Introduction

With FIFA 09 being released 6 months earlier, Konami gave themselves more than enough time to improve, tweak and alter the master piece that hit our shelves a year ago. A revolution in the way that football games are played gave Konami the advantage over the falling behind FIFA.
A few of the new features include: Improved defensive systems, shot aiming, downloading the latest data online, Master League and the greatest addition; The UEFA Champion’s League. After a successful beginning to their Wii developing, expectations are set high for this game by critics and fans. Also, there are now two control schemes, which are: Classic controls, and Play-maker controls.

Single Player

Probably the best thing on the system is the single player modes, which include the vast variety of; Free Match, Champion’s Road, Master League, Cup, League and UEFA Champion’s League.
I will cover all of these individually, as each aspect differs throughout the modes.
The Champion’s Road is a classic amongst football fans; here you begin with a team struggling to call themselves professionals. With a little bit of skill and player acquisition your soon no-name team will conquer the world’s most competitive tournaments and leagues. While you play through this you will be given missions, or achievements, which challenge the player into completing them for money. The money in this game is not for buying players with, but for funding the facilities that care for and train your players. This is a unique addition to the gameplay, which was not included in the 2008 version and its dimension that it brings to the game is brilliant. To obtain players you must select an anonymous card at random, but hints can help you in attaining the player desired.
The Master League was an older game mode, which did not feature in last year’s edition, however, this year it makes its return. In this mode, you begin with a team that are amateurs and by leading them through all the lower leagues into the bigger leagues; you can become the greatest team in the world. This mode is slightly different than that of Champion’s Road, and offers more in the tactical approach to football.
The Cup and Leagues are just simple modes, which allow the player to play a simple league or cup and the aim is to win, obviously. These are seen to be compulsory modes that do not offer much other than quick fun.

UEFA Champion’s League

This has a title of its own as I cannot emphasis the brilliant, incredible and extraordinary atmosphere and quality that this mode has to offer. Before I came to playing this mode, Pes09 did not feel like the perfect game. However, as soon as I hit the UEFA Champion’s League button, the music, the theme, the gameplay, the commentators, the players all revolved around one of the greatest competitions in the world; Champion’s League. As a football fan, it is valid that I give you a warning now, you might actually orgasm at the sight of this, but do not let it put you off. This mode has so much to offer and this alone makes Pes09 one of the best football games ever.

Multiplayer

Last year’s version had an online that would make you cringe, but this year as with most things, they have turned it around. Fluid movements online and a great sporting atmosphere topped off by intuitive controls. The friend codes are still there, but this seems to be a requirement imposed by Nintendo.
The local multiplayer is great as usual, but one comment on this; the fact that the cursor shows up is compulsory and I can accept that. However, this inevitability causes there to be a huge frenzy and a distraction by all the movements on the screen. This is just a small issue that to be honest, I can not think of a solution to.

Gameplay

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 is made for the solid gameplay. There are an infinite number of tactical strategies and movements, which can be made. This variety of gameplay is what leads to the great diversity of methods to score, defend, and counter-attack.
There is not much to say on this topic as the simplest and best way to put it is that the gameplay is brilliant. Well thought out and well executed.

[IMG]http://www.wiids.nl/files/PES08_Wii_15.jpg[/IMG]

Graphics and Sound

As ever the sound it excellent, even better in UEFA Champion’s League mode. The commentators have the same phrases as the old game, but topped off with brand new ones. The crowd noises are natural and effective, in contrast to their hideous appearance in the game. The crowd are depicted as 2D stick men, which can question the quality of the game. However, when playing you hardly notices the fans.
The graphics are as I have mentioned many times; third rate. Compared to the crisp and fluent graphics on the 360 and Ps3, the Wii looks amateur, but this is easily overlooked by the gameplay. The UEFA Champion’s League videos and cut-scenes are great graphics and even a video of Manchester United holding the trophy high from their victory over Chelsea last year.
Overall, it lacks in the graphical battle, but through sound, gameplay and multiplayer this game does impress.

Summary

It is a must buy for all football fans, even if you are not into football, at least give it a go. This really brings tactical approach, skill and glory together quite nicely. The game’s new additions are pure genius, there are definitely hours of fun to be had on every single mode.
The online updates are a first for Wii football games, and are definitely a huge step towards the Wii’s rivals; 360 and Ps3.