First PES 2009 screenshots are in

Crikey, is it that time again already? The next annual PES instalment starts teasing us with its screenshots as from today and we have to admit they've got us very excited. Not least because the last game (on next-gen consoles at least) was a tad disappointing, leaving us to look elsewhere for our daily lunchtime fix. This time has got to be 'the one'. Got to be.

However, the press release only states the platforms as PS3, 360, PS2, PC and PSP. Where's the Nintendo version? Maybe there's a separate game planned, especially as the content is likely to be quite different from the other platforms' similar offerings. Considering the previous game's later and altered release on Wii, it's certainly likely.

The shots don't give much away, only that the crowd still doesn't seem to be fully rendered in 3D (if you look closely you'll see that they're just sprites, always facing away from the camera or at a 45 degree angle), though the stadia look fantastic and there looks to be a vastly improved 'depth of field' effect on the camera. The player models look even more solid and perhaps a little more realistic, although they're still rendered in the likeable PES style.

Details on gameplay enhancements are scarce, although Konami tells us there will be 'a raft of extensive new additions' and 'all-new options [to] allow users to tailor the game to their own tastes'. No word on an official license, but don't get your hopes up.

Hitthis linkto see the rest of the screens. Rest assured we'll be bringing you loads more on this one as it shapes up for its autumn release – especially considering the new FIFA looks like being very special this year. Game on.

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Justin was a GamesRadar+ staffer for 10 years but is now a freelance writer, musician and videographer. He's big on retro, Sega and racing games (especially retro Sega racing games) and currently also writes for Play Magazine, Traxion.gg, PC Gamer and TopTenReviews, as well as running his own YouTube channel. Having learned to love all platforms equally after Sega left the hardware industry (sniff), his favourite games include Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, Zelda BotW, Sea of Thieves, Sega Rally Championship and Treasure Island Dizzy.