Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer has been the much acclaimed competition for EA Sports’ FIFA Series. With last years sales trailing FIFA 08’s, PES is spreading their wings to broaden their sales releasing game version of their next installment PES2009 on the Nintendo Wii and also on mobile phones. Although the last year’s Wii version was available, this year’s version is set to introduce all-new gameplay controls that will enhance player/ball control as well as utilizing a more broad range of playmaking on-field. As a ridiculously adamant fan the most popular sport in the world, I can’t wait to see what this year’s PES has to offer.

The Wii version will feature a number of key additions, like enhanced shooting system, and defensive elements of the game. The mobile version will be released alongside the home versions in Autumn. This new mobile edition now boasts multi-player capabilities via Bluetooth. A selection of unlockable bonuses and training challenges - PES 2009 marks a new high in football games for mobile.

As with every game with continuing titles, this year’s installment is set to be a major improvement from last year’s with more teams and stadiums. Konami now has the licensing rights to the Champions League which may excite many fans of both the PES and the tournament. However, speculation still cycles about the licensing’s timing of this year’s team rosters. It may be a possibility that Konami may release the tournament as a separate game completely. Within this month upcoming titles from Konami, including PES2009, will be featured at the Leipzig Games Convention to give the public the opportunity to try the games out for the first time.    

  As last years cover featured Manchester United Star Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentinean forward Lionel Messi is to be the face of this years cover across Europe. PES 2009 will boast a wealth of extensive new additions to enhance the series’ reputation as the most realistic football game available. The new game enjoys a stunning graphical update wherein its players look and identically to their real-life counterparts, while new moves, innovative control elements and key online enhancements will further the realism of the new game. “Most modern players are aware of the realism and skill of the PES series,” commented Messi on the deal. “It is a game that truly mirrors the pace and control of real football, and as a die-hard fan of the series, I am delighted to be working with Konami on the latest version.”

Konami will be announcing further enhancements and player contributions to PES 2009 in the coming weeks.