Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 Review

By Tom Bramwell Published 15 October, 2008

Back of the net or back of the queue?

Version tested: Xbox 360

In hindsight, we'd go one further. The myth that EA makes the bimbo football game and Konami makes the cultured one is - to return to the note upon which we began our FIFA 09 review - thoroughly dead. But that doesn't necessarily mean the same is now true in reverse. FIFA 09 may be excellent, and the last few Pro Evolutions have gone backwards, but what of PES 2009?

At its heart, we suspect, lie many of the same lines of code that drove the success of the series on PS2 for so many seasons, because the fundamentals are unchanged: player movement is on eight directions (with in-betweens during sprints), passing is zippy, and ball movement is physically convincing, if a little heavy. The graphics reinforce the impression that PES is reliant on existing content and assets, too, because despite the usual claim that it's "undergone a stunning graphical update", movement animations are wooden and repetitive, and the players look more like they've undergone a stunning facial beating under a railway bridge.

FIFA, by inevitable comparison, is so smoothly plastered with graphical Polyfilla that almost every angle of ball receipt, every tweak of the analogue stick, is covered by an appropriate animation, which frees the players and football to move organically in ways that PES wouldn't countenance. It's not quite that perfect, but the fact is we used to talk about the difference between PES' loose ball and FIFA's gluey boots, and these days it's the difference between PES' grids of movement and FIFA's cloud of possibilities. No wonder Peter Moore's crowing about the review scores.

But while the visual comparison between PES and FIFA is now rather harsh on EA's Japanese adversary, Konami's re-minted PES Production Team in Tokyo is a bit like the James Bond film crews - their grandfathers worked on this stuff, doncha know, and they know a bit about it. So it shouldn't be a surprise to discover that while PES 2009 lacks FIFA 09's fluency - graphically and mechanically - and the EA game's authoritative command of licences, it still plays much better than last year's effort thanks to a few nips and tucks, and gives PES fans who can't break away from its hard-coded diagonals and toxic waste likenesses their best return for a few years.

'Pro Evolution Soccer 2009' Screenshot 1

Dirk Kuyt's stamina stat is reassuringly mental, even if he does look like a dead-eyed Gary Busey.

PES moves at a fair old trot, and while the attacking principles are the same as they are in FIFA - pass the ball, retain possession, go backwards when you can't go forward, drag players out of position to make space, be ruthless when you do - wing play is more effective, with a high frequency of goals from diving or jumping headers, and the trick moves that used to be on the right analogue stick have now migrated to the d-pad or left stick (whichever you use for movement), so they're easy to incorporate into your approach play, rather than an afterthought. Nippy strikers and wingers have less trouble holding onto the ball under duress, too, reaching the byline fairly often in spite of typically adhesive pursuing defenders.

This is because, absent the need to counterbalance FIFA's omnidirectional player brains, PES doesn't have to be so rugged and physical. Defensive pressing is more about pushing wingers inside or driving your opponents down blind alleys. Aggressive pressing with two players - similarly suicidal in both games, since it leaves tons of space for AI or a wily human opponent to exploit - results in a fair few niggly trips, but there's less bullying. If you want the ball, you're going to have to chase it and earn it, which in turn encourages patience in attack. Once you have it, as with FIFA, the basic vocabulary of controls and a sensible approach will bring you results, but there's a huge range of subtleties to master, whether it's different types of pass, cross and shot, flair techniques, off the ball instructions, when it's best to make substitutions, and so on.

So then, for all the superficialities that divide PES and FIFA, there's quite a lot that unites them. But superficialities can be a bitch. PES has the UEFA Champions League licence, and Manchester United and Liverpool licences (it's Liverpool FC's official game, for goodness sake), along with previous agreements involving Spanish and Italian sides, among others; but most of the other Premier League clubs still have silly names, some of the national teams are totally fictional, and there are lots of noticeably incomplete transfers, with Berbatov yet to arrive at Old Trafford and Shevchenko still running around Stamford Bridge. Although he's not, of course, as the game only models 19 stadiums. Elsewhere the commentary's dreadful, and the crowd chants lack the overlapping you hear on TV or the growl of being among them, and are sickeningly rhythmic and artificial instead.

PES's answer to FIFA's Be a Pro mode (and its online counterpart) is weaker, too. You define a custom character, starting out as a reserve at 17, and then play one role in the team - either midfield or striker - earning experience points in practice matches and trying to break into the first team. But it lacks FIFA's coaxing feedback - the greens and reds acknowledging good movement and involvement during the game - and in a mode where the significance of good movement is amplified so considerably, the fact FIFA kicks the PES movement code so hard around the park that you could stitch lines on it, throw on laminate and sell it at JD Sports, is rather damaging. That said, there's a bit of value to be had from it if you ever overcome that hurdle, and the four-player online variant may lack FIFA's 10v10, but it's still a good number. (We'll be comparing PES' and FIFA's single-footballer modes in more depth soon.)

Inevitably, PES also suffers from the same football-isms we brought up with FIFA, namely passes going to a player other than the one intended, the game selecting the wrong player in a moment of crisis, and a bit of residual input skewering the odd attack. But it also suffers the odd PES-ism, like players confused what to do with a loose ball when in close proximity, throw-ins, corners, free-kicks and ball distribution from that keeper that all rob the game of pace, and being unable to tell at a glance which slide tackles are fair and why. You often suspect the game computes the outcome fairly, but the paucity of animations and grid-like movement means you can't tell at a glance, and it's frustrating.

'Pro Evolution Soccer 2009' Screenshot 2

It's the official game of Liverpool FC, so you know all this pains me.

PES still has the Master League though, providing many seasons of well-designed progression, and the Champions League is a boon, even with its overblown presentation coupled to misnamed teams and, hilariously, Sony PlayStation ad hoardings all over the 360 version (probably down to the terms of any UEFA licence, but we like to think it's the new spirit of friendship). There's also a full Edit mode for people who want to tweak their line-ups.

Even so the result, overall, is a game that by any objective measure now languishes in second place behind EA's spirited new-look FIFA. And yet it's only with a heavy heart that we mark it down a point lower, because we still love PES for its personality. The new generation of FIFA games are so new that we're still exploring their limits, but we already understand all that about PES, and when something out of the ordinary occurs, like a shot-cum-cross from halfway up the touchline creeping in at the far post, it's like hidden treasure. When you realise the ref isn't calling play back for astonishingly vicious tackles that occur after the ball has gone, preferring to let attacks develop, it's hilarious.

Should you stick with Konami, then, PES 2009 will grow on you, and you may forget you ever thought about switching teams in the first place. But personality isn't always enough, and the fact is that PES can only draw alongside FIFA in the areas where the Konami game's strong, falls short in others, and never could hope to compete on the glossier, contracts and lipstick side of sports game production that EA's ruled for years. Not quite a reversal, but PES needs to be a very different game when it hits 2010 if it wants to overhaul the Canadian upstart.

7 / 10

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About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (129) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • siddiqui41 #1 3 years ago

    I expected this....but still a Great game

  • Psychotext #2 3 years ago

    Oh noes! The FIFA / PES fanboys are coming. :o

  • Feanor #3 3 years ago

    Fair review. Can't wait till my copy arrives next week.

  • ryohazuki1983 #4 3 years ago

    Convinced my mate to buy Fifa 09 but he hates it and still prefers pro evo and is even gonna trade in fifa for the new evo, madness!

  • KingOfIceland #5 3 years ago

    OUCH!!.... well, there's always FIFA, I guess

  • andywilkie35 #6 3 years ago

    Still can't wait for this

  • Bealsy #7 3 years ago

    or "buck your ideas up Konami you lazy sods" to save reading through that. Still preferred it to FIFA, but I don't know why. Strange.

  • lambtron #8 3 years ago

    There are just some people who like what they know.

    Despite how old and tired it gets.

  • Colin8703 #9 3 years ago

    Just got my copy now and will be having a peek tonight.

  • NewbieZilla #10 3 years ago

    Guess I'll give this one a miss, too.

  • Luckyjim #11 3 years ago

    I'm too used, and still enjoy, Pes's brand of football that I feel it's too late to change now. However, I do wish Konami would pull their finger out. It all started going downhill when they went multiplatform.

  • caligari #12 3 years ago

    Not as good as [please add your choice of game here] then.
    Edited by 1 at 15/10/08 @ 14:12

  • Bealsy #13 3 years ago

    I don't think multiplatform has anything to do with it, I think it's just laziness. There really isn't a years worth of change in this years version over last years. They've listened to fans complaints, and pulled their fingers out with changes to pace, online etc, but it's not enough. Everyone seems to think PES 2010 will be a brand new game. Can't see it happening to be fair. This is PES' last chance in my eyes :(

  • ruckus #14 3 years ago

    Can you still save replays in PES?

  • gman7714 #15 3 years ago

    Having played both demo's I have to say that I preferred Pro Evo. But then I always have (except 06 and 8 - which were both crap). Fifa's come along way and is a better value package, but it just doesn't play as nicely as Pro Evo.

    That said I wont be buying either of them this year, just dont have the time to for a footy game with all the other good games about.

    Good and fair review thanks EG

    Edit: It really is about time that they did a total overhaul on PES, I may then consider buying a PES again
    Edited by 1 at 15/10/08 @ 14:15

  • myiagros #16 3 years ago

    It is clear (as suggested in the review) that FIFA is technically a much better game (better ball physics, player movement ect).

    However, having played both, despite these deficiencies, i still get more enjoyment ot of PES. I have no idea why, but each individual match just seems more entertaining. More exciting stuff seems to happen. PES still gets the blood pumping more than FIFA can.

    I'm still not sure which (if either to buy this year). I will probably wait for the devotees to sort out the option file, then make a decision.

    The 10vs10 online sounds awsome, but everone knows how to play PES these days, so that might be better for single screen multiplayer.

    I JUST DON'T KNOW \o/

  • Zebula77 #17 3 years ago

    Luckyjim: I agree with that. Wish it still was PS exclusive.
    Still, I really loved the feel of the demo (felt like things were back to the PES I love) and even tho I admit FIFA was a very solid game this year, there's no way I'm 'switching sides' as it were. I just prefer the PES way of playing football, and I don't see myself playing a footie game that doesn't have the Master League. Seriously one of the best singler player modes.

    I think the criticism pertaining to the player liknesses was harsh tho. All the players (except for Benayoun perhaps) were spot on. FIFA didn't impress me in that area, despite being way superior in the presentation stakes, but then in FIFA you have to stomach that horrible voice at the beginning 'T's in the game!' - I absolutely hate that guy, hehe.

    Looking forward to my copy very much. I see myself spending months on this.

  • andywilkie35 #18 3 years ago

    "What is the best pro evo? i have 5 on xbox was going to get this but ive heard pro evo 6 is good"

    Pro Evo 5 is the best. Pro Evo 6 they introduced the helium ball, whereby a slight touch in front of goal could launch it out of the stadium

  • tmatharu #19 3 years ago

    i've played both now for a bit, and i still love PES. Yesm the animations and the visuals arent as impressive, but thats because they've made the gameplay FAR more accessible and therefore just more FUN. Having lovely "Disney-esque" animations, where its nice and fluid, is all very well and looks great, but my god its no where near as responsive or direct as PES. There are some sacrifices Konami have made, and clearly they've gone for gameplay first, which is great in my opinion.

    They are both very good games, one is more simulation but with poo ball physics (FIFA), and one is great to play but with poo visuals (PES)....i still choose PES

    8.5/10 for me for PES
    7.5/10 for me for FIFA.

    :)

  • bengray66 #20 3 years ago

    Pro Evo 5 is widely regarded as the pinnacle of pro evo, and its hard to doubt..

  • andijames #21 3 years ago

    One of the best reviews i have read on this site for a while. Well done EG :)

  • Darren #22 3 years ago

    Nice review, seems a fair score, even if it is odd that it scores less this year than last year's borked up PS3 version despite actually being "much better" according to the reviewer. I guess that's just down to different people reviewing the games? Pah, review scores, eh... who needs 'em? LOL

    Whatever... I'm very happy with this year's FIFA and have opted not to buy PES 2009 until next year as there's simply too many other games out between now and Chrimbo. I'll pick it up cheap in the New Year's sales I think when I'm bored.

  • andywilkie35 #23 3 years ago

    don't wanna be picky about the review coz its very good, but

    "PES's answer to FIFA's Be a Pro mode (and its online counterpart) is weaker, too."

    In fairness to Pro Evo, it had this mode first. Its been in the Japanese version for years, they didn't think we'd go for it which is why they've never included it before. Since its done alright in FIFA they've decided to actually put it in over here.

    This year has been the hardest for choosing out of the two, I've been a loyal PES player for years but I've come very close to getting FIFA09 this year. Think I'll stick with Pro for now, and see if FIFA2010 can convince me to switch sides! : )

  • andijames #24 3 years ago

    @Darren

    My sentiments exactly mate. This is the first yr i haven't bought PES on release i've lost a bit of faith in it now. Hopefully Konami will realise when they're revenue for this game drops that it's time to seriously re-vamp it from the bottom up. And i mean a real revamp not a seabass "It's been re-worked from the ground up (cough, bullshit, cough) "

  • Feanor #25 3 years ago

    "Can you still save replays in PES?"

    Yes, but the replays don't say when they were scored or what difficulty they were scored on.

  • JDub #26 3 years ago

    My football game playing mates all agree that FIFA is easily the slicker looking game and in fact better, in many ways. I also converted most of them years ago to PES, so maybe it's a case of old habits die hard. As much as I try, I always come back to the (now) relatively arcade feel that PES has. Maybe I'll convert next year... ;)

    Either way, PES should be here tomorrow, followed by big bash at my mate's on Friday. Get your money ready!!

    /doesn't condone gambling

  • jonsaan #27 3 years ago

    Last years psp version was better than either fifa or PES on the big boys consoles. When is the new PES psp out?

  • Muddtallica #28 3 years ago

    "Dirk Kuyt's stamina stat is reassuringly mental, even if he does look like a dead-eyed Gary Busey."

    What other kind of Gary Busey is there?

  • tesodosbichos #29 3 years ago

    I don't understand how you can rank one above the other unless you are allowing FIFA suddenly providing a competent alternative to sway you. FIFA has drastically improved (since 07, not so much from 08), of that there is no doubt, but it had to because it was a poor second. PES might not have improved that much but frankly it did not need to. Some might legitimately complain about PEs standing still but I think we can forgive them a few years when you consider what their rival has being doing for decades. To suddenly whine is a severe case of double standards. Cut out the BS and compare them side by side and PES, in terms of gameplay, is still ahead. FIFA, in terms of presentation, is still ahead. Little has changed in that respect. PES 08 was a poor PES for many reasons but the majority of the issues that plagued it have been sorted. Examples include reducing the speed and vastly improving the defense to actively block passing and running channels in order to rid the game of the 'hero run'. Say whatever you want but PES is still the football simulation as opposed to FIFA and the cheap 'perfect' goals any moron is awarded thanks to the finesse shot button. I could ramble on as I own both (at least I will when the Billy Connolly double that is my postie can be bothered to deliver PES - my friend lives 10 minutes away and his was delivered yesterday!) but there are pros and cons to each. Ultimately it comes down to what you want from a game. If you want a quick casual game which looks good and operates with an idealist view of football then FIFA is for you. If you want a game that more accurately reflects football but is therefore less fun to quickly pick up and play and also weaker in terms of presentation then go with PES. This year you will not lose out either way, which is a refreshing thing to be able to write.

  • RedSparrows #30 3 years ago

    I'm not sure why multiplatform release = decline in quality. If anything, it should ensure an even tighter QA.

  • Darren #31 3 years ago

    I'd also like to add that despite the reviewer's criticism of PES 2009's AI, I usually find PES's to be better than FIFA, even this year's game, as that game still has players standing around waiting for the ball instead of moving toward it. This problem doesn't seem to be anywhere near as bad in PES and players in general move and act more like real footballers. Also passing feels more accurate than the sometimes haphazard one of FIFA. It can be annoying and results in the ball pinging unrealistically back and forth between players as you attempt to get the ball back! They're some of the reasons I buy both games, PES is better for multiplayer, being faster and more arcadey, and FIFA is more suited to the solo player, thanks to the licenses (I've never liked the unrealistic structure of PES's Master mode personally and I can't play as Hull City in that game either).

    While FIFA is much improved in terms of gameplay and physics, it's still not perfect and I feel that it could learn a thing or two from PES as far as AI is concerned. That's just my opinion though.... there's room for improvement in both games.

  • avatarirl #32 3 years ago

    @jonsaan I agree on psp version being very very good. load times still rankle a little tho.

    A lot of people rave about the wii version too... Konami not investing enough to adequately cover XBX360/PS3 methinks?

  • browns #33 3 years ago

    I really like the new Fifa, but it's still PES for me. (Strictly playstation though, I can't play it with the 360 controller!)
    Fifa's animation is fluid and very good looking, but it still feels slow and sluggish.
    Apart from that I think there's still more depth and control within PES than Fifa.

    But.. I honestly cannot understand why they can't make a good looking friggin football game!
    How hard is it?! Make a good looking pitch, dangit!

  • LeD #34 3 years ago

    POS 2009, amarite?

  • BartonFink #35 3 years ago

    Wow this is gradually going down hill from year to year.

  • tmatharu #36 3 years ago

    fair comments people.....

    but i forgot to mention one more thing.....

    PES has a soul, a real character behind the game....

    FIFA doesnt, despite its "bling bling".

    Now, i better get my copy of PES..... And i am a brit in Canada!..... :S

  • syphaa #37 3 years ago

    Uh oh.

    Dilema time.
    I have always stuck with EVO but after playing the FIFA demo and a mate raving out it who is also a EVO fanatic...its a testing time thats for sure. I reckon I will stick with EVO. I prefered the demo over FIFA, so I will stay loyal I think.

  • ThemisB #38 3 years ago

    At last, a reviewer who does what we all want - compares PES and FIFA directly in the review, throughout. It really pisses me off when other sites review, say, FIFA, and hardly mention PES in the review (or vice-versa). After all, they are what we all try to choose between!

    Still going to plump for PES though, perhaps for the last time especially if FIFA's controls get tightened up next year. FIFA is so nearly there, but it just doesn't quite perform as well as PES on the pitch. Not quite. Next year, on the other hand...

  • Tomo #39 3 years ago

    I was expecting a 7 whilst reading the text and hiding the score (TEHE).

    /salutes PES

    Relieved of duty.

  • ruckus #40 3 years ago

    @Feanor - Cheers :)

  • Nicarella #41 3 years ago

    Fair enough review, although the abscence of any mention of the ability to import MP3 chants and menu music, as well as the exstensive edit mode is a little disapointing. But then that would change the balance of the review, wouldn't it?

  • yodakins #42 3 years ago

    Munchuster Utd v Totenheim hopturps.

    No thankyou!

  • tesodosbichos #43 3 years ago

    @ andywilkie35

    Good point. Another thing I do not get is belittling PES's BAL as being inferior while completely ignoring the obvious flaw in FIFA's 'be a 'pro', just not for too long' mode. It could more accurately be called 'one season wonder' mode...

  • thesonglessbird #44 3 years ago

    Having spent quality time with FIFA and with the PES demo, I bought PES. With PES, the team names and transfers are pretty much a non-issue when you consider the strength of the editing community. I personally think that PES looks better (apart from the animations); all the players in FIFA look like creepy hunchbacks.

  • avatarirl #45 3 years ago

    My personal tips for PES apostates (fwiw):
    Set up controllers for FIFA exactly like PES, 15 years using square to shoot just cannot be relearned. Also, this way if PES09 turns out to be decent in a few months, going back is possible.
    Forget about all the skill stuff on L2 + the other stick - using just the "PES" tactics works wonders (speaking for charlton athletic on world class)
    Play at world class or legendary (but I keep loosing on legend) :( AI seems very solid, though I do hit the bar more often than should be necessary!

  • malteaserhead #46 3 years ago

    tesodosbichos
    15-Oct-08 14:48:05
    @ andywilkie35

    Good point. Another thing I do not get is belittling PES's BAL as being inferior while completely ignoring the obvious flaw in FIFA's 'be a 'pro', just not for too long' mode. It could more accurately be called 'one season wonder' mode...
    _________
    Except it lasts for 4 years...

  • SwashbucklingStuff #47 3 years ago

    What about the online laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag?

  • Moonprince #48 3 years ago

    As long as you buy it why would they bother to improve it? They won't do fa until sales drop significantly!

  • HairyArse #49 3 years ago

    I'm taking no notice of "I LOVE PRO" Brambles. He's always biased in favour of PES.

    Oh, wait...

    :p

    The score does not surprise me at all. In fact the demo was so disappointing that I turned it off before half-time.

  • bonker #50 3 years ago

    It's the end of an, er, thing ...

  • notorious-dgd #51 3 years ago

    Fair review me thinks. Konami should have nailed this one because of all the negative feedback they got from last year's effort.
    And I shall shed a tear as this could be the end of an era. Gone are the days where PES got 9/9.5 out of 10 and was often voted as the best sports sim around.
    (Lights a candle in remembrance)

    I'm actually considering buying FIFA because it has a lot to offer, and looks amazing but still i don't feel the same joy of a great passing move or even scoring a goal as I do PES.

  • slave23d #52 3 years ago

    Oh well. three versions in a row. It gets the must try harder next time review again, but lets face it. Its not going to change is it? I am not getting it because the ball sounds like a plastic football from Woolworths.




    Actually, I will likely get this on ps3 whenever I buy a ps3. Already have fifa on 360- and very enjoyable it is too.

  • anamenos #53 3 years ago

    Sorry for my comments on the fifa review TOM.

  • Vanmunt #54 3 years ago

    Bought FIFA this year... no regrets whatsoever, been a Evo fan since the SNES days... Konami lost the plot big time with last years effort and I just cannot stomach another International Cup..

    + Real teams, I still cannot get over it..... the Mighty Ipswich Town 4th in Prem after beating ManUre, stuff of dreams!!!

  • ERG1008 #55 3 years ago

    Munchuster Utd v Totenheim hopturps.

    No thankyou!

    It takes seconds to edit it.
    Also, Manchester United are licensed so you won't have to change them. :op
    Edited by 2 at 15/10/08 @ 15:16

  • itsfuzzy #56 3 years ago

    Well all of us PES fan boys should have known this was coming after the 2 disgraceful next gen releases. Didnt need a crystal ball. Anyway after downloading and playing the 2 demos my mind was made up, didnt need this review. It hurts but PES as we knew it is dead.

  • tesodosbichos #57 3 years ago

    Except it lasts for 4 years...

    @ malteaserhead

    Which was precisely my point.

  • JaysonG #58 3 years ago

    Well done Tom admitting what has become of a game we all loved so fervently isn't easy. I spent years convincing my friends to stop playing Fifa and now I'm having to tell them to go back It's not awful it's just not #1 anymore.

  • TheMoonRat #59 3 years ago

    @tesodosbichos

    You clearly have not played the last 2 FIFAs, because what you're saying is that "old common knowledge" of difference between the two games. FIFA does not have cheap goals.. jeez have you played it with all settings manual? Full 360 control on all shots, passes and player movement? Everything is down to you! No assistance like with Pro Evo. The fact of the matter is that FIFA is now the simulation, and Pro Evo the more arcade style. I'd rathar sit down non games with Pro Evo than FIFA, because they'd struggle to score with FIFA imo.

    I'm not saying you're not allowed to prefer Pro Evo: in some ways I prefer Pro Evo (it's been my football game of choice for years, and I'd not bought a FIFA since '99), but in other ways the new FIFA (feels more organic and rewarding).

    But you can't repeat old "facts" that are no longer true.

  • Darren #60 3 years ago

    @ERG1008 - Sure you can spend hours (days? weeks?) editing everything in PES 2009 on the 360 (or mere seconds on the PS3 and PC if you download someone else's edited options files) but, really, who wants to be doing that when you could be playing the game instead? I find the editing utterly tedious yet I want the proper teams and players so when (if?) I buy this game it will not be for the Xbox 360 even though, IMO, it has the slight edge over the PS3 version in terms of visuals and framerate, at least based on the demos (i.e. it's less jaggy).

  • rumrum4444 #61 3 years ago




    I must say that i´m disappointed with the 7.


    And the review was very honest.

    don´t know which to buy.


    It´s just that i got so good playing pes that if i went to fifa i´d have to learn "how to walk" again !


    Don´t know !


    whatta do !


    seriously !


    .

  • mcwildcard #62 3 years ago

    "PES's answer to FIFA's Be a Pro mode"

    Except 'Winning Eleven: J League' was doing it years before FIFA.

  • itsfuzzy #63 3 years ago

    @rumrum4444

    It´s just that i got so good playing pes that if i went to fifa i´d have to learn "how to walk" again !

    You can map the controller in Fifa09 to match whatever configuration you used in PES.
    Trust me. Im a former PES fanboy. Until the 2 next gen shit heaps made me jump ship.
    Edited by 2 at 15/10/08 @ 15:53

  • gblegend #64 3 years ago

    I was a PES Fan boy up to last year when I jumped ship to FIFA. I felt like I was cheating on the wife when I enjoyed the FIFA demo so much more last year, I bought both but I was very disappointed with PES last year and sold it soon after. After this review and playing FIFA 09 no-stop since I bought it means that I'll be not be indulging in PES this year.

  • ERG1008 #65 3 years ago

    @Darren - Yep I agree with your point & with Fifa & all it's leagues & that it's ready to go.
    Personally I am an editing whore on PES & have been since ISS. Part of the fun for me as weird as that sounds.
    Each to their own & all that.

  • tesodosbichos #66 3 years ago

    @ TheMoonRat

    I have not played FIFA since 2003 and jumped straight in on World Class with no problems. I then turned the assists off and had no problems. The fact remains that it is a lot easier to score in FIFA, notably if you use the finesse shot. It makes it far too easy and presents a far too idealistic view of the game. Great for the casual gamer who wants a quick football fix but not great for those who prefer the realism of having to work for their goals.

  • tinners #67 3 years ago

    finally FIFA gets its nose ahead as deserved!

    come on konami get rid of 8 way rails and destroy fifa, cos you aint getting my money till you do.

  • Totoriko #68 3 years ago

    /can imagine the EA guys lol when reading this

  • BM #69 3 years ago

    @Nicarella

    There's no import chant facility on the 360 version
    Edited by 1 at 15/10/08 @ 16:20

  • Sansmilk_GK #70 3 years ago

    Grrrrrrrrrrrr.... I'm so annoyed at PES as a franchise, they seem to have made NO effort to raise their game (no pun intended), whereby FIFA has come on leaps & bounds since 2006 FIFA World cup, which is the last one I played (ashamedly for the gamerscore - It was horrible). As an evo stalwart it pains me to admit it - but having played both demos I'd have to say that FIFA is the superior game. *Sob*

  • Nicarella #71 3 years ago

    @BM

    Did'nt realsie that this was the Xbox review untill you pointed it out. Shame that Eurogamer have posted it in the PS3 review section too, and still a shame that they have'nt mentioned it.

  • Stu #72 3 years ago

    It makes me cry a little tear inside, but this review excellently sums up why FIFA is just the better game now. Here's hoping it gets low sales this year to provide a little incentive for Konami to pull their finger out and rethink it from the ground up for PES2010, rather than just claiming to.

    Best run fast.

  • Moonprince #73 3 years ago

    rumrum - wtf piece of sht equipment are you using that your posts always come out so retarded looking?

    Particularly that fullstop at the end on it's own

    .
    Edited by 1 at 15/10/08 @ 16:57

  • Seal-eviL #74 3 years ago

    After playing PES2009 (on ps3) for hours i think my copy FIFA2009 will only gather dust the coming months. The playability of PES is just so much better. And isn't that just what it's all about..? The review keeps comparing FIFA and PES, but in the end it's all about the fun playing. FIFA plays a very good game of soccer, PES does it a bit better in my opinion. Should have been 8/10.

  • asharkman #75 3 years ago

    I bought fifa after playing both demo's extensively. For me PES just hasn't changed enough. What's the point in paying money for a game that's suffering the same cronic problems it's always suffered. Goalies only able to kick it out to one person. Short free kicks don't work, you can't pick who your goalie kicks it out to, through balls can't be directed. It's a shambles of a game making no head way. I'm gonna go with fifa, maybe as a couple of people said when they start losing revenue they'll start making some real changes and actually fix what's wrong with it and has been wrong with it since PES 5, which as others have said is far and away the best in the series.

  • Lebowski_49 #76 3 years ago

    Not enough info on the online features, I've played the demo so that was all i was after really, is there plans to actually review the online merits of the game?

  • McFly55 #77 3 years ago

    I find it difficult to take football games reviews seriously on this site since the Sensible Soccer debacle:D

    Both good games this year, but I still prefer pro evo(just about)

  • Darren #78 3 years ago

    @Stu - The thing is though that PES 2009 *will* sell, perhaps not as well as FIFA 09 but seeing as the development costs are a lot less it doesn't really need to. And as long as it continues to sell OK then the developers won't feel the need to radically change anything. They're apparently a very small team working on umpteen versions of the game on a limited budget... I really can't see PES 2010 changing much at all. What Konami need to do IMO is not release a version of the game next year and give the game more development time. That or concentrate on making the game for a smaller number of platforms. Even EA's massive budget didn't stop the earlier current gen FIFAs from being a bit of a mess, it's taken them several years of refinement to finally produce a decent version in FIFA 09.

  • thehipster7 #79 3 years ago

    For me there really is no doubt any longer, last year FIFA took the lead this year it's nailed PES's coffin. Priot to this yep I was a PES fan.

    FIFA plays like real football, pass, move, build up, dribble, shoot etc

    PES is like a school yard 25 a side kick around, there's no subtle pacing uinstead just a scramble or mazy runs the length of the pitch (likely from those who would never dream of passing on a real football pitch)..

    Anyone who still prefers PES ( over 16yrs old and actually likes football rather than pinball) I'd suggest buy FIFA and play it for a few days then see what you think.

    There's no comparision between the two, the PES demo was enough for me to say only one football game for me this year.




  • kingofbergamo #80 3 years ago

    I saw Level magazine; which is a reliable mag (personally); they have huge review of the game, 8-9 pages. They elaborated game modes, played lots of matches and wrote a review (not a preview) of press copy. They were extremely pleased about the game. The review score is %97; they do not think that they will change their mind on score, when they get the final release. Editor of mag is the reliable guy; who has been my main source since PES 2. He told me that he has been totally satisfied about gameplay, graphics, animations etc. His motto in his email to me was (something like) Return of the King. In a while; mag had reviewed PES 2008 with a score 6.7 or 7.0 out of 10. As they expressed all the cons of PES 2008 have been trimmed out; and finally we got the beauty of PES. They mentioned about improved ball physics, AI, slowed down game speed, flexible animations. They called PES 2008 as a pinball soccer and 2009 as a real one.

  • kobashi #81 3 years ago

    "PES's answer to FIFA's Be a Pro mode"

    Except 'Winning Eleven: J League' was doing it years before FIFA.

    No it wasnt. J.League Winning Eleven 2007 Club Championship as the first game to include this and it was released 31st July 2007. FIFA 08 was released September 07. Now considering EA were talking about BAP mode way before July 08 how did they copy Konami.

    EA and Konami both took the idea from Namco. Love Football was the first Next-Gen game to use a BAP/BAL mode. There is nothing wrong with using other people's ideas if you can make it better.

  • DodgyPast #82 3 years ago

    Not sure I like the score as for enjoyment it'll be an 8 or 9 though I can understand E.G.'s reasons.

    The text does communicate one thing successfully and that's that this is an extremely enjoyable version of PES. The A.I. feels much more like playing my mates and time spent in single player should be much more fruitful when it comes to playing a few games against them.

  • turnget2005 #83 3 years ago

    "Pro Evo 5 is widely regarded as the pinnacle of pro evo, and its hard to doubt.. "

    word!!

  • Feanor #84 3 years ago

    5 had had broken overhead kicks, but overall it's probably the best I've played.

  • Trigga_Tybalt #85 3 years ago

    they didn't mention you need that stupid konami id to play this online too. think i will switch to fifa. first time since the psone days. it feels so wrong though.

  • chiz #86 3 years ago

    PES5 was shit (online anyway). It was full of bugs. 50 yard goals were easy.

  • Chufty #87 3 years ago

    Someone remind me, how good is a 7?

  • Darren #88 3 years ago

    @Crufty - Well clearly a 7 is good when it comes to PES 2009 but a 9 is terrible when it comes to LittleBigPlanet! ;)

  • stevencole7 #89 3 years ago

    Clueless review!

  • beastmaster #90 3 years ago

    One less game to buy in the packed Xmas market. I've always been pro-evo (ISS on the N64) but the arcade nature of last years and the dreadful goalkeepers just made me angry. Releasing the demo on the eve of the FIFA release just hammed the nail in the coffin. Utter shite.

  • freedumb #91 3 years ago

    Dunno about you guys but I think this is the best PES yet. Fifa’s great as well, but for me this should be a 9 in terms of gameplay as someone said above, but presentation, features and options make Fifa’s score higher. (the fixed player cursor has actually been in since PES 3, without the proper player creation leagues mode of Fantastista added before Fifa 08 as well).

    Player movement feels “freer” and smoother. The player individuality with the stats as usual is very good. The slower speed is like to PES 5’s simulation. The new d-pad dribbling makes close control more complex and intuitive, and the dribbling itself is under control. You can’t just hold R1 and run, ghosting past players like the last two versions because you have less control when sprinting. You have to work to beat a player, as defences have been improved. The engine is still a souped up ps2 one but looks nice, especially the lighting and player likenesses. In fact the player models look more lifelike than Fifa’s. They haven’t got the animation as smooth as Fifa’s next gen engine yet, but they will in time as they get used to the new consoles, and they’re still good, especially the new animations.

    Like PES 5, it needs extended play to uncover its nuances and to master it. Its top stuff, I don’t think people should underestimate PES because of the 7/10, both footy games are great this year.
    Edited by 1 at 15/10/08 @ 18:58

  • keith123 #92 3 years ago

    Oh my Konami, you really are lazy shits.
    Review could have been beefed up a bit to comment on more stuff, is there the ability to change the corwd chants with downloaded mp3's? Particulary on xbox I want to know.

  • KingStevie #93 3 years ago

    THIS SITE IS A JOKE , best PES ever and they give it a 7 Fuck off

  • ratso #94 3 years ago

    "Shot-cum-cross" ????

    Would EG please stop using "cum" in favour of "come".

  • CunningLinguist #95 3 years ago

    Based on the demos I actually prefer EURO 2008, but that's me. Both games have enough flaws to make you cringe and not want to play it anymore. It is obvious neither is great, they're both average games. I remember to this day the first game of PES 5 against one of my mates -the huge smile on my face and the annoyance on his (PES 4 fanatic). I think they should just reskin that engine, fix the bugs and brand it PES 2010. Until that happens I'm keeping my PS2.
    Edited by 1 at 15/10/08 @ 19:10

  • projectmayhem #96 3 years ago

    @KingStevie: Obviously opinion plays a huge part, but having played through a season of the bundesliga in FIFA09, I can't play PES. It's just not at the races in the same way it used to be. This iteration isn't bad by any stretch... but the best? I think some of the problems are simply that FIFA's a real competitor this time.

  • CunningLinguist #97 3 years ago

    By the way does anyone know if they have the classic teams? You can't have a PES without Classic Netherlands.

  • chasejamie #98 3 years ago

    Bought Fifa on launch and I'm glad that a fifa is actually good for once, but after a few weeks play, cracks are starting to show. Annoying glitches, players movements are still sticky and unresponsive (but a huge improvement on early games), shooting is still nowhere near Pro Evo satndard, and it's starting to feel like a chore to play it sometimes. Can't wait to play Pro Evo, I actually liked last years one after despising it to begin with. I reckon the two games complement eachother though, like 1st person shooters, you don't need just one of them, their different enough to own both of them if you have the money. A mix of PES 4 and 5 and a graphic overhaul wouldn't go amiss next season though Seabass.

  • keith123 #99 3 years ago

    Thanks Killa, should have expected that with MS restricting everything.

  • bad09 #100 3 years ago

    Ouch!

    As a FIFA man who had to put up with much ranting from my PES mates over the years about how silly names and PS1 presentation don't matter. I'm secretly laughing at this review!

    Actually it's no secret - Hahahahahahahahahah!!!!!

    Better than FIFA? I think not :)

    Edited by 1 at 15/10/08 @ 19:33

  • KingStevie #101 3 years ago

    Does nobody care this is a triumph of graphics over gameplay

  • Redeye #102 3 years ago

    Will have this for 360, FIFA for my PSP. :)

    /solved

  • hiddenranbir #103 3 years ago

    Pro Evo 5 is the best. Pro Evo 6 they introduced the helium ball, whereby a slight touch in front of goal could launch it out of the stadium

    So that's why most of my shots end up ballooning over. I've resorted to long range screamers where using the shooting bar is allowed.

  • Feanor #104 3 years ago

    It's not the game's fault you hold down shoot too long or at the wrong time and hoof it over the bar.

  • tinners2 #105 3 years ago

    Is anyone else playing the PC versions of these games?

    Downloaded both demos and I can't see what all the fuss is about with FIFA. Played a few games on it now and the player animations, and graphics in general are awful, not to mention dodgy controls. Don't know if its a bad PC conversion or what but I really can't get into it.

    Pro Evo is the same as last year, but I can never really notice the difference anyway.

  • Pablo2k5 #106 3 years ago

    Where's the PC review FFS?????

  • Bonus #107 3 years ago

    I joined the FIFA camp this year having been a Pro Evo player since I got Winning Eleven 4 on import on the PS1 (thought I'd better put my pro evo credentials in before someone shouts at me).

    FIFA is the better game. I can see why pro evo players wont like it on only a few plays because it doesn't play the same as pro evo so you can't do exactly the same style of play and be successful unless you're just picking the best teams in the game against crap teams.

    For those having a go at FIFA's AI, stick it on the most difficult setting then play the game, for those complaining about the shooting, get it on manual.

  • ekko #108 3 years ago

    Looks like I'll be in the "none of the above" camp. Played dozens of matches on both demos and both are good but not great in my humble opinion.

    Maybe I'll pick one of them cheap sometime next year, but I am not fully enthused.

  • SteveB #109 3 years ago

    I switched to Fifa last year after playing every iteration of PES/ISS all the way back to the original Snes version. Having played both demos this year, I would agree that Fifa is the best overall game, however I actually enjoyed the PES demo more.

    I feel that Fifa has gone a bit too far down the simulation route now and as a result feels more like a chore to play, rather than an enjoyable experience. I want GOALS not 0-0 bore draws !

    Edited by 1 at 15/10/08 @ 23:58

  • RicTheNinja #110 3 years ago

    *goes off and plays Pro Evo 6*

  • freedumb #111 3 years ago

    I should have also mentioned the ball physics as well. They're very good, well weighted with great bounce and spin and aftertouch. yes it does genuinely feel as if you're kicking and manipulating a real ball.

  • mkreku #112 3 years ago

    I don't get it. I've tried the demo of both PES09 and FIFA09 and I think the animations in PES are silky smooth, especially in the transitions from one set of animations to another. That's where I feel FIFA is still lacking. But this review says it's the other way around?! How is that possible?

  • Eurolamer #113 3 years ago

    Silly, attention-seeking review score. Even someone with no prior experience of PES could tell you '09 is a considerable improvement over '08, even in features alone. How then has it got a lower score than last year? Logical much?

    There is something about PES, something in the way it plays that just feels more satisfying and enjoyable than FIFA. FIFA was too arcadey in the past, now it's too conservative, Pro Evo has pretty much stayed the same. And that is they only truly valid criticism of PES; it's there or there abouts the same game of yesteryear.

    One area where FIFA has Pro Evo licked is in innovation. There are SO many things they could add to the master league to make it a more rounded experience. Even using some of the ideas from that Pro Evo management game they did a few years back would be a start.

    Still, it's a good time for footy fans. Both games are credible in their own ways, perhaps for the first time in a long time offering a genuine choice rather than a no brainer.

  • Buggs #114 3 years ago

    Has the World Tour mode made it in to this version? I've not heard any mention of it.

    I had lots of fun with that in last year's PS2 version, despite everyone else seeming to hate the game.

  • sifujames #115 3 years ago

    @ tinners2 - Agree with you I do (said in best Yoda voice). Played the PC versions of PES 09 and FIFA 09 back to back last night and preferred PES. I can't put my finger on why, but it just felt "better". Maybe it's just me, but PES felt more responsive (and that includes going through menus too) then FIFA.

    But don't think I'll bother buying either though for the PC, more interested in trying PES 09 on the Wii, or either FIFA or PES (whichever's better & cheaper in a few months) on the PSP

  • bealios #116 3 years ago

    Obviously a review is only an opinion, but giving what is arguably the the best football game on the new generation a 7 out of 10 is a bit harsh. Its like its being punished for not changing too much - but as a game in itself is it really on a par with the other games that have received that score?

    I bought Fifa this year for the first time as well having never played one before - I accept its going to take a while to get used to, but even on the highest difficulty settings I seem to have no trouble keeping a clean sheet - its just that I can't score and a lot of my games end up 0 - 0! Logically, once I get used to it, does it mean that I'm still going to be able to keep clean sheets, but win every game 1 - 0? I also find it very sluggish at the moment, and whilst its good that you can't go on the glory runs familiar to those who have played against Barca in PES 2008, I think Fifa 09 goes too much the other way in that wing play seems to be pretty inaffective and it is difficult to beat a man, even with players who in real life are so adept at this.

    I've only played the PES 2009 demo, but it seems to play a great game of football, and I agree with the comments about Fifa being more of simulation, PES 2009 being a bit more fun and end to end. There seems to be a bit more variation and events that happen in PES than in Fifa which seems to be about slow build up play (i.e. passing to the free man until eventually the AI sends one of your players in the clear). Again, maybe I just need to get used to it.

    FIFA is a fantastic package, I particularly love the atmosphere that is built up when you play in recognisable stadiums etc, but am I the only one who wishes that you could have the FIFA package, licences and stadium, but that when the game starts it plays like PES?!?!
    Edited by 1 at 16/10/08 @ 12:28

  • GESS #117 3 years ago

    Pro died a long time ago. Konami will not be getting any more of my money

  • kobashi #118 3 years ago

    nobody should compare the PC version of FIFA 09 with PES 2009.

    FIFA 09 on the PC is nothing like the 360/PS3 versions.

  • brazzauk #119 3 years ago

    PES 4 was the last great Pro Evo, since the move to the current gen these games are a joke. Wont even mention PES online!!!

    Its like watching a player who should have retired years ago. I played 2009 for a good few hours this week and it won't be in my drive again. Back to the shop with this one and FIFA is now my game of choice.

    I never thought I would say that but its true. Since Fifa 07 on the 360 EA have gotten it better and better. God I hate saying that but well done to EA.
    Edited by 1 at 16/10/08 @ 15:39

  • Curry_mad #120 3 years ago

    @CunningLinguist

    Agree with you. PES 5 was great. 6 was over the top and 2008 was just unplayable at times. Keep the PES5 gameplay, up the graphics, sort the crowd out and make it feel like astadium full of fans.


    Also, I still laugh at the fantastic EG review for PES2008. No mention of the shocking jerky-ness of the framerate or even how bad the game was.

    As someone else has already said, that got like 8/10???. And how was that? Shocking journalism !!!



  • sanduixe #121 3 years ago

    FIFA is best.
    This is the true.

  • Zebula77 #122 3 years ago

    After day one of playing this, I think 8/10 is a much more appropriate score. Anyways, PES games usually get better over time and I don't see this one differing (FIFA games get worse over time imHo).

    The game plays smoothly, intuitively and the responsiveness is excellent. It doesn't take a half second to do short passes, like in another football game I played earlier this year. AI players make good runs and I found them to play pretty well in the Legend mode as well. True, menus and screens are boring as hell, but that's on par for the course. Konami has never gotten that part right.

    Gameplay-wise, tho - utter brilliance.

  • Eurolamer #123 3 years ago

    @ Zebula77 - interesting point, PES grows better with age like a fine wine. FIFA just goes off!

    Heh, well, remains to be seen if that's true this year.

  • Sansmilk_GK #124 3 years ago

    @RicTheNinja
    '*goes off and plays Pro Evo 6*'

    Word. Still the best one on the 360

  • KingPepper41 #125 3 years ago

    I don't know what it is with FIFA games, but they keep me coming back to purchase the next version, and i have played every version of FIFA since the Megadrive (Genesis) days, with FIFA Soccer, and i am amazed how damn good the latest version is looking, i bought it, but my Brother is borrowing it, he tells me Online 10 Vs 10 is Awesome..........
    I noticed it said Pro Evo 09 is zippy in the speed department,But in FIFA 09, what i didn't know was, there is actually a option to increase the speed of the game, its default speed is Normal, i tried Fast, and man does it go fast and even Faster if you wish......
    So all in all, this years FIFA kicks the so called King of Soccer PES, out the door, No contest.......
    There maybe one thing that is lacking in FIFA at the Moment, and that is the Master League Mode, but knowing the guys at EA Sports, they will improve that side of things also, and give us all something very similar to that mode in 2010
    i tried buying Pro Evo 09 yesterday on its launch day (Friday 17th Oct), i went to my local store at lunch time and found both FIFA 09 & PES 09, sold out, by 1pm............i was well pissed off, but after reading the review and comments on here, i am glad couldn't of bought it.
    I am sure there will be a ton of trade in's for Pro Evo 09, like the Pro Evo 06's on XBOX360, second hand racks........
    I love both games on my PSP, just fantastic, can't wait for PES 09 on my PSP to be released......hopefully they will of improved it on there.......... :o)

  • josh943 #126 3 years ago

    Here we go again konami, you make a fucking shit game which everyone wastes there money on and this time you have fucked me off, stick your game im ditching it and going with fifa now like many others. You have had 2 games to sort the online gaming out, you've blown it stick your game up your fucking arse mr konami, goodbye

  • db3 #127 3 years ago

    Already enjoying Fifa 2009, but also picked up PES 2009 yesterday as ASDA are doing it for £27.
    (konami buying chart position?)

    It seemed fun at first but after a fews goes I found it frustrating.
    Went back to ASDA today for exchange.

  • deathdealer619 #128 3 years ago

    I have both fifa and pro and I have to say pro evo is better and I am a fifa fan more than pro anyday, but not this year fifa has to many annoying traits that ruined it for me.

    1. Players dissapearing when a player makes a sub.
    2. I hit the post at least twice every game or the crossbar which is just infuriating.
    3. It is possible to score with placement shot from about 35 yards out 5/10 times.

    Not sayng fifa is bad as it looks good and its audio is fantastic compared to pro evo terrible commentary, but pro just feels a better game of football i feel especialy online its v v good.

  • jjakobyen #129 3 years ago

    Hi,

    I would like to inform you about a new website which is purely built to express disappointment with new PES 2009 game (especially online play etc.)

    This website aims to bring PES fans around the world together and pressure Konami to fix the problems with the game, make online play more stable and increase the quality of the game like previous PES games (before 2008) that we used to love and play.

    [link url=http://www.iwantmypesb ack.com
    ]http://www.iwantmypesb ack.com
    [/link]

    Please share this website with your PES lover friends. The more, the merrier!

  • dens0n #130 3 years ago

    I owned FIFA for about a month, now I sold it, though.
    At the beginning I was so happy with that game but after a while I really grew tired of it and it's major flaws.

    Like some days ago when I played online I passed the ball back to my goal keeper,but the stupid dude wouldn't react at all, although the ball was like 1meter in front of him. In the end I lost the game 0:1 because of something like that.
    It also happens that a player would randomly turn around while chasing a ball, then chasing the ball with his butt, which is really annoying as hell, especially in your own half because when it happens there you can be pretty damn sure that you'll catch a goal right away.
    The dribbling also sucks.

    Don't get me wrong,though,the presentation,licenses and the whole atmosphere in FIFA are sooo superior but the most important thing, which obviously is the gameplay, still has some huge issues which kill the fun after a while.