In return for this hiccup, KCET have added some neat animations to liven things up like a jumping back-heel flick or a little nod-down header to bring a lofted ball under control and still continue your run seamlessly. The weapon that we’re sure will get Seabass’s pants in a twist this year (he hates it when player’s ‘break’ the game) is the chipped through ball. It works like a dream as you laser-target a pass over a defense with the likes of Fabregas. Used at the right time, it’s impossible to defend against as back-peddling defenders often pull up or labor behind the attacker who’s already going full-tilt on goal. A sweeper will help stem the tide though.

Whilst PES 2009 looks better than ever (they’ve captured Ronaldo’s hateful, preening face to a tee) and the tweaked animations make it look more realistic than ever, we still can’t get our heads around the commentary, which is down-right bizarre. It’s Champion and Lawrenson back in the hot-seats and their scripting is dreadful. Comments like ‘These two managers will share a bottle of wine after this, but now for some whining’ or ‘the half-time lottery was won by chief of police today’ are two of the most insane remarks that they spout. Their delivery is so dry you can almost hear them choking on grains of sand. There’s an unintentional humor to the banter, which will have you laughing out loud the first few times, but after a couple of sessions it’s just terrible.

Despite the lack of movement regarding the new modes, licenses and Master League improvements, PES 2009 is still the game that will have you coming back for more. Look past all the awful commentary, and disappointing Be A Legend mode, and you’re left with a title that delivers the most complete footie experience to date. Rest assured, PES 2009 is back to its best on the pitch. Let’s just hope that Konami can add some fresh ideas for next season.

Oct 16, 2008