Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 bolstering up on features and teams

Konami has issued a press release regarding the upcoming PES 2008, due in October. As disclosed, PES 2008 will feature more licensed teams than ever, improved graphics, new features, while some of already existing features have been completely re-created.

PES 2008 should contain over 250 licensed teams and over 3.000 licensed players, graphics have been “massively” enhanced including facial animation, and last but not the least - AI engine has been replaced with all new AI dubbed “Teamvision”, which primary task is to monitor player on-screen movement and adapt accordingly.

Official press release from Konami
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has released further details regarding the eagerly-awaited PES 2008, due for release later in the year for PLAYSTATION 3, XBox 360, PC-DVD, PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation Portable) and Nintendo DS.

Following the announcement of Cristiano Ronaldo as the European face of the new game, Konami has also extended the number of officially licensed national and club teams in the game. PES 2008 will boast more licenses than ever before, with Brazil, Portugal, Greece, Scotland and Ireland amongst the new officially licensed National teams on offer. Similarly, the roster of licensed club teams has also been bolstered, with Newcastle, Tottenham, RSC Anderlecht, HJK Helsinki, IFK Goteborg, Panathinaicos, Spartak Moscow, Fenerbache, NK Dinamo Zagreb and FC Basel amongst those added to the ranks.

The new licensed club sides join the likes of Juventus Turin, AC Milan, Celtic, Porto and more and demonstrate Konami’s commitment to adding the world’s greatest teams to what is regarded as the most realistic football game for any system. The new teams also combine to ensure PES 2008 has over 3000 licensed players realistically replicated within the game, and over 250 teams.

PES 2008 will mark a quantum leap forward for the Pro Evolution Soccer series. An all-new AI system entitled Teamvision has been designed to actively monitor the player’s onscreen movements and adapt accordingly. This means players cannot resort to overly-familiar tactics, and forces them to change their movements if they are to pose offensive threats. New set pieces have also been implemented, with players selecting key players to receive free kicks, and tailoring defensive walls to their specific needs. Coupled with a massively enhanced aesthetic upgrade that includes facial animation and shirts creasing, plus an extensive edit mode, and PES 2008 is already shaping up to retain its footballing crown.

“Konami has worked hard to bolster the number of licensed clubs in PES 2008 and the new additions represent a huge step forward for the series”, commented Jon Murphy, Pro Evolution Soccer Team Leader for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “We listen very closely to what people want from the series and hope these new additions further extend PES 2008’s reputation within both die-hard football fans and newcomers alike.”

PES 2008 will be released for PLAYSTATION 3, XBox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation Portable), PC-DVD and Nintendo DS in October.