New PES 2010 screenshots released

PES 2010, looking like a return to form for the series.

Konami have today released some very interesting new PES 2010 screenshots. These screenshots show off the new master league and online modes. The online stuff looks rather impressive but first lets look at the master league mode.

For years now PES fans around the world have been crying out for a restructuring of the master league mode and it looks like Konami have finally listened. Going by the screenshots it  looks like Konami have followed in the footsteps of the FIFA manager mode and then gone a step further too. First of all, the menus now have a more user friendly look which was something that was needed as the previous menus were a bit overwhelming and “clunky”. A couple of the shots also show that you will have scouts at your disposal who will help you find players that you need and give you information on potential targets, something which I believe is not possible in FIFA.

Online wise it looks like Konami have once again listened to what fans have been saying for a good few years now. Finally a PES game will have online tournaments/competitions, the most exciting being the inclusion of an online Champions League. The screenshots suggest that players will be able to create tournaments of their own too, one of the many possibilities being the creation of an online co-op tournament. Speaking of co-op we also noticed the words “add guest user” in a couple of the shots which would suggest that (like Gears of War) you will be able to take a friend online with you from the comfort of the same living room. All these online options sound great but one eternal question remains unanswered, will PES still be a laggy mess online? We have been told that a totally seperate development team is working on the online aspect of the game and judging by the new options unveiled today we actually think that is true, we just hope that shows in the online play too.

As well as releasing some new screenshots Konami have also announced that PES 2010 will feature a 360-degree control system aswell as a host of other new features which include:

• Manual Goalkeepers: PES 2010 will be the only football title to offer users complete control of the keeper. Players can switch to their goalkeeper at any time, and will enjoy total control of his actions.
• New Goalkeeper Moves: Players can now perform quick under-arm throws to their nearest defender to get attacks rolling more quickly.
• All-New Animation: Key animation related to dribbling, running, turning, etc, has been reworked and enhanced, creating a more natural and organic feel to the way players chase down balls, change direction and move around the pitch. The result is a more fluid and natural look to the game.
• Fine-tuned Close Control: The PES Productions team has worked to improve trapping of the ball and basic close control elements, giving the user more ways to spread and move the ball around effortlessly.
• Manual Ball Request: The ability to demand the ball when running into space is now available to the player, and will be accessible in all game modes.
• Simpler Skills: Moves such as feints, drag backs and upper body feints can be applied more naturally when taking on or trying to beat an opponent. The PES series has long been associated with clever flicks and tricks, and PES 2010 will boast the most to date.

[click here to have a look at the screenshots]