For the past decade or more, the FIFA series has always been the forerunner in football games. Many have tried to topple the long running franchise, but EA’s soccer goliath has always come out on top. Although in recent years Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer has made great leaps in developing a new kind of football sim with a new feel, yet has slightly taken the backseat once again to FIFA. But is this the year PES steals the silverware from FIFA?
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 was a worthy installment in the series and showed promise that Konami could pull together a Fàbregas-like (shameless personal plug) miracle, which would be to the world of football games. What PES really prides itself on is its gameplay, and this year it’s been amped up to make it the most fluid and fun simulation on the market.
The gameplay has always initially been ‘faster’ than FIFA in recent years, which gave PES the edge in terms of action and excitement in matches. This year round, the gameplay is of still a relatively quick pace, although better AI and extensive pressure being enhanced from the opposing teams, a sense of caution and tactical attacking comes into play, which places PES2009 in a perfect balance of pace with quick decisive plays and slower build up of formations.
The controls are an absolute wonder. Movement and angle running of players feels really organic and moves off-the-ball and small touches feel extremely responsive as play can continue in a fluid flowing manner with little flicks and back-heels which are easily done when timed right. On the subject of the more fancy-footwork, tricks and skills are slightly tougher to execute as opposed to PES2008. The left analog stick, when swiveled in the right motions and combinations allows for a wealth of exciting tricks to be done, which although may be a bit harder, the outcome of them is absolutely awesome. This is what really places PES2009 ahead of the competition as gameplay always feels realistic and constantly progressive as linking moves and plays together creates an unparalleled synergy of players that leaves the player feeling in complete control. An awesome tournament added to PES2009 is the UEFA Champions league. You can select a team and play through the grueling tournament in order to claim the ultimate football prize in Europe. This is a definite highlight of the game as it is incredibly rewarding and fun to play, but also great to see Konami get their hands on some licenses.
Where FIFA excelled and PES lacked, was in the licensing. The FIFA franchise has managed to snap up every team license from Barcelona to Orlando Pirates, although PES is very slowly adding to their roster of official teams. Licenses including kits and official sponsors for Manchester United, Liverpool, F.C. Porto, F.C. Barcelona and a wealth of others are now available to play as, although PES2009 contains a really good kit editor so just about any badge or colour scheme can be applied allowing you to create your missing dream team.
Free kicks have always been an Achilles heel within PES. Last year, PES2008 managed to present a pretty good free-kick system that seemed to work quite flawlessly. In PES2009 this has all gone a little bit haywire. The slightest (and I emphasize ‘slightest’) miscalculation of angle by over adjusting the very precise and sensitive shooting mechanic, will propel your ball towards row X for a lucky spectator, although not so great for you. This is also the case with penalty kicks as they end up being more of a gamble than anything else. The sensitivity may be slightly frustrating at first, but you can get used to it within a game or two and when that Beckham inspired free-kick does happen, it’s so worth the time persevered.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 features a ‘Become a Legend’ mode. Similar to FIFA’s ‘Be a Pro’, in PES2009, you create your footballer from scratch via a really great player creator feature, then move onto signing with a team and working your way up within the squad itself, and eventually into an A-league team for the possibility of national call-up. This mode (although uncannily similar to FIFA) is a really nice addition and is a lot of fun watching your player go from benching in empty stadiums to starting in Champions League finals. A closer third-person choice of camera is also a stronger feature as opposed to FIFA’s but it all comes down to personal preference really.
Visually, PES2009 has had a complete graphical overhaul from last year’s average attempt. All players’ appearances are more life-like and resemble their actual counterparts quite extensively. Ronaldo even has his little beauty spot (and fittingly falls over like a girl) to give a specific example, but more to smack-talk certain individuals. The graphics really needed the revamp and it’s a welcomed addition. They contain the shiny and colourful bits, along with the lush green pitches to go with the great gameplay.
Another element Pro Evolution Soccer always excelled with was their presentation of the slighter details. From simple in game detail of players pulling on opponents shirts, to in-game scenes of expressive players complaining to the referee, and even to showing small clips and photos of your created player being signed and promoted in ‘Become a Legend’ mode. The commentary is also awesome as it includes Jon Champion and Mark Lawrenson throwing their comments and opinions which aren’t necessarily better than FIFA’s, but a nice alternative to Martin Tyler and Andy Gray’s over-observing criticism and inside-jokes (FIFA fans know what I’m talking about… so inquisitive are those two).
With the inclusion of such a prestigious tournament like the UEFA Champions League, a fitting presentation must come be accompanied, and PES2009 has done just that. From the orchestral operatic intro music to the design and look of the score sheet is impeccable and faithful to the real-live event.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 is a giant leap forward for the franchise and places them as deserving competitors to the FIFA series. Great gameplay and tournament features with all the bells and whistles will ultimately appeal to real football fans looking for a fluid game, although even though it’s growing, the slight lack of licensed international and club teams might scare off casual players. Definitely give PES2009 a try though. (WARNING: Awesome PES gameplay is addicting). Okay, I’ll shut up about the gameplay now.
[starreviewmulti id=2 tpl=20]
