As a foundational main game released in 2001, this title is a dedicated football simulator for the PlayStation 2, focusing on realistic, tactical match simulation. The core loop involves selecting teams to compete in structured tournaments, where success relies on precise passing, strategic positioning, and responsive ball control mechanics. Its distinctive feature is the emphasis on deep, responsive control schemes that reward tactical awareness and formation adjustments during gameplay.

Pro Evolution Soccer has more than 50 international soccer sides and 16 of the best club teams from around the world - ranging from Manchester United and AC Milan to Leeds United, who were briefly a top side at this time. The player also has a large array of options. The player can play single matches as well as league or cup tournaments, and there is also a training mode. There are 5 difficulty levels, different weather conditions, and injuries are optional, as are extra time and penalty shoot-outs. Players can be designed with a range of physical and mental attributes, as well as different appearances.

World Soccer Winning Eleven 5: Final Evolution is a soccer video game published by Konami released on December 13th, 2001, for the Sony PlayStation 2.

J.League Winning Eleven 5, released on October 25, 2001, was the first J.League entry on PlayStation 2. It was based on Winning Eleven 5. It was developed by KCET (Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo) and published by Konami.