Play PES Wii the Old-Fashioned Way

Konami has lifted the lid on details of the Wii version of Pro Evolution Soccer, including support for the classic controller and a number of gameplay enhancements. Speaking at the PES European Finals in Rome, producer Akiyoshi 'Greyhound' Chosogabe revealed that the new game – which will be released in spring 2009 - will enable players to play the game using a conventional PES control scheme, either with a classic controller or by holding the Wii remote on its side and using the D-pad to control an individual player.

Greyhound explained that traditional controls were "deliberately left out last year to introduce the new concept", which he believes was successful in 2008's iteration of the game, but now he wanted players to experience the depth and variety offered by a classic controller. Konami then showed off the new controls during a brief demonstration, with a Man United-Barcelona clash playing out much like it would if it was running on PlayStation or Xbox.

However, Greyhound was keen to stress that the ground-breaking controls from last year's game were still very much present and that they too have been enhanced. Firstly, the defence system has been given an overhaul and while the Z button still makes your player close in for the tackle, you also control your entire defensive line using the Nunchuk's stick, moving up and down to block potential attacks.

The shooting system appears better too, with players given more control over where they place their shot. Much like before a quick shake of the Nunchuk ping off a shot, but now it's possible to pinpoint the corner of the goal you're aiming for, by holding B and using the pointer to pick a spot. However, he was keen to stress that wouldn't simply result in more goals each game, because players also have more direct control over their keepers, positioning them manually during free-kicks.

While these enhancements are certainly welcome, perhaps the biggest announcement was that PES Wii will feature a unique co-op mode that supports both control systems, with one player using last year's set-up to control the overall team and their mate using the classic controller to highlight induvudual players. During a teaser video we were shown how it works in practice, with one player knocking the ball around the midfield, using the Wii remote to knock the ball into space, while at the same time their buddy took control of a striker and made a run through the defence, manually latching onto a through ball and slotting it neatly in the net. Unfortunately we didn't get the chance to go hands-on with the new system – we're hoping that opportunity crops up tomorrow – it certainly looks promising, and adds a new level of depth to what was already one of the most authentic football experiences we've seen.

In addition to the new gameplay enhancements a handful of new modes were teased too. Champions Road has been revamped and now includes a Mii training facility, although Greyhound refused to provide any more details on what exactly it will be, saying only "an announcement will be made in the near future." What was confirmed is the inclusion of Master League, so PES pros can create their own team and take them from wannabes to winners. The edit mode will be more exhaustive too, with players able to make pretty much any change they want, plus the WiFi mode will include the option to search for players of a similar skill as well as the existing Friends and Free match options.

More details of the Mii training facility are due soon.
Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka, producer of the next-gen game, also spoke briefly at the event, mentioning the inclusion of the Champions League in all versions of the game including Wii, plus the new manual select mode that gives players complete freedom over who their control and where they play them. But while he said little – he was literally on-stage for little more than a couple of minutes - we're interviewing the man behind Pro Evo tomorrow, so if you want to know more be sure to head back then.

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