14 DAY TRIAL // Sports games generate quite a lot of money for the companies responsible for them, especially as they allow to be exploited every year in the form of new iterations, each with a couple of new things added to the core gameplay mechanics.
One of the most popular European football or soccer simulators is Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series. Set to appear this year in the form of PES 2010, the game was planned to arrive for all the most powerful consoles, including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
Now, it seems that Konami has also realized the potential of the Nintendo Wii, and has announced that a special version of the title will be made for it by a team led by Akiyoshi “Greyhound” Chosogabe. Set to be launched in autumn alongside its other companions, the game will share the cover stars of the full-pledged title, Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres. It will also have extensive additions to the Master League competition, thanks to the integration of the UEFA Champions League license elements.
Don't believe that it won't look pretty, though, as Konami insists that the game's graphic elements are much better than other titles made for the small console. In terms of gameplay elements, an all-new game balance system will affect both attacking and defensive elements in the title.
If a player has the ball in their possession, they will have instantaneous stamina, in addition to their normal one, but the overuse of the sprint option will make the gamer that much more tired. The realism will also be pushed by the fact that excessive attempts to try to gain the possession will drain the stamina of the player.
Strategic controls have also been given a boost in significance, as an attacking gamer will be able to perform various AI feints, in order to trick the defenders while dribbling. A new, free-kick system will be featured, and a lot of elements will be able to be modified in order to allow for a much more realistic experience.
Greyhound has also worked hard on a new, free-kick system, wherein these set pieces are now viewed from the kicker’s perspective and targeted using a pointer system, allowing users to add swerve and additional pace to their kicks, dependent on the taker’s abilities. This level of control even allows gamers to move their keeper earlier in a match against human players.
“The stakes have been raised and PES 2010 for Wii shows that Konami can still innovate and surprise,” Akiyoshi “Greyhound” Chosogabe commented. “Our control system for Wii is still regarded as the finest and most intuitive around, and we have once again reworked it to add a level of control and realism that can appeal to new and old PES fans alike.”
Overall, the game is looking extremely good, and Wii owners will certainly be pleased to hear that PES 2010 is also arriving on their favorite console.