August 5, 2008
KONAMI ANNOUNCES PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2009
World’s Best-Selling Soccer Video Game
Franchise Coming This Fall To The PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PlayStation
2, and PSP
Argentinean Forward Lionel Messi To Be Face Of
The Latest Edition Of The World’s Best-Selling Soccer Video Game Series
GOOOOOALLLL! Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.,
today announced it will release Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 in North America for
the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from
Microsoft, PSP, and PC DVD-ROM. Slated for a fall 2008 release Pro Evolution
Soccer 2009 combines the attention to detail that has been the series’ hallmark
with extensive new additions that are certain to cement the franchise’s
reputation as the world’s definitive soccer title for any format.
Known by millions of fans for its superior
gameplay and incredible realism, PES 2009 will further bridge the gap between
PES and the real thing. The game has undergone a stunning graphical update to
ensure its players look more like their real-life counterparts. Similarly,
all-new options allow users to tailor the game to their own tastes, while new
stylish moves, innovative control schemes and key online elements further the
realism.
Adding to the authenticity, Argentinean forward
Lionel Messi will be the face of the latest version of the multi-million selling
Pro Evolution Soccer series. Regarded as one of the most exciting talents of the
modern game, the 21-year-old is a ever-present fixture on both the Argentinean
national team and his club team, FC Barcelona. Having played for Argentinean and
Spanish youth reserve teams since he was five, Messi ultimately became the
youngest player ever to compete in the top Spanish league during October 2004.
Since then, he has led FC Barcelona to the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League title,
was named SI Latino’s World Player of the Year in 2007, and has been runner-up
to prestigious awards including the France Football Player of the Year, and the
World Soccer Footballer of the Year. As part of the deal, Messi will appear on
the packaging and point-of-sale materials for Pro Evolution Soccer 2009.
"Most modern players are aware of the realism and
skill of the Pro Evolution Soccer series," commented Messi. "It is a game that
truly mirrors the pace and control of real football, and as a die-hard fan of
the series, I am delighted to be working with Konami on the latest version."
"Pro Evolution Soccer has always been the game of
choice for soccer enthusiasts due to its ultra realism and superior gameplay and
there is no player in the world more suited to be on the box than the talented
forward from Barcelona, Lionel Messi," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of
Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment. "Lionel is one of the most exciting
and accomplished players in the world and we look forward to working very
closely with him to promote the most advanced PES title ever developed."
PES 2009 will be released for PlayStation®3,
PlayStation®2, Xbox 360®, PC-DVD, and PSP® in Autumn 2008.