Fernando Torres Signs for PES 2010

June 23, 2009

Fernando Torres Signs for PES
2010

Liverpool and Spain striker joins
Lionel Messi as the face of PES 2010, as Konami lifts lid on even more gameplay
advances

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH
has announced that Liverpool FC and Spanish international striker Fernando
Torres is to join Lionel Messi as the cover stars of PES 2010.

Torres, 25, has enjoyed an
incredibly successful season both at club and international level, and will now
join UEFA Champions League winner Messi on the front of PES 2010’s packaging and
marketing materials. Fernando Torres was born in Madrid in 1984, and gained
acclaim by helping Spain win the Under 16 UEFA European Championships in 2001
scoring the only goal in the final against France. His pace and prowess in front
of goal saw him signed by Atlético de Madrid as an 11-year-old, making his mark
in the first team from the age of 17 and scoring 82 goals in 214 league
appearances for the club. This form took him to Liverpool for a 26m fee in
2007, where his prolific strike rate has continued and has seen him cement his
place in the senior Spanish national squad. Torres was a pivotal figure in
Spain’s successful EURO 2008 campaign where he again scored the only goal in the
final against Germany.

“Everyone knows that when it comes
to football simulation, Konami’s PES series is by far the most realistic title
available,” commented Torres. “The new game looks absolutely stunning, and I
look forward to seeing myself in action in PES 2010.” “Fernando Torres has
established himself as one of the most exciting strikers in the game,” added Jon
Murphy, PES European Team Leader. “He encapsulates everything that is good about
the modern game, showcasing both pace, skill and vision – three elements that
play a major part in PES 2010 as a football simulation.”

In addition to the announcement of
Torres’ involvement, Konami has also unveiled key new additions to PES 2010’s
content:

  • Enhanced Realism: PES 2010
    delivers a pace of game in tune with football played at the highest level.
    Triangulation of passes and use of off-the-ball runs are key to breaking down
    the opposition, forcing the player to use the strengths of their team mates to
    create scoring opportunities. Gone are ‘soft’ goals that can be used to break
    the deadlock; instead, only working the channels and the precision play
    expected of great players will make a difference.

  • Player Characteristics: Key skills
    of the many players have now been attributed names, allowing users to
    incorporate them into their play strategy. Cover star Torres, for instance, is
    renowned for his ability to receive a pass in the penalty area, and to drop
    the ball to a teammate in a good position for a goal-scoring opportunity. As
    such, he is labeled a ‘Fox in the Box’ and Goal Poacher’, in line with his
    prowess in both scoring and setting up goals. Player characteristics are more
    vividly reproduced by these names.

  • Instant Tactical Switching: Konami
    has already unveiled its new tactical bar system related to PES 2010’s
    attacking and defensive elements, but can now reveal additional information.
    Each team has unique settings matching their real-life playing styles. Torres
    at Liverpool, for instance, will recreate the Merseyside club’s sophisticated
    play and high numbers in attack, their pressing from midfield, strong
    defensive line, and width across the pitch. For the offense, the default
    settings support wide attacks and the aim to move in the back of the
    opponent’s defense line. The user can summon the bar instantly during a match
    to adjust team tactics to enhance their defence or strengthen attacks.

  • Master League: The Master League
    now incorporates both the Champions League and Europa Leagues in its content,
    offering a complete season for players to enjoy. Success in the Master League
    will see players streamed into these competitions. The lure of European
    football can also be used to attract stronger players to your side, with
    transfer dealings and contracts now significantly more realistic in their use.

  • Commentary: PES 2010 reunites Jon
    Champion and Mark Lawrenson in the game’s virtual commentary box, but in a
    more effective way than before. The commentary is now more tied to the action,
    with comments detailing player ability, significant match history and
    analysis, within a more concise and detailed delivery designed to mimic the
    presentation of games.

Konami is committed to delivering
the most realistic football to date, and will make further announcements
regarding PES 2010’s exciting, innovative content in the run-up to the game’s
Autumn launch. Key details on the game’s DLC, online elements and options will
follow shortly.

PES 2010 will be released for
PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PSP, PlayStation 2 and mobile phones in the
autumn.