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Last Year, PES 2008 was a big disappointment. The game had many issues and it was not helped by the fact the EA’s FIFA series introduced new modes like “Be a Pro”. FIFA does have an advantage with regards to its licenses on Players, Teams , stadiums etc. So Konami must try for something new each year as most users doesn’t enjoy playing as Man Blue, Middlebrook in League D. Of course, the PES community comes with some cool Option files that can get those settings back. This time, PES 2009 is back with some new modes that make it worth trying out.

The first thing you notice on running the game is the new Interface which is much worse than before. It looks like your are seeing an old retro junk. I do hope Konami start making it better from the next release. I would prefer something similar to that of PES 6. “UEFA Champions League” and “Be A Legend” mode seems to be the new addition. So now you can participate in the Licensed UEFA Competition but unfortunately, it is an standalone tournament and you wont have it if you are playing the Master League. Why the haven’t integrated it with the Master League is strange, but maybe something to do with License issues.

The new “Be a Legend” is mode is inspired from Fifa’s “Be a Pro” mode but it is a bit different here. You start of as a 17 year old player. You can create your player from the scratch, modifying its body, head and even importing your own photograph, choose the position and then you are off. In the start, you will play a game where scouts will be watching. Your performance in that game will get you your first contract. If you do well, you might get a contract from team like Middlesbrough, Spurs, Portsmouth else you have to settle with teams such as Stoke, WBA etc. After the contract, your next task will be to make the bench in the first team squad. Initially you will participate in a few Reserve games, your performance in that will determine whether you get selected for the first team squad or not. And you will have to perform consistently well there, playing each game will also affect your attributes. If you make the bench, you will have to impress the manager with a few good substitute performance. Perform well and you might start the games. Perform well, earn Man Of the Match awards and you will earn a transfer to big clubs. In between based on your performance, you can also get a chance to play for your national team, win Player of the year awards and stuff. This will continue till your player retires. Other than that, there is not much in it. I would have a loved a training mode where you can improve your skills.

But it is still fun. With the Vertical Wide camera, you feel like you are part of the game. You have to make perfect runs or passes if you want to do well. Your positioning w.r.t  your position (Defender, Midfielder etc) is important. I found it entertaining somehow. The Master League is the same as before. The transfer system, team rating etc are all the same. Other things such as Exhibition Mode, Tournament Mode are the same there. Konami must now do something about the Master League system, the current thing has been there for too long. Some improvement is needed.

Now time to look at the gameplay. The gameplay is a bit slow now and not the same arcade type which was there in the previous version. First Touch and your vision are nor more important. You can;t expect to hold the ball for too long now. You have to make decision pretty quickly, pass the ball around a bit, ask players to move forward, do some cool things like a lofted pass or a wonderful cross to score a goal. Each player will behave differently with the ball. Players such as Ronaldo, Rooney, Henry will demonstrate pace as well as control while some players might lose control as they change direction. Shooting is something that needs some improvement. Most of the time my shots went well over the bar even if I shot from a distance with medium settings and that was the case most of the time. Other than that, the dribbling, passing is good enough. You can perform some cool things like jumping headers, bicycle kick, volleys, back heel pass etc. The players can also dive like in the previous version but be careful, as most of the times referee can see that and will book you. The AI of the game is not good. Even if the computer falls behind, they play as if there is no rush.

Coming to the graphics, it is also improved. The players are nicely modeled, the stadiums looks nice. The lightning in the game looks more realistic than before and night matches are a pleasure to watch. The collision between players are much more evident than before. However, the commentary and sound totally sucks. Many times, I didn’t hear the commentator speak a single line for 20 minutes and when they do, there phrases look more irrelevant. They way that they speak is also boring. The sounds of the crowds are same as before and even the ball sounds look the same. Come On Konami, some changes are needed.

If you disregards all these things, it makes for a nice playable game. But Konami has to add something new or do something about the licenses if they want to attract users. Earlier i had no problems about it as Option files are there. But still, Fifa’s Manager mode are much more realistic and soon people may shift if Konami doesn’t come up with something inspirational. Till that time, you can enjoy Pro Evolution Soccer 2009.

Ratings

Graphics : 8/10

Gameplay : 9/10

Sound : 3/10

Overall : 8/10

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