G4TV Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Preview

  “Konami's latest installment in its critically acclaimed soccer simulation franchise features a host of new upgrades designed to make the game the best iteration yet. Improved controls, updated visuals and animations, reactive crowds, smarter AI, and a deeper online experience are just a few of the new additions that will make this the soccer simulator to beat this coming season.

...Konami’s big coup last year was the acquisition of the UEFA Champions League license. The irony was that the publisher snatched up those rights, but still lacked the club licenses for virtually every English Premier League team. Unfortunately, for PES 2010, it doesn’t look like North London will magically become Arsenal, nor will Manchester Blue become Manchester City. That said, the publisher claims it has some big news regarding some clubs and stadiums shortly. I managed to at least squeeze out some information that previously unlicensed clubs will be debuting with PES 2010.

I’m not sure that Konami’s long-standing claim -- PES’ depth overcomes its lack of licenses -- holds as much water after EA’s two years of exceptionally deep gameplay and licensed clubs with FIFA. That said, from the 3-0 drubbing I gave the Konami rep in a Roma – Juventus match (hardly indicative of the real-life results this past Sunday), I get a strong sense that with Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, the Tokyo-based team is finally sculpting a better soccer experience for this console generation. The shooting system feels tighter than the past two years, the AI got itself fewer yellow cards, and the visual menus really help with explaining complex ideas.”