PES 2009: Pro Evolution Soccer (Xbox 360)

A welcome reboot compared to 2008
12/1/2008 7:17 PM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2

If this mode were the only new addition, it would already make for a great purchase, but Konami went the extra mile (finally) and snatched up the UEFA Champions League license for the next four years. That means there are more licensed players and teams than Konami has had in some time, though Electronic Arts still owns specific licenses that prevent everyone from being in there. Once again, the U.S. National Team isn't among the licensed squads, so forget about having them available in national play. Still, it's an overall improvement and should limit the amount of player editing you need to add missing favorites to the rosters. It also means you can play for the UEFA Cup.

It's not all diving headers for the victory, though. The biggest issue is a lack of feedback in Become A Legend mode. Part of the reason I was so excited about making the team was that I wasn't sure where I stood with the coaches -- there's no obvious information telling you anything more than "you're trying to make the bench." As in every PES game, digging through the menus unearths player ratings after a match, but there needs to be more. Also, the menu system is clunky, tired and desperately in need of a full overhaul.

Online play is improved tremendously from the 2008 edition of the game, although there's a low player population on all versions. The Xbox 360 version at least makes it simple to hop online and play through Xbox Live; no extra setup is required. You can enjoy the online game as it's always been, with the option to control all players on the field or fly solo with your Legend player.

The biggest disappointment is that the graphics haven't really improved, and the 360 version has some nasty screen tearing that's not found in the PlayStation 3 version, which seems to be graphically better all around. The animation has come a long way from the prior game, but could be even better. These issues are easy to look past, though, because the gameplay is finally there. Become A Legend mode gives this game an entertaining and lengthy lease on life inside your console. Unless you're already a FIFA and Electronic Arts fan, you really can't go wrong with Pro Evolution Soccer 2009.

This review is based on a retail copy of the game purchased by the reviewer.