Konami has revealed further details on many of the new features due to be included in Pro Evolution Soccer 2009.

The biggest addition to this year’s PES is ‘Become A Legend’, a brand new mode that sounds a bit like FIFA 08’s popular ‘Be A Pro’. Casting the player as a midfielder or forward, Become A Legend follows the player’s progression from rookie to pro, tracking their career on their way to becoming a footballing hero. It’s all done through a ‘vertical’ camera (which we’re assuming is another way of saying third person), while the press release also makes mention of the player possibly having to face “lengthy stints as a substitute”. We’re not sure we like the sound of that part Konami…

There’s also an online variant of Become A Legend entitled ‘Legends’ where players can use their footballer online to “show their skills on the larger online stage.” Count us in on that one.

Other tweaks to the gameplay have also been made, most notably in the ball behaviour. Air resistance and ground friction now affect the way the ball moves around the pitch, while different weather conditions affect the weight and movement of passes. Tweaks have been made to the first touch, close control and ball distribution, with improvements made to the shooting system and teammate AI. A new camera is also in place to automatically zoom in during key one-on-one situations.

Master League mode has also been reworked, with negotiations conducted on a ‘personal basis’, while player loyalty is now also set to affect individual players’ moods.

The Edit mode has also had a rework with the addition of ‘Pixel Paint’, a feature that allows players to create their own club crests and badges to add to their home-grown kits. Faces, kits, music and chants can also be imported to create a truly unique experience.

“It is an honour to know that our game is enjoyed by so many people from different backgrounds,” said Shingo ‘Seabass’ Takatsuka of the new additions. “From top professional players, to football enthusiasts and kids who just want a kickabout in the streets, its appeal is widening all the time. The new Become a Legend and Legends Modes are designed to convey the pressure and pace a real pro experiences, with players working as part of a strong side and working to prove their merit as a player. I feel great and motivated when people enjoy our games, and feel the new modes will open up new ways to enjoy PES.”

Seabass’s next masterpiece launches this autumn on Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PC and PSP, and you can check out the first trailer for it here.

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