ISS3 goes PS2, PC, Cube

As reported last week, Konami is preparing ISS3 for a PC debut in April, in an attempt to wrestle some of the PC market away from Electronic Arts. However, Konami is also - as ever - planning versions of ISS3 for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube, and these will be wrapped around the PC version. PS2 in March, PC in April, Cube in May.

We're not quite sure why, but there's no mention of an Xbox version.

Designed as "a companion title" for PES, ISS3 is "a more arcade-orientated game" which has a full selection of volleys, passes, flick-ons and "rasping shots" available to emulate the antics of PES - in a fraction of the button presses. One touch football is said to be more of a reality here than in PES, which is bound to please somebody.

Meanwhile, ISS3 will introduce a new close-up mode, which will give you more direct control of your attackers as they close in on the opposing goal. On the edge of the box, an icon will flash and tapping L1 will send the game "seamlessly" into a close-up elevated view from behind the player, while holding R2 feints, spins and slips past defence.

And the game's key function, "Mission Mode", which allows you to bet on the outcome of matches and earn points on the field, will hold the key to unlocking plenty of new stadiums, players and of course more "close-up" tricks for your 90 sanctioned, FIFPro-endorsed international and club teams. Assuming the FIFPro license still stands for something after only-a-mother-could-love-'im German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn finishes suing people about his likeness.