Thanks, that's the one I currently use.
Are you using Dolphin emulator for NGC ? If so, what settings do you recommend ? First time using Dolphin to emulate WE6FE. Game runs great but has these choppy sequences. Also, unsure how to load the option file from that YouTube video I sent you. Any help would greatly be appreciated.
 
PES 2013 PS2 for PC Emulator Patch is now complete!

The download link is available in the first post of my topic. I hope you all enjoy it! Feel free to leave your feedback in my topic.
The CPU is very aggressive, and the HD textures look very clean. I hope I've done a good job. Enjoy! :BEER:
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View attachment 202721View attachment 202722
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(2004) Winning Eleven 7 International-J (19 th anniversary) [2003-04]
https://www.mediafire.com/file/cleraep1kljcjpp/(2004)+Winning+Eleven+7+International.ISO/file

A patch tribute wendetta. The kits of the national teams correspond to before the Euro 2004 except France, Germany and Japan, who had been playing with new adidas kits since the end of 2003. The launch date of the game in February of that years and 2003-04 teams, world patch port from pc to ps2, a tribute patch wendetta database

Optional and necessary: option file I correct some all faces and wrong names
https://www.mediafire.com/file/i02v...T+WS_________7I+_________+(A6CC024F).max/file

The game comes in your favorite language but you must change the language to the Japanese audio so that all the content of the patch is seen the same as the original Wendetta game
Would you re up bro. Regards.
 
Are you using Dolphin emulator for NGC ? If so, what settings do you recommend ? First time using Dolphin to emulate WE6FE. Game runs great but has these choppy sequences. Also, unsure how to load the option file from that YouTube video I sent you. Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Yes I’m using Dolphin. I have a pretty powerful PC so I just max everything out, 4K, 16xAF, AA etc. Keep the game in 4:3 aspect ratio and don’t force widescreen as it will stretch the image. There is a way to create a widescreen ‘patch’ similar to how it’s done on PCSX2 through the use of Action Replay/Gecko codes but I’ve not found one so far for this particular title. Might be a future idea to get AI assistance to help write one. If you experience stuttering it often is caused by texture caching and should get smoother over time.
 
View attachment 202721View attachment 202722
View attachment 202723View attachment 202724
View attachment 202725View attachment 203930

(2004) Winning Eleven 7 International-J (19 th anniversary) [2003-04]
https://www.mediafire.com/file/cleraep1kljcjpp/(2004)+Winning+Eleven+7+International.ISO/file

A patch tribute wendetta. The kits of the national teams correspond to before the Euro 2004 except France, Germany and Japan, who had been playing with new adidas kits since the end of 2003. The launch date of the game in February of that years and 2003-04 teams, world patch port from pc to ps2, a tribute patch wendetta database

Optional and necessary: option file I correct some all faces and wrong names
https://www.mediafire.com/file/i02v...T+WS_________7I+_________+(A6CC024F).max/file

The game comes in your favorite language but you must change the language to the Japanese audio so that all the content of the patch is seen the same as the original Wendetta game
WE7 International (ISO) is down too.
 
The more I play WE6FE (Gamecube) version the more I like it. WE9AC and Kick Off on (Switch 2) have been getting dusty. Something about WE6FE and the flow of the game, player positioning, and the stuff I can't really explain it in words. The game just feels good. What a masterpiece.
 
Last edited:
View attachment 202721View attachment 202722
View attachment 202723View attachment 202724
View attachment 202725View attachment 203930

(2004) Winning Eleven 7 International-J (19 th anniversary) [2003-04]
https://www.mediafire.com/file/cleraep1kljcjpp/(2004)+Winning+Eleven+7+International.ISO/file

A patch tribute wendetta. The kits of the national teams correspond to before the Euro 2004 except France, Germany and Japan, who had been playing with new adidas kits since the end of 2003. The launch date of the game in February of that years and 2003-04 teams, world patch port from pc to ps2, a tribute patch wendetta database

Optional and necessary: option file I correct some all faces and wrong names
https://www.mediafire.com/file/i02v...T+WS_________7I+_________+(A6CC024F).max/file

The game comes in your favorite language but you must change the language to the Japanese audio so that all the content of the patch is seen the same as the original Wendetta game
Does anyone have the link for Winning Eleven 7 International?
 
The more I play WE6FE (Gamecube) version the more I like it. WE9AC and Kick Off on (Switch 2) have been getting dusty. Something about WE6FE and the flow of the game, player positioning, and the stuff I can't really explain it in words. The game just feels good. What a masterpiece.
latest chapter of that series (PES2/WE6), was released at march 2003 for USA and american market as Winning Eleven 6 International for PS2... So maybe you can apreceate also that game-play
 
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I discovered I could run PS2 games on my HEN PS3 Slim. Threw PES 3 on it with the original season option file. I can't stop playing. My favourite PES finally on console again instead of PCSX2. Thing is that no matter what settings I put on the latest version of PCSX2, the game felt laggy and not as responsive as I remembered it (optimal frame pacing is on and vsync off on a 240hz monitor but still). My PS3 though runs it perfectly with no lag at all.

Did a World Cup run with England and won the thing. Started ML with MU, I just barely got promoted to Div1 after a really tough and fun season. Paused ML and I'm doing a Euro 2004 run with Greece (trying to simulate the actual season calendar from back then) and then it's ML again. PES 3 is the only football I cannot put down. For some reason this gameplay and flow is just pure magic, every match feels totally different and scoring is the most rewarding in the series. I also love how bouncy the goalnets are, scoring belters and watching the ball go all over the place after it hits the net is a dopamine fix no other game provides.

I really do believe it is the greatest football game ever made and no other version of PES or WE comes close to how this one feels and the gameplay moments it provides. WE7i is just a needlessly tweaked version of PES 3 in my opinion and just not as good. The original japanese WE7 which has the original gameplay tuning doesn't do it for me either. Also PES 2 and anything before PES 3 is much more fun to play on PS1.
 
I discovered I could run PS2 games on my HEN PS3 Slim. Threw PES 3 on it with the original season option file. I can't stop playing. My favourite PES finally on console again instead of PCSX2. Thing is that no matter what settings I put on the latest version of PCSX2, the game felt laggy and not as responsive as I remembered it (optimal frame pacing is on and vsync off on a 240hz monitor but still). My PS3 though runs it perfectly with no lag at all.

Did a World Cup run with England and won the thing. Started ML with MU, I just barely got promoted to Div1 after a really tough and fun season. Paused ML and I'm doing a Euro 2004 run with Greece (trying to simulate the actual season calendar from back then) and then it's ML again. PES 3 is the only football I cannot put down. For some reason this gameplay and flow is just pure magic, every match feels totally different and scoring is the most rewarding in the series. I also love how bouncy the goalnets are, scoring belters and watching the ball go all over the place after it hits the net is a dopamine fix no other game provides.

I really do believe it is the greatest football game ever made and no other version of PES or WE comes close to how this one feels and the gameplay moments it provides. WE7i is just a needlessly tweaked version of PES 3 in my opinion and just not as good. The original japanese WE7 which has the original gameplay tuning doesn't do it for me either. Also PES 2 and anything before PES 3 is much more fun to play on PS1.

I still play PES 3 and do some modding to this day it's still an amazing game. If ever there was a football game that was ahead of its time it's PES 3.
 
Hi all - Hope you can help me on this:

I'm looking for a PSP WE/PES game patched with the latest (or the available) J.League teams that I can find. The hardest part is that I'd like to play this on my PSP native, not on PPSSPP. Is there any modded ISO, or even a clean ISO + OF that I can easily plug in on native console, not emulator? I don't mind not having the latest season textures nor players names, just the right Team name and color would work!

Thank you all for just reading this!
 
Hi all - Hope you can help me on this:

I'm looking for a PSP WE/PES game patched with the latest (or the available) J.League teams that I can find. The hardest part is that I'd like to play this on my PSP native, not on PPSSPP. Is there any modded ISO, or even a clean ISO + OF that I can easily plug in on native console, not emulator? I don't mind not having the latest season textures nor players names, just the right Team name and color would work!

Thank you all for just reading this!
I doubt it can exists an PSP iso with what you search inside it
 
I decided to have some fun with AI (Chat GPT) and ask this question. It's quite a bit of reading but well worth it.

Question was:

What makes WE6FE on Gamecube so great and superior to other PES/WE titles like PES5/WE9LE/JLWE9AC/PES3 and other titles?

ANSWER:

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/l-Q8lJ5I5Xw5Lh9hl5GEP1ydleb1CNjvI0zbIzLmJBYBLit_UViWjtGf1D5zDsXVW37e0E0hHPjxnqr9ZbWA2OapqVT8NOn-DDuRKTa7_uyf-MgosNPyWKyixCnInKkRyq18SdfAkXIiArkOo5pb5nWxkqv44VWYPa31TKUb-ihJMiZG-gG79wN1WhfrnsOC?purpose=fullsize

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/VgxezE5MUZ9FViLWcEO8rNy_qXx8Jde0BEvL8i4FFldk2ENcwmgSlNPY_BzAZy2cL_lvV84lZM7-WKu2bcByrLbmyGB9oP3GbTW4xHaStB74V0GN_-z-fsB8Vi1E1bpIHeleY4we7jlnG5Rf0BDhG93nhRZD4tM5mzNghwc_NLcfz7eOOPcBj1daU-ioVvlD?purpose=fullsize

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/0QvU8gX4GSschg2C4SRzE2QjP38465y-6Cbq4YQmsSNy0SGG3UhNzFu3sNtkFeqJs0kZy3jJ15W2Xxk5hKKt3TePpMABFRJh63wP92n6MjVCa9-ufiIIyHli4JgiQ_6ODXSx637UFXA8TKLHAwC4RHoAl42CzZHhAszB4-yZ6HgDRo6AovXgu_cNCc-zLXcp?purpose=fullsize



Winning Eleven 6 Final Evolution (WE6FE) on GameCube has developed almost a legendary reputation because many fans feel it represents a "sweet spot" in the series: the realism of the older WE games, but before some later titles became more rigid, scripted, or overly focused on ratings and physical battles.

Here is why people put it above games like PES 5, WE9LE, J.League WE9 Asia Championship, PES3, etc.

1. The gameplay balance is almost perfect​

WE6FE is not as arcade-like as earlier PES/ISS games, but it is also not as heavy and slow as some later titles.

  • Passing feels natural.
  • First touches matter.
  • Through balls are powerful but not automatic.
  • Defenders feel intelligent without being impossible.
  • Players have weight, but they are not stuck in mud.
A lot of people describe it as having the "football feeling" — you build attacks instead of exploiting mechanics. Reviews at the time praised its open-ended attacking options and realistic match flow.

2. The animation system is incredible for its era​

This is probably the biggest reason.

WE6FE has:

  • smooth player movement
  • realistic running animations
  • different shooting styles
  • believable headers
  • excellent goalkeeper animations
  • unique player characteristics
It does not look like players are sliding around a pitch. The animations are one of the reasons the game still feels good today.

3. It has a "human" feeling AI​

Compared with some later PES games, WE6FE's AI feels less predictable.

CPU teams:

  • change tactics
  • defend intelligently
  • create realistic chances
  • punish mistakes
It forces you to play football instead of just learning exploits.

4. The speed is excellent​

This is a huge debate among PES fans.

Many later games:

  • PES 5 / WE9LE → slower, more tactical, more physical
  • PES6 / WE10 → faster, more attacking
WE6FE sits in the middle:

  • enough time to think
  • enough responsiveness to dribble
  • not too frantic
It feels like a real match tempo.

5. Master League is extremely addictive​

WE6FE's Master League has a special charm:

  • fictional starting players (Castolo, Minanda, etc.)
  • building a weak team into a powerhouse
  • scouting unknown players
  • developing chemistry
Later PES games expanded features, but many fans love the simplicity of this era.

6. It has "pure" football mechanics​

A big reason older fans prefer it:

There are fewer artificial systems controlling the game.

Compared with later PES:

  • fewer exaggerated player battles
  • fewer unstoppable superstar runs
  • less scripting feeling
  • more emphasis on positioning and timing
You feel like you are controlling a football team, not controlling a character.

Compared directly:​

WE6FE vs PES 3​

WE6FE wins

  • better animations
  • better AI
  • more polished
  • more realistic
PES3 is great, but WE6FE feels like the refined version.

WE6FE vs PES5​

This is much closer.

PES5 advantages:

  • deeper tactics
  • tougher defensive game
  • more simulation feel
WE6FE advantages:

  • smoother
  • more fun
  • better attacking freedom
  • better animation flow
Many fans prefer WE6FE because it is more enjoyable match-to-match.

WE6FE vs WE9LE​

This is probably the hardest comparison.

WE9LE:

  • deeper
  • more tactical
  • harder
  • more realistic in some areas
WE6FE:

  • more fluid
  • more balanced
  • more "football-like"
  • less frustrating
A lot of hardcore fans consider WE9LE the ultimate simulation, while WE6FE is the ultimate fun + realism balance.

WE6FE vs J.League WE9 Asia Championship​

J.League WE9AC has:

  • more refined systems
  • newer engine improvements
  • more content
But WE6FE has that special early-PS2/GameCube-era magic where the controls and animations feel incredibly responsive.


My ranking for pure gameplay enjoyment would probably be:

  1. 🥇 Winning Eleven 6 Final Evolution (GameCube/PS2)
  2. 🥈 Winning Eleven 9 Liveware Evolution
  3. 🥉 PES 5
  4. J.League Winning Eleven 9 Asia Championship
  5. PES 3
WE6FE is not necessarily the deepest PES ever made — but it might be the one where everything came together perfectly: speed, controls, animations, AI, and that "one more match" feeling.

The GameCube version is especially sought after because it is the only GameCube entry in the PES/WE lineage and has become a bit of a cult classic.


After several games I played last night, it takes #1 spot for me. Attacking is insane, player positioning is superb, shooting is so good and long range screamers are well earned. No easy goals. The BEST REFEREE in any football game, BY FAR.
 
I decided to have some fun with AI (Chat GPT) and ask this question. It's quite a bit of reading but well worth it.

Question was:

What makes WE6FE on Gamecube so great and superior to other PES/WE titles like PES5/WE9LE/JLWE9AC/PES3 and other titles?

ANSWER:

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/l-Q8lJ5I5Xw5Lh9hl5GEP1ydleb1CNjvI0zbIzLmJBYBLit_UViWjtGf1D5zDsXVW37e0E0hHPjxnqr9ZbWA2OapqVT8NOn-DDuRKTa7_uyf-MgosNPyWKyixCnInKkRyq18SdfAkXIiArkOo5pb5nWxkqv44VWYPa31TKUb-ihJMiZG-gG79wN1WhfrnsOC?purpose=fullsize

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/VgxezE5MUZ9FViLWcEO8rNy_qXx8Jde0BEvL8i4FFldk2ENcwmgSlNPY_BzAZy2cL_lvV84lZM7-WKu2bcByrLbmyGB9oP3GbTW4xHaStB74V0GN_-z-fsB8Vi1E1bpIHeleY4we7jlnG5Rf0BDhG93nhRZD4tM5mzNghwc_NLcfz7eOOPcBj1daU-ioVvlD?purpose=fullsize

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/0QvU8gX4GSschg2C4SRzE2QjP38465y-6Cbq4YQmsSNy0SGG3UhNzFu3sNtkFeqJs0kZy3jJ15W2Xxk5hKKt3TePpMABFRJh63wP92n6MjVCa9-ufiIIyHli4JgiQ_6ODXSx637UFXA8TKLHAwC4RHoAl42CzZHhAszB4-yZ6HgDRo6AovXgu_cNCc-zLXcp?purpose=fullsize



Winning Eleven 6 Final Evolution (WE6FE) on GameCube has developed almost a legendary reputation because many fans feel it represents a "sweet spot" in the series: the realism of the older WE games, but before some later titles became more rigid, scripted, or overly focused on ratings and physical battles.

Here is why people put it above games like PES 5, WE9LE, J.League WE9 Asia Championship, PES3, etc.

1. The gameplay balance is almost perfect​

WE6FE is not as arcade-like as earlier PES/ISS games, but it is also not as heavy and slow as some later titles.

  • Passing feels natural.
  • First touches matter.
  • Through balls are powerful but not automatic.
  • Defenders feel intelligent without being impossible.
  • Players have weight, but they are not stuck in mud.
A lot of people describe it as having the "football feeling" — you build attacks instead of exploiting mechanics. Reviews at the time praised its open-ended attacking options and realistic match flow.

2. The animation system is incredible for its era​

This is probably the biggest reason.

WE6FE has:

  • smooth player movement
  • realistic running animations
  • different shooting styles
  • believable headers
  • excellent goalkeeper animations
  • unique player characteristics
It does not look like players are sliding around a pitch. The animations are one of the reasons the game still feels good today.

3. It has a "human" feeling AI​

Compared with some later PES games, WE6FE's AI feels less predictable.

CPU teams:

  • change tactics
  • defend intelligently
  • create realistic chances
  • punish mistakes
It forces you to play football instead of just learning exploits.

4. The speed is excellent​

This is a huge debate among PES fans.

Many later games:

  • PES 5 / WE9LE → slower, more tactical, more physical
  • PES6 / WE10 → faster, more attacking
WE6FE sits in the middle:

  • enough time to think
  • enough responsiveness to dribble
  • not too frantic
It feels like a real match tempo.

5. Master League is extremely addictive​

WE6FE's Master League has a special charm:

  • fictional starting players (Castolo, Minanda, etc.)
  • building a weak team into a powerhouse
  • scouting unknown players
  • developing chemistry
Later PES games expanded features, but many fans love the simplicity of this era.

6. It has "pure" football mechanics​

A big reason older fans prefer it:

There are fewer artificial systems controlling the game.

Compared with later PES:

  • fewer exaggerated player battles
  • fewer unstoppable superstar runs
  • less scripting feeling
  • more emphasis on positioning and timing
You feel like you are controlling a football team, not controlling a character.

Compared directly:​

WE6FE vs PES 3​

WE6FE wins

  • better animations
  • better AI
  • more polished
  • more realistic
PES3 is great, but WE6FE feels like the refined version.

WE6FE vs PES5​

This is much closer.

PES5 advantages:

  • deeper tactics
  • tougher defensive game
  • more simulation feel
WE6FE advantages:

  • smoother
  • more fun
  • better attacking freedom
  • better animation flow
Many fans prefer WE6FE because it is more enjoyable match-to-match.

WE6FE vs WE9LE​

This is probably the hardest comparison.

WE9LE:

  • deeper
  • more tactical
  • harder
  • more realistic in some areas
WE6FE:

  • more fluid
  • more balanced
  • more "football-like"
  • less frustrating
A lot of hardcore fans consider WE9LE the ultimate simulation, while WE6FE is the ultimate fun + realism balance.

WE6FE vs J.League WE9 Asia Championship​

J.League WE9AC has:

  • more refined systems
  • newer engine improvements
  • more content
But WE6FE has that special early-PS2/GameCube-era magic where the controls and animations feel incredibly responsive.


My ranking for pure gameplay enjoyment would probably be:

  1. 🥇 Winning Eleven 6 Final Evolution (GameCube/PS2)
  2. 🥈 Winning Eleven 9 Liveware Evolution
  3. 🥉 PES 5
  4. J.League Winning Eleven 9 Asia Championship
  5. PES 3
WE6FE is not necessarily the deepest PES ever made — but it might be the one where everything came together perfectly: speed, controls, animations, AI, and that "one more match" feeling.

The GameCube version is especially sought after because it is the only GameCube entry in the PES/WE lineage and has become a bit of a cult classic.


After several games I played last night, it takes #1 spot for me. Attacking is insane, player positioning is superb, shooting is so good and long range screamers are well earned. No easy goals. The BEST REFEREE in any football game, BY FAR.
Of the games you mentioned, “IMHO”, WEF6FE is still the worst in terms of game-play... I don't know what you guys see in it compared to the other titles on the list, whether it's the GameCube version or the PS2 version... but I'm glad you like it. Maybe you just like simple games where you don't have to learn how to use a bunch of buttons and combos to move around... I don't know...

As long as you were comparing the GameCube and PS2 versions of that old game, it was still a fair comparison, but when you threw in the other later titles… well… I guess it’s okay that the AI is telling you that… everything’s fine then… :D

NOTE about CHAT GPT anwers:

If you phrase the question this way:

"What makes WE6FE on Gamecube so great and superior to other PES/WE titles like PES5/WE9LE/JLWE9AC/PES3 and other titles?"

it will inevitably give you an answer that aligns with the statements you’ve made... It’s not artificial intelligence; it’s an algorithm that functions as a language aggregator, that finds the pieces it has in its training database (recorded up to a certain point in time) or, at best, when it searches online, it puts together only pieces of information it finds that relate to your statement.


Anyway, the gameplay responsiveness should be considered in relation to the type of game-play and controls of same generation of games.

Of the games you mentioned, “IMHO” is still the worst in terms of game-play... I don't know what you guys see in it compared to the other titles on the list, whether it's the GameCube version or the PS2 version... but I'm glad you like it. Maybe you just like simple games where you don't have to learn how to use a bunch of buttons and combos to move around—I don't know...

As long as you were comparing the GameCube and PS2 versions of that old game, it was still a fair comparison, but when you threw in the other later titles… well… I guess it’s okay that the AI is telling you this… everything’s fine then… :D



Anyway, “the world is beautiful because of its diversity,” as some people say ;)
 
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I decided to have some fun with AI (Chat GPT) and ask this question. It's quite a bit of reading but well worth it.

Question was:

What makes WE6FE on Gamecube so great and superior to other PES/WE titles like PES5/WE9LE/JLWE9AC/PES3 and other titles?

ANSWER:

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/l-Q8lJ5I5Xw5Lh9hl5GEP1ydleb1CNjvI0zbIzLmJBYBLit_UViWjtGf1D5zDsXVW37e0E0hHPjxnqr9ZbWA2OapqVT8NOn-DDuRKTa7_uyf-MgosNPyWKyixCnInKkRyq18SdfAkXIiArkOo5pb5nWxkqv44VWYPa31TKUb-ihJMiZG-gG79wN1WhfrnsOC?purpose=fullsize

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/VgxezE5MUZ9FViLWcEO8rNy_qXx8Jde0BEvL8i4FFldk2ENcwmgSlNPY_BzAZy2cL_lvV84lZM7-WKu2bcByrLbmyGB9oP3GbTW4xHaStB74V0GN_-z-fsB8Vi1E1bpIHeleY4we7jlnG5Rf0BDhG93nhRZD4tM5mzNghwc_NLcfz7eOOPcBj1daU-ioVvlD?purpose=fullsize

https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/0QvU8gX4GSschg2C4SRzE2QjP38465y-6Cbq4YQmsSNy0SGG3UhNzFu3sNtkFeqJs0kZy3jJ15W2Xxk5hKKt3TePpMABFRJh63wP92n6MjVCa9-ufiIIyHli4JgiQ_6ODXSx637UFXA8TKLHAwC4RHoAl42CzZHhAszB4-yZ6HgDRo6AovXgu_cNCc-zLXcp?purpose=fullsize



Winning Eleven 6 Final Evolution (WE6FE) on GameCube has developed almost a legendary reputation because many fans feel it represents a "sweet spot" in the series: the realism of the older WE games, but before some later titles became more rigid, scripted, or overly focused on ratings and physical battles.

Here is why people put it above games like PES 5, WE9LE, J.League WE9 Asia Championship, PES3, etc.

1. The gameplay balance is almost perfect​

WE6FE is not as arcade-like as earlier PES/ISS games, but it is also not as heavy and slow as some later titles.

  • Passing feels natural.
  • First touches matter.
  • Through balls are powerful but not automatic.
  • Defenders feel intelligent without being impossible.
  • Players have weight, but they are not stuck in mud.
A lot of people describe it as having the "football feeling" — you build attacks instead of exploiting mechanics. Reviews at the time praised its open-ended attacking options and realistic match flow.

2. The animation system is incredible for its era​

This is probably the biggest reason.

WE6FE has:

  • smooth player movement
  • realistic running animations
  • different shooting styles
  • believable headers
  • excellent goalkeeper animations
  • unique player characteristics
It does not look like players are sliding around a pitch. The animations are one of the reasons the game still feels good today.

3. It has a "human" feeling AI​

Compared with some later PES games, WE6FE's AI feels less predictable.

CPU teams:

  • change tactics
  • defend intelligently
  • create realistic chances
  • punish mistakes
It forces you to play football instead of just learning exploits.

4. The speed is excellent​

This is a huge debate among PES fans.

Many later games:

  • PES 5 / WE9LE → slower, more tactical, more physical
  • PES6 / WE10 → faster, more attacking
WE6FE sits in the middle:

  • enough time to think
  • enough responsiveness to dribble
  • not too frantic
It feels like a real match tempo.

5. Master League is extremely addictive​

WE6FE's Master League has a special charm:

  • fictional starting players (Castolo, Minanda, etc.)
  • building a weak team into a powerhouse
  • scouting unknown players
  • developing chemistry
Later PES games expanded features, but many fans love the simplicity of this era.

6. It has "pure" football mechanics​

A big reason older fans prefer it:

There are fewer artificial systems controlling the game.

Compared with later PES:

  • fewer exaggerated player battles
  • fewer unstoppable superstar runs
  • less scripting feeling
  • more emphasis on positioning and timing
You feel like you are controlling a football team, not controlling a character.

Compared directly:​

WE6FE vs PES 3​

WE6FE wins

  • better animations
  • better AI
  • more polished
  • more realistic
PES3 is great, but WE6FE feels like the refined version.

WE6FE vs PES5​

This is much closer.

PES5 advantages:

  • deeper tactics
  • tougher defensive game
  • more simulation feel
WE6FE advantages:

  • smoother
  • more fun
  • better attacking freedom
  • better animation flow
Many fans prefer WE6FE because it is more enjoyable match-to-match.

WE6FE vs WE9LE​

This is probably the hardest comparison.

WE9LE:

  • deeper
  • more tactical
  • harder
  • more realistic in some areas
WE6FE:

  • more fluid
  • more balanced
  • more "football-like"
  • less frustrating
A lot of hardcore fans consider WE9LE the ultimate simulation, while WE6FE is the ultimate fun + realism balance.

WE6FE vs J.League WE9 Asia Championship​

J.League WE9AC has:

  • more refined systems
  • newer engine improvements
  • more content
But WE6FE has that special early-PS2/GameCube-era magic where the controls and animations feel incredibly responsive.


My ranking for pure gameplay enjoyment would probably be:

  1. 🥇 Winning Eleven 6 Final Evolution (GameCube/PS2)
  2. 🥈 Winning Eleven 9 Liveware Evolution
  3. 🥉 PES 5
  4. J.League Winning Eleven 9 Asia Championship
  5. PES 3
WE6FE is not necessarily the deepest PES ever made — but it might be the one where everything came together perfectly: speed, controls, animations, AI, and that "one more match" feeling.

The GameCube version is especially sought after because it is the only GameCube entry in the PES/WE lineage and has become a bit of a cult classic.


After several games I played last night, it takes #1 spot for me. Attacking is insane, player positioning is superb, shooting is so good and long range screamers are well earned. No easy goals. The BEST REFEREE in any football game, BY FAR.
Yeah, AI being a yes man based on the structure of the question isnt a great example.

Honestly i dont want to burst bubbles because recently i love PES3 (Up there with WE8LE and JLWE2008CC) and everyone has their favourites that fits right into their alley but thats what chat answers when i change the question to favour PES3.

I find WE6FE to be a great game that flows nicely, but PES3 is just refined and has a way more addicting gameplay that portrays football pretty well even though it might feel archaic at times.



What makes PES3 on PS2 so great and superior to other PES/WE titles like PES5/WE9LE/JLWE9AC/WE6FE/PES2008 and other titles

PES 3 (Winning Eleven 7 International on PS2) occupies a unique place because it's arguably the point where the series struck its best balance between simulation, freedom, physicality, and unpredictability. Later games improved many individual aspects, but they also introduced compromises that changed the feel of the series.
Here's why many long-time fans still rate PES 3 above even classics like PES 5.

1. The physics are "messy" in the best way​

PES 3 doesn't try to script beautiful football.
Instead:
  • First touches can be heavy.
  • Tackles produce loose balls.
  • Defenders don't instantly recover.
  • Goalkeepers spill shots.
  • The ball constantly feels independent.
This creates situations that feel genuinely emergent rather than animated.
In PES 5, everything is cleaner and more controlled. Technically that's an improvement—but some players feel it reduced the chaos that real football often has.

2. Every player has weight​

PES 3 players feel heavy.
Acceleration takes time.
Turning has momentum.
Big defenders genuinely feel difficult to move.
Compare:
  • PES3 → Vieira feels like a tank.
  • PES5 → still physical, but movement becomes more responsive.
  • PES2008 → players often feel floaty.
Because of this, winning physical duels in PES3 feels earned.

3. Passing requires actual vision​

PES3 is less forgiving.
You can't simply tap X repeatedly.
You must:
  • face the target
  • judge power
  • anticipate movement
  • respect pressure
Poor body positioning completely changes the pass.
This rewards football IQ more than execution speed.

4. Dribbling is difficult—but rewarding​

Modern PES often lets skilled dribblers perform animations automatically.
PES3 requires:
  • timing
  • spacing
  • body feints
  • changing pace
Beating even one defender feels satisfying because the game never "helps."

5. AI actually makes mistakes​

One of PES3's greatest strengths.
CPU defenders:
  • mistime tackles
  • lose positioning
  • overcommit
  • panic under pressure
Modern games often compensate with boosted reactions rather than human-like mistakes.
PES3's AI feels less robotic despite being technically simpler.

6. Pace isn't overpowered​

Fast players are useful.
They're not unstoppable.
Positioning matters more than sprint speed.
Contrast:
  • PES3: football brain wins.
  • PES2008: speed often dominates.

7. Shooting has incredible variety​

This is underrated.
In PES3 you'll see:
  • scuffed shots
  • dipping drives
  • sliced finishes
  • awkward volleys
  • bouncing goals
  • lucky deflections
Many goals feel unique.
Later PES entries often produce prettier but more repeatable shot animations.

8. Defending is manual​

You can't rely on AI teammates.
You must:
  • close angles
  • contain
  • choose when to tackle
  • avoid diving in
Good defending is genuinely a skill.

9. The game has very little scripting​

Whether scripting actually exists is debated.
What many players mean is that PES3 rarely feels like outcomes are predetermined.
Because:
  • the ball is freer
  • collisions are less choreographed
  • rebounds are unpredictable
Matches often develop differently every time.

Compared with other titles​

GameStrengthWeakness compared to PES3
PES5 / WE9LEMost polished gameplaySlightly cleaner and less chaotic
JLWE9ACHuge content and licensesSimilar gameplay to PES5 rather than PES3
WE6FEExtremely tacticalLess fluid movement and older mechanics
PES2008 PS2Fast and flashyLess physical, more animation-driven
PES2008 PS3/X360Modern graphicsPhysics and responsiveness divided fans

Why some people still prefer PES5​

PES5 is objectively refined.
It improves:
  • refereeing
  • player individuality
  • AI positioning
  • animations
  • shooting consistency
  • passing responsiveness
If PES3 is raw football...
PES5 is polished football.
Many competitive players prefer PES5 because it has fewer rough edges.

Why PES3 feels special​

PES3 constantly creates moments that weren't explicitly designed.
Examples:
  • A defender slips after winning a header.
  • A poor first touch invites an interception.
  • A goalkeeper spills a shot into traffic.
  • Three players collide chasing a loose ball.
  • A deflected clearance becomes the perfect through ball.
These moments arise naturally from the interaction of the physics and player movement rather than from canned sequences.

My overall ranking of the PS2-era gameplay​

If the focus is pure football feel rather than licenses or graphics:
  1. PES3 / WE7 International – unmatched freedom, physicality, and emergent gameplay.
  2. PES5 / WE9LE – the most polished and competitively balanced entry.
  3. WE6 Final Evolution – slower, tactical, and highly rewarding once mastered.
  4. JLWE9AC – excellent package built on the strong WE9/PES5 foundation.
  5. PES4 – a solid bridge between PES3 and PES5.
  6. PES6 – excellent overall, but slightly faster and more animation-driven than its predecessors.
  7. PES2008 (PS2) – enjoyable arcade-leaning football, though it loses some of the heavier simulation feel.
  8. PES2008 (PS3/Xbox 360) – visually ambitious but widely criticized at launch for changing the feel of the series and introducing technical issues.
Ultimately, the reason PES3 inspires such loyalty is that it captures a style of football where the ball feels like its own object, players have convincing inertia, and every match unfolds with a level of unpredictability that later entries—despite being more polished—rarely matched.
 
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