Konami today shipped Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (and PS2, PSP and PC), marking the latest release of a soccer game that many revere for being the definitive such title on any gaming system.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 has undergone some significant graphical updates, and it’s gotten some new gameplay options as well, including new moves, new control schemes, new online elements and team customization. The updates are quite numerous, so rather than regurgitate them here, we’ll just paste the press release from Konami. Here you go:
“Featuring real players, a large variety of licensed teams and a number of professional arenas, gamers will be able to re-create the excitement surrounding the world’s most popular sport. As in previous releases, the ball is treated as a separate entity, with the timing of shots completely controlled by the player. An updated AI system ensures that teammates will be constantly seeking out open space, taking intelligent offensive and defensive lines toward the goal, and actively call for the ball. Dribbling control has also been enhanced, and a number of subtle moves have been added to bypass defenders in order to move the ball into space.
“Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 offers gamers the ability to compete as the world’s best players as it is the only soccer game on the market to have the UEFA Champions League Mode. To further the gameplay’s authenticity, the game features an improved ‘Master League Mode’ and also introduces the revolutionary ‘Become a Legend Mode.’ Offering the same ability to create and manage their own team, The ‘Master League Mode’ now also allows for players to master their ball handling skills. In ‘Become a Legend Mode’ gamers can watch their star evolve through their career and chart the ups and downs as they move on to stardom.
“Adding to the authenticity, Argentinean forward Lionel Messi will be the face of the latest version of the multi-million selling Pro Evolution Soccer series. Regarded as one of the most exciting talents of the modern game, the 21-year-old is a ever-present fixture on both the Argentinean national team and his club team, FC Barcelona.
One of Mexico’s finest soccer players, Guardado contributes even further to the authenticity of Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 as his renowned play in the Spanish professional club team Deportivo de La Coruna and for the Mexican national soccer team has brought him a large and loyal fan base. A native of Guadalajara, Guardado made his professional debut for the celebrated Mexican soccer club, F.C. Atlas at the age of 18. He then went on to play 64 games for Atlas, drawing the eye of major soccer teams like the Spanish Real Madrid and Portuguese SL Benfica. However, the Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruna quickly recruited Guardado, where he resides today as one of soccer’s top players. He is also a key player on Mexico’s national soccer team.
“Taking the commitment to Latin America one step further, Konami has also invited two renowned Latin narrators into the Pro Evolution Soccer family, adding to the impressive roster of different language narrations. Well-known soccer analysts Luis Garcia and Christian Martinoli will be the Spanish commentators in the game, allowing players to listen to the personalities they have grown accustomed to while watching their favorite teams. One of the greatest forwards in the history of Mexico, and a star player on the Mexican national soccer team throughout the 1980’s, Garcia is now a well-known soccer analyst. Martinoli a world-renowned Mexican soccer commentator who has covered worldwide soccer matches and countless Latin American soccer matches joins Garcia in Pro Evolution Soccer 2009’s Spanish soccer commentary.”
