A quick note to any Australian based members. I just received a call from EB to say that the street date was broken this afternoon. So I just ran down and picked up my copy that was on pre-order (2 days early) :D

Is it any good?

How does this compare to Pro Evolution (Winning Eleven)? On the PS2 the Winning Eleven series always had better gameplay and team selection.

I'm a pro Pro Evo (Winning Eleven) fan. I can tell you from the demo that FIFA09 is getting better. The graphics are stellar but the gameplay s still very sluggish.

PES2009 is also a step forward from last year. A lot of steps forward actually. The gameplay has been slowed compared to last year and despite losing some big licenses, they've nabbed the Champions League license. I've already pre-ordered my copy from the UK. Also, last year had a very disappointing edit mode (which has always been an essential part of any PES/WE game) however, this year, they've gone back to their stellar edit mode.

Here's a pic of Chelsea using the Edit Mode:
http://www.winningelevenblog.com/wp-content/uploads/editing0541.jpg

Also, FIFA09 has the Be A Pro mode, PES has the Become A Legend mode. Both are similar however the Become A Legend mode has a longer play through (FIFA09 = 4 seasons, PES2009 = until player retires)

I can go on and on about PES2009 or you could visit WENB (http://www.winningelevenblog.com/) and get some really good stuff on it there.

Finally, you can do your own comparison with FIFA09's demo already on the PS Store and PES2009 releasing theirs this Thursday (October 2nd).

PS
This is not meant to be a knock on FIFA09 in anyway. It should be a great game.

First readable online review: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/913/913806p1.html

EDIT: 8.9 For those who can't read at work.

Highlights:

Many of the improvements in FIFA 09 will be familiar to those who dabbled in this summer's take on the European Championships, and here they nestle well with a package that's as deep as any football fan could possibly hope for and that constantly glistens with an overwhelming amount of polish. FIFA's huge cast of footballers have been imbued with an added physicality that's apparent upon working your way through your first match, with collisions between two players now resulting in a series of bespoke and realistic animations. Players running into space will call for the ball, while defenders will raise their arms to alert the linesmen of an offside attacker.

It all adds to an engine that could already proudly claim to be the most realistic depiction of football to date, with FIFA 09 taking it to the next level. Matches play out with a slow and measured pace that rewards the patient and wily, and the best way to create goal-scoring chances is to slowly build up attacks, exploiting space, fiercely protecting possession and employing the right mix of brute force and delicate finesse.

This slavishness to reality may be jarring to those who've plied their trade in other football franchises, and it's fascinating to see how FIFA has now set itself up as the more simulation-minded game in opposition to the instant gratification that PES offers. It could well prove frustrating to anyone making the jump from Konami's series, as, in FIFA 09, goals are genuinely hard to come by. All of which means that slotting one in is all the more satisfying, and you'll want to milk the player-controlled celebrations that return after their debut in EURO 2008.

It's also debatable whether the dedication to realism actually equals more fun. Although there are many settings that can alter the game speed and how much the computer aids the players, the game constantly demands a more studied approach to play; an approach that puts it at odds with PES's feisty zip. Indeed, there's such a demarcation between the two now that the age-old argument over which is better seems moot -- it's now a question of choosing which package suits your requirements better.

For all the action on the pitch, FIFA 09's biggest strides have no doubt been taken in the online arena, with the game taking a multi-faceted approach to embracing the connectivity of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Its greatest innovation is the Adidas Live Season, a feature that brings in statistics from the real-life football scene on a weekly basis to keep the game fresh. Joined by a host of multiplayer modes, the greatest of which is surely the implementation of 10 vs. 10 online play, it all adds up to a game that's well ahead of its competition in these stakes.

FIFA 09 returns to the pitch full of swagger, and it does it’s very best to deliver on EA Sport’s promise of creating the definitive football title. An exacting game on the pitch and an overwhelmingly comprehensive one off of it, it’s still got a number of minor niggles that blight the play. But when the package is so vast and offers so much, it’s hard not to be impressed. Is it better than PES? It’s certainly different, and which game you go for this season ultimately depends on what you want from your annual dose of football.

http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/913/913467/fifa-soccer-09-20080926020724515.jpg
http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/913/913467/fifa-soccer-09-20080926020726905.jpg
http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/913/913467/fifa-soccer-09-20080926020728905.jpg

I played for an hour or so last night & must say I am definitely impressed. As mentioned in the review above, the collisions between players look fantastic and are a lot more realistic.

I found that shooting takes a bit of getting used to (I played right through Fifa 08 but not the Euro 2008, so those who played Euro may be more familiar). It is because you have a lot more control over spin and swerve – which is definitely a good thing! I can see some fantastic goals will be scored utilizing this.

Also, as mentioned above, it is a lot harder to score, even when 1-on-1 with the keeper. The keepers are much more realistic. If a keeper starts to move one way and you slot the ball the other, he will use his legs to try and save it.

In Fifa 08, I used to score many goals using the wing play. I’d whip in a cross and usually score with a header. In Fifa 09, you are not afforded the same space on the wings. It is definitely a case of being patient and working the space. Having said that, the teams are set up to play as they do in real life. Arsenal for example are very much a quick passing side, whilst Man Utd look to break with pace on the counter attack.

I really enjoyed how players will call for the ball as they run into space, and how the back 4 will raise their arms to appeal for off-side. Even when you’re not off-side, they will occasionally appeal :D

I didn’t delve too much into the custom tactics but there is a LOT that you can play around with. As the back of the box says – you can be a first team coach and tune and balance 11 tactical sliders for 140 attacking options and 40 defending options.

Graphics wise, on the surface it looks similar to Fifa 08, however there are a lot more animations & linesmen and the ref have been included. Also many of the players look slightly more realistic. Transfers are bang up to date (eg Berbatov starts up front for Man Utd).

My one complaint so far is at kick off, the team who doesn't have the ball all shake their legs (obviously keeping the muscles warm etc) which is fine in itself. Except, the team all does it in unison and it looks like they are morris dancing or something! However, that is one very minor complaint.

For any football game fans, I definitely recommend picking this one up! :cool:

Sounds awesome. Glad you liked it.

Nice to see some reviews trickling in. Even after playing the demo I was unsure whether there were enough changes over '08 to warrant getting it, especially with all the bigger titles coming out in the next month or two.:cool:

Nice to see some reviews trickling in. Even after playing the demo I was unsure whether there were enough changes over '08 to warrant getting it, especially with all the bigger titles coming out in the next month or two.:cool:

Same. Unfortunately for me, I will be passing on this one. PES2009 (online or not) still gives me my crazy football fix.

I think the PES demo is supposed to pop in the store this Thursday ... any reviews for it yet?

I think the PES demo is supposed to pop in the store this Thursday ... any reviews for it yet?

Yeah, there are a few reviews up already. I'll get links for them shortly.

So far I haven't come across anything lower than an 8.9

From OPM

Another positive review coming in for PES 2009, this time courtesy of OPM. They gave it a 9/10 and the general consensus, like most reviews that have filtered through, is that it’s what last year’s game should have been.

Things OPM loved:
-They were able to play free flowing football again, creating some lovely moves.
-Champions League Mode, and the satisfaction it brings when you win it with a smaller club.
-Fantastic Edit Mode
-Stadiums, in particular, Wembley.

They didn’t like the menus so much, but I don’t think people will mind considering that was the only thing that cropped up on their “OPM hates” section. (Also, am I the only one who doesn’t mind them? They’re a huge step up from PES 2008)

Check the forums for screens.

Let us know what you think in the comments section!


This one is from PSM3

Cheers to JJloban from the boards for this, seems the PSM3 review has hit!

PES 2009 received a score of 88%, just 2 more than last years edition. I think, like me, PSM3 probably regret giving PES 2008 such a high score and this new score of 88% (FIFA09 received an 83%) takes away perhaps how good PES 2009 is.

I’m personally surprised the game didnt get into the 90’s, but saying that the score is decent enough.

A Spanish Magazine called "Hobby Consolas" gave it a 92

Now obviously its all in Spanish, but its safe to say the ‘92′ at the bottom of the last page is easily translatible ;)

So a fantastic start for PES 2009 then, we should know what PSM3 gave the game in the next few days. For now enjoy the news pics from the game, while we try our best to get you a full translation!

In the mean time, here’s a quick translation. Thank you to das1925 for this!

From the article:

- 8 different cameras, and each of them at 3 heights
- It also mentions that all 32 CL teams have full kits and names
- Players change facial expression when they lose the ball, they scream
- A.I. has improved very much according to the article
- The players are very much like the real counterparts
- Great illumination and weather effects
- 19 Stadiums
- 8 Players, 4 Online for regular match
- 7 players, 8 online for Become a Legend
- The Spanish commentators are great
- For kit editing, add images for Logos AND sponsors
- Share replays with friends through the Internet

The good:
“The Saga has reached a level of simulation that is hard to improve on”
“Smoother animations but Mechanical”

Conclusion:
“The Saga has made a huge step forward, although it has not yet found the ’sweet spot’ on the new consoles”
The Bad:
“The game engine is stuck on last year’s, with improvements”
“Fewer Licenses”

The general feeling of the reviewer is that aside the graphics and Licenses which are better in FIFA, the ‘legendary’ playability of PES remains.
It would be nice to have the review of FIFA that is in the same magazine.

Graphics: 90
Sound: 91
Longevity: 95
Fun: 92

Overall: 92

I'll be sure to post more as soon as I come across them.

When you go to select a defending player does the game still pick a defending player that's behind the attacking player? <<--That has been a problem since what 05' I think. It's very annoying :mad:

All Champions League teams have full kits? Thats the first i've heard of that. That would include Chelsea and Arsenal. But then why was Chelsea created in the edit mode on the post above?

I'm not really a fan of soccer at all, but one thing that I've noticed being a projector owner, is that soccer games look absolutely awesome on a giant screen. There is a good reason for this. The camera angles that provide the best overall gameplay experience are the more distant camera angles, and on a normal size TV, the players end up being quite small, and usually people will want to zoom closer in on the action, but it's somewhat of a detrement to the gameplay experience if you do that. When you have a gigantic screen to play on, you don't have to zoom in at all. It's perfectly fine from the far away camera angles, and it becomes a surreal experience.

So, coming from somebody that isn't really into soccer at all, I can really get into a soccer game on a super giant screen. I'll most likely be picking up Fifa this year.

I'm not really a fan of soccer at all, but one thing that I've noticed being a projector owner, is that soccer games look absolutely awesome on a giant screen. There is a good reason for this. The camera angles that provide the best overall gameplay experience are the more distant camera angles, and on a normal size TV, the players end up being quite small, and usually people will want to zoom closer in on the action, but it's somewhat of a detrement to the gameplay experience if you do that. When you have a gigantic screen to play on, you don't have to zoom in at all. It's perfectly fine from the far away camera angles, and it becomes a surreal experience.

So, coming from somebody that isn't really into soccer at all, I can really get into a soccer game on a super giant screen. I'll most likely be picking up Fifa this year.

You most certainly can. I play PES with the camera set to wide. That way I can see more of the pitch which allows for better passing and more strategy.

Just buy it: best football game ever!

Just buy it: best football game ever!

:rolleyes:

:rolleyes:
I know, it really is. Just swap [L] with D-pad for movement and its like playing the new PES, only better ;-). I'm gonna buy PES too cause I like football games, but it will be hard to beat this if the PES demo is anything the real game offers.

I know, it really is. Just swap [L] with D-pad for movement and its like playing the new PES, only better ;-). I'm gonna buy PES too cause I like football games, but it will be hard to beat this if the PES demo is anything the real game offers.

LOL.

I know, I'm just kidding around. It's nice to have a legitimate alternative in every genre. Makes for a better product for the consumers.

Sure. I was just turned down by the FIFA 09 demo. But then the PES demo didn't do me much good either. So I went ahead and bought FIFA and I really, really like it. I got it very cheap so it tastes even better. For sure, when PES comes out and I can score it for a sweet deal, I will buy it too. Problem with PES 2009 is that I think Konami shafted us again this year with a PS2 port. Maybe next year they have the true next gen version out. I remember a interview with a Konami dev after 2008 was out. He said they did have a true next gen engine ready and the maybe next year (so he ment PES 2009) they would have that. I'm really not sure that 2009 is that version. Anyway, my biggest grip with FIFA 09 is that I cannot seem to upload replays to that fifaworld.com site ATM. It says its unavailable. Anyway, since I swapped the (L) for the D-pad, I'm really happy with the game - just don't seem to work well with (L) for movement for me.

It's awesome that you're liking it.

Also, I agree, PES2009 is not a next-gen engine. It's somewhat PES5/6 with next-gen graphics. The player models look better in PES than they do in FIFA, in my opinion.

This year's PES is more an "evolution" than a "revolution". PES010 should be the "next gen" football game from Konami that we're all waiting for. PES2009 is supposed to be the game to makes us all forget that PES2008 ever existed.

Maybe you should make your own PES thread.

Maybe you should make your own PES thread.

No one has complained about the comparisons. Of course you'd be the only one to have an opinion on everything. :rolleyes:

No one has complained about the comparisons. Of course you'd be the only one to have an opinion on everything. :rolleyes:

Not really comparisons. More like several people saying how great FIFA is and you continuing to bring up PES. Not really sure what the second half of your comment is supposed to be about, nor the eye rolling. But if you want to make cutesy faces at me, whatever floats your boat.

Not really comparisons. More like several people saying how great FIFA is and you continuing to bring up PES. Not really sure what the second half of your comment is supposed to be about, nor the eye rolling. But if you want to make cutesy faces at me, whatever floats your boat.

Yeah, sure. I've only been responding to what people have been asking. Why don't you go back and see what my first post was in this thread before you keep trying to tell me about bringing in my PES comparisons.

I guess you're as much a FIFA fanboy as I am a PES fanboy.

I won't trudge on your sacred FIFA ground anymore.

Yeah, sure. I've only been responding to what people have been asking. Why don't you go back and see what my first post was in this thread before you keep trying to tell me about bringing in my PES comparisons.

I guess you're as much a FIFA fanboy as I am a PES fanboy.

I won't trudge on your sacred FIFA ground anymore.

Not sacred at all. I was merely suggesting creating a thread dedicated to PES discussion since that's what you seem to want to discuss, even though this is a FIFA thread.

Here you go: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1072746

When you go to select a defending player does the game still pick a defending player that's behind the attacking player?

Can someone please answer?

When you go to select a defending player does the game still pick a defending player that's behind the attacking player?

Can someone please answer?

Using L1 to switch players will always pick who is closest to the ball, whether that person is chasing or in front of the attacker. This is why the switch control is also available on the right analog stick to point you to the correct defender immediately.

That said, I agree that in the past this was an issue. Haven't noticed it at all in the demo. Anxiously awaiting retail on the 15th.