14 DAY TRIAL // Millions of sports games fans out there have enjoyed playing the Pro Evolution Soccer series. Being as popular as it is (the game I mean), Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that Michael Owen, the Newcastle and England striker, is to feature on the UK packaging and promotional materials of PES 2008.
As the official report informs (not that anyone needs to read an official report to know that Michael Owen is one of the most exciting and prolific strikers in the English game), Owen will join Cristiano Ronaldo on the UK packshots of PES 2008. Since his first team debut in 1997, Owen has built a reputation for pace and skill, netting over 178 league goals, and 37 for England. The striker will feature alongside Ronaldo on packaging and point-of-sale materials for UK versions of "Securing Michael Owen is a real coup for Konami," commented Jon Murphy, Pro Evolution Soccer Team Leader for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "Since he burst on to the scene, he has proven himself an incredible goal-scorer, netting at every level both domestic and international. We are delighted to be working alongside such a talent on PES 2008."
But enough about Michael Owen as I'm sure you know everything about him if you're a football fan. Let's talk about the game a little, shall we? Very well then.
PES 2008 will launch on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 2, PSP and of course, Nintendo's DS sometime during Autumn this year. PES 2008 represents a massive step forward for the Pro Evolution Soccer series and includes the advent of the new Teamvision AI system. Teamvision actively monitors the player's onscreen movements and adapts its response, forcing the player to constantly revise and alter their strategy during the course of a match. PES 2008 also boasts stunning attention to visual detail with the faces of players animated and shirts creasing during a match. The new game also includes extensive Edit modes in all Next Generation versions, and closer control than ever before.
And here are a few words from the man himself, Michael Owen: "PES 2008 is a fantastic game, and the only choice for pro players. It enjoys a brilliant reputation within many, many players and manages to be a true simulation of football while also being a real laugh to play. I look forward to working closely with Konami in the run up to launch, and being a key part of its development."
Keep in mind that PES 2008 will be released for PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, PSP, PC and Nintendo DS in Autumn. Yes, the Wii isn't among the launching platforms. Sorry, what can I say...?