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Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 Review for Xbox 360

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 Review for Xbox 360

Pro Evolution Soccer
Lucky Win-Win Goal

Pro Evolution Soccer is the best-selling footie franchise in the world. Known for its supple control and massive modding community, PES has won a special place in the hearts and minds of world football fans.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 screenshot

Unfortunately, jumping to current gen consoles has been a difficult transition for the franchise. Last year’s outing was a major step down for the series and this year’s is only marginally better. It seems like the Japanese-made soccer franchise has lost something in translation. New additions like the famed UEFA Champions League license and an improved friendly A.I. go a long way to making it a more enjoyable experience. However, one can’t help but get the feeling that Konami is trying to follow in the footsteps of EA. The problem is, they’re unable to execute upon this strategy with nearly as much finesse and polish.

Thankfully, PES 2009 is still enjoyable to play. The passing game has been tweaked just enough to make anyone Brazilian samba-slick. I loved the intelligent runs made by my teammates, and getting through-balls to them with a perfectly weighted pass is a dream. Crossing has also been vastly improved. Sending in high, low, and ground crosses takes a bit to get used to, but the end result is usually lethal; crossing the ball into the box will always challenge the defense and keep them on their toes. This emphasis on possession play is both satisfying and extremely effective. PES 2009 is definitely better than the series’ 2008 edition, and it even manages to somewhat outplay the competition. By far, the friendly A.I. and the forgiving passing mechanic are the most interesting aspects of this title, though much of the simulation feels is lost due to the uber passing-friendly gameplay.

Moreover, there is a significant learning curve when it comes to controls. In fact, I would consider the controls to be brutal. Sure, it’s easy to casually dribble, make short and long passes, execute a through-ball, and get a shot on goal. But, if you really want to compete online, mastering double and triple taps, holding down modifier buttons, memorizing button combinations, and executing feints, challenges, and give-and-go’s with perfect timing is absolutely essential. The control layout is incredibly complex and frustrating and will take at least ten hours of getting your butt handed to you before muscle memory truly begins to set in. As such, PES 2009 is not for the casual footballer. This game truly takes a commitment from the gamer.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 screenshot

Control pitfalls aside, there have been a couple modes added to the mix. The all-new Become a Legend is very similar to FIFA’s Be a Pro feature. Gamers create their own player by tweaking all the vital statistics, and then set off to play as an individual star. However, like what plagued EA’s attempt, soccer just isn’t made for such a mode. It can get rather boring making unused runs and watching the game being played around you, and constantly calling for the ball kind of defeats the purpose of taking on a specific role. Thankfully, Become a Legend mode does allow you to bring your star online. This serves to bolster the mode and make it worthwhile, even though playing by yourself can be mighty boring. Playing online with up to three other friends can be a lot of fun, but points are awarded for individual prowess on the pitch, so ball-hogging can be a significant issue. What’s more, you will still be playing against the same A.I. you were whilst balling alone. Not being able to play against human competition is a decided detriment to this mode of play.

Of course, the Master League mode is still in full effect and provides for an engaging career mode. However, it is no longer the star of the PES show. That distinction goes to the exclusively licensed, UEFA Champions League mode. This tournament of tournaments does a great job of capturing the essence of European football. Playing the best teams in Europe with full licensure is a much needed addition for Konami’s franchise. Unfortunately, not all teams and individual leagues are fully represented. This has been a constant critique of the series as a whole, and one where EA has always had an advantage. Though the Champions League comes with all the fanfare and trappings of the actual competition, key teams are missing, which hampers the overall experience.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 screenshot

In order to remedy this, there is a rather deep character/team/league editor for players to goof around with. Konami even went so far as to add camera support to allow players to scan in and import player likenesses and team shields. Of course, this is ever so tedious. Consequently, players looking to customize the game to their liking would be better served to pick up this game for PC and download a community-developed patch.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 screenshot

Presentation in PES 2009 is still as crude as ever. The plastic-like player likenesses, silly menu design, and poor menu organization are quite bad. While many players are given their own faces, the detailed models are scary to look at. Konami tried to inject a spot of realism by adding skin textures, but the result is that players all look like really ugly plastic dolls with residual acne scarring. Moreover, menu layout is actually one of the worst designs I’ve ever seen. For starters, the top menu is spread over two pages. Second, the convoluted controls page looks like Chinese! Third, navigating through the online menus is an utter joke. On a good note, the stadiums look crisp and the supporters are detailed. Also, on-pitch animations are nicely rendered; this prevents gameplay from being butchered. However, when put up against FIFA 09, this is definitely one ugly title.

Disappointingly, sound can’t save the overall presentation either. The commentary is performed by John Champion and Mark Lawrenson. This pair of Brits does an admirable job of portraying the game, but the injection of color commentary is almost always way off base, contrived, and oh so repetitive. The music selection is easy on the ears but by no means excellent. I did like the fact that the tunes didn’t change or start over whilst navigating through menus. Still, the music selection does get boring after awhile.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 will undoubtedly appeal to the PES faithful. If you’re a FIFA guy and are wondering what the fuss is all about, you’ll still be left wondering. The solid, friendly A.I. and easy passing mechanic is more satisfying than that of last year’s version or that found in EA’s footie title. However, the lack of overall polish is inexcusable. Thankfully, this is a discounted title here in North America. For $49.99 you will be treated to a fun game of soccer, but you will also be subject to some glaring missteps. Do yourself a favor and pick this game up on PC. That seems to be where this series shines and is supported by literally a world full of players.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.0 Graphics
This game is competently designed in many ways, especially the fluid animations. However, the ugly character models, painful menu layout, and stupid overall design is tough to swallow. 2.5 Control
This is by no means pick-up-and-play soccer. The overly complicated controls provide for a lot of options, but they also call for a major commitment. 3.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The commentary is sub-par, and the music doesn’t holdup either. 4.2 Play Value
As always, PES is a fun bit of football. The gameplay nicely holds up to the competition, but the modes of play are definitely lacking. 3.4 Overall Rating – Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Exclusive UEFA Champions League Mode utilizing all the elements and attributes of the competition.
  • Improved graphics for an ultra-real experience.
  • With smarter A.I. system your teammates will be constantly seeking out open space, taking intelligent lines toward the goal and on defense, and also actively calling for the ball.
  • New, more realistic camera angles for your preferred perspective of gameplay.
  • New teams, players, and stadiums.
  • Improvements to the fan-favorite Master League Mode – Play as one player just like in real life mastering your own ball handling and your off the ball support.
  • New exciting and immersive Become a Legend Mode and online playable Legends Mode will add new dimension to PES.
  • Updated rosters from your favorite clubs and national teams.
  • Using a supported USB camera, import data to create your own player or team emblems.
  • Great improvements in ball control, passing, and your teammates reactions are more in tune with how teammates react in real life.
  • Screen Resolution: Up to 1080p (Full HDTV).

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