Pro Evolution 2009 Kicks off

via IGN

With all eyes on the great and the good of European football duking it out in Austria and Switzerland, Konami has wisely seized upon the moment by announcing Pro Evolution 2009, as well as releasing a handful of shots.

As Electronic Art's FIFA games continue to make strides towards the football crown, its make or break time for Konami's once all-conquering series in the first truly bespoke title for next-generation consoles. It's hard to read too much into the images – other than it has some of the most pleasant looking grass we've seen in a football game to date. Take that, EA.

"PES 2009 looks set to reaffirm the series' utter superiority," said Pro Evolution's Project Leader Jon Murphy. "We are committed to extending the realism of the new game with a wealth of key gameplay additions, and will produce a football title that truly embodies all the skill and pace that is good about the modern game."

It kicks off on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, alongside lo-def version on PlayStation 2 and PSP this Autumn.