SpawnPoint

Gameplay

Gameplay has been improved for Pro Evolution Soccer 2009, with key additions such as an improved Teamvision system, with tactics changing according to situation, better off-the-ball movement such as running to receive passes, etc and the AI recognizing strategies that work and it accumulates data on an ongoing basis within Master League and League modes. Another new addition is the readjustments for ball movements, and PES 2009 has new air resistance calculations for the trajectory of the ball. The heaviness of the ground also impacts the gameplay. There will also be new friction routines to affect ball movement in terms of ground conditions, backspin routines are calculated so that ball slows accordingly, and the bounce of the ball can be used more effectively: players can flick the ball up to tee a shot, or to lift it over a defender’s trailing leg. Skills are now integrated more into the game. If a player has the ability, they will be able to perform deft turns. There will also be adjusted controls to make close control more intuitive. All new Manual Passing and there is no slowdown in replays or matches.

Competitions

Konami have announced that they have obtained the rights to the UEFA Champions League for the next 4 years. Konami has secured the exclusive rights to the UEFA Champions League and the respective teams for Pro Evolution Soccer 2009. Currently, agreements have been secured with Liverpool and Manchester United to include licensed versions of each team in the game along with a whole roster of European and South American teams. Following teams comes with the licensed package. The only confirmed teams are Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United FC, Liverpool FC, Real Madrid CF, Villareal CF and FC Barcelona.

Stadium

Konami have agreed a three-year deal with Wembley Stadium to be featured in the game. It is expected that all stadiums from Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 will also be in the game.

Cover

Lionel Messi will appear as the cover image of PES 2009. As part of the new agreement, Lionel Messi will feature on the box of all versions of PES 2009 when it is released later this year, and will also feature in promotional materials for the game.