PES 2009 (Xbox 360)

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Frame rate problems should be no more

And for those of you who think that PES' gameplay is scripted, there's now a new fully manual control mode for hardcore players. In this mode you'll have to manually select your player and position him to receive the pass properly in order to build moves. Only try this if you're the best of the best.

We know what you're thinking. Ask about the bloody online play! Well of course we did. While our Konami rep hasn't actually played the game online, or seen it running online, we were assured that lessons were learned and promised a better experience. And it better be, because PES 2008 is almost unplayable online due to teleporting players and crippling lag. This is a massive game breaker for us. If the online play is solid, then we're almost certainly sold. If not, then we're going to be very sad indeed.

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If the online play does turn out to be as smooth as a baby's bottom, then you'll be able to share the online love with up to three other players, either in a two versus two match, or with four players on the same team using the new Legends mode, the online version of the new Become a Legend mode. Here, players start as a 17-year-old attacking youth team player with awful stats. You play a few games and, if you do well, get the chance to sign pro forms with a professional club. At first you'll be stuck in the reserves, but eventually you'll get a spot on the bench in the first team. From then on it's up to you to take your chance when the manager throws you on as a sub. And that doesn't necessarily mean dribbling past five players then nutmegging the keeper. You'll have a dedicated position on the field, and the manager will expect you to stick to it. So no dodgy Joe Cole coming in off the wing. And you won't have any opportunity to influence the manager's decision, David Beckham style, and pick the team yourself. But that's the way it should be.

We quite like the idea of the Legend modes. While FIFA 09 dwarfs PES 2009's efforts with support for a mammoth 20 players online at once (10 versus 10), it's at the very least a step in the right direction towards properly implemented online play, something Konami hasn't got a particularly impressive track record with. And it's certainly a lot more interesting than the snore bore that is the Master League, which hasn't undergone many changes this time around. The ultimate goal is, of course, to get a call up to your national side. You'll have plenty of time to achieve that goal, too. The Become a Pro mode lasts 21 in-game years, taking you from a fresh faced 17-year-old to a Teddy Sheringham style veteran.

Let's hope online play is vastly approved

Graphically, PES 2009 looks very similar to PES 2008, especially in the normal game view. This is particularly disappointing, especially when you consider the amazing graphics EA has been able to achieve with FIFA's equivalent view. But in up close views, during goal celebrations and after fouls, for example, PES 2009 looks superb. We don't really care about this view though, since you don't actually play the game in it.

At the time of writing, the confirmed official Premier League teams are still under wraps, although we know what they are (sorry, guys, you know how the game works). We also know another juicy bit of info in the official licenses area that we're not allowed to reveal that's even better. But what we can tell you though is that PES 2009 has the official license for Wembley stadium, one of 24 grounds this time around. It's an unfortunate situation, of course. PES will never wrestle EA's vice-like grip on the official FA Premier League license, which, despite what some think, we reckon is a massive deal. But Konami does promise a pleasing announcement in the near future which should help dull the disappointment. And if you don't like it, you can always change it all with the return of a full edit mode.

We're delighted with how PES has improved over last year's game. In many ways it feels like a return to the series' roots, with slower gameplay, harder AI and more emphasis on build up play and killer through balls. It still feels very much like PES. This may well disappoint some fans who listened in earnest to 'Seabass's promise of a "complete overhaul". PES 2009 is not series reboot. It looks similar, feels similar (but better) and two games are still never the same - the best thing about the series. "We've stopped worrying about what FIFA's doing and started concentrating on what PES does best," said our smiling Konami representative. Good decision, Konami.

PES 2009 is due out for PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, PC, PSP and mobile phones this Autumn. A Wii version is due in spring 2009.

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