The latest instalment of the Pro Evolution Soccer series has undergone a graphical update to ensure its players look and move even more like their real-life counterparts. Similarly, all-new options allow users to tailor the game to their own tastes, while new moves, innovative new control elements and key online elements will further the realism of the new game. There's also a new career mode that will see you progress through the ranks of the smaller teams to become an internationally renowned star...

Following on from PES 2008's fun, if a little disappointing offering, Konami has listened to the critics and gone back to the drawing board in order to resigned some of the poorer elements of the game. The result is PES 2009 a much better game which irons out most of the previous bugs and adds new modes to keep fans entertained for longer. However, this isn't to say that the game doesn't have it's problems - it does, but they're nowhere near as annoying as previously.

The most notable change to the game is the new 'Become a legend' mode. Here you can choose a character (change his appearance and moves) and then play through numerous game and progress from being a rookie to a pro. The only character you control in these games is your character (the computer handles the rest) and so you need to be in the right place at all times to ensure that you get spotted by other club managers in order to progress in your career.

For the casual football fan, who wants to play an arcade style game where there's very little difference between the players styles, this game might prove to be a bit frustrating. Depending on their age, whether they are left or right footed, and if they've been injured, all players act a little more realistic then most gamers will be used to. For some this will be annoying, for others it will be a welcome step closer to realism.

The commentary, not surprisingly, is not what it could have been. There are a few too many bizarre bits of banter. But on the whole it sits in the background and never really gets on your nerves.

So, a huge leap forward of the franchise, but Konami will need to bring something impressive to the table next year as the PES series is starting to feel a little old now.

7

Nick Smithson