With regards to the gameplay, would you say it resembled PES6 or PES2008, and what aspects differ.
The gameplay is PES2008, the way it should have been. You can no longer run straight through everyone with Etoo or Ronaldinho without any effort but you can beat players by running if you time your moves correctly. It is very realistic and the AI in defence and attack is massively improved.
The refereeing in PES2008 was abysmal, has it got any better? (please elaborate with examples i.e bringing play back etc)
The refereeing is probably the same although the collisions are much better so the decisions are often correct. The diving works better too. Managed to win a pen with an expertly timed dive over a defenders outstretched leg - looked class.
PES2008 definitely favoured the attacking side with scoring being particularly easy. Is this the case in 2009?
Shots don't seem to be as easy as 2008 and the keepers cover their area much better. Obviously if you get up to them and pass across them its easy but that's the same in real life. The defence also like to play cat and mouse with the offside trap so it’s harder to get in to create the easier chances.
Have we finally moved into the "Next Gen" or are we still polishing a turd (graphics wise)
The graphics are similar but the lighting effects (floodlights/sun etc) are spectacular. It really adds to the feel of the game, definitely the best I have seen in a sports game but I haven't seen Fifa 09 yet
PES2008's goalkeepers were total garbage. Please tell me they've improved.
They seemed to have improved but I can't be 100% sure. I haven't seen one soft shot being fumbled and tapped in though so that's a good thing.
Who are the officially licensed Premier League teams?
Liverpool & Man Utd although most sides have nearly every player's real face.
Please list the leagues included.
The same as last time, England, France, Spain, Holland & Italy
Any major non leagued teams removed or added?
Off the top of my head I think the only change is Zenith St Petersburg replacing Bayern Munich
Off the top of ur head, how many stadiums are there, and which famous ones are new? i.e stamford bridge etc
There are 19 stadiums, the only new one I remember is Wembley, although I suspect Old Trafford & Anfield will be there as part of the licensing agreement eith the 2 clubs
You mentioned "become a legend" mode. Can you explain this in more detail? & how it relates to the "new exciting online mode"
You create a player and start off at a team - A made up side (Think it's a youth side). You control just yourself (With the Be a Pro mode camera from FIFA). As you play your player improves in stats and sides become interested and make offers for your services, I had Hull & Everton after me.
When you save your player stats, you can then take him online to team up with other "legends". This adds a whole new side to the game as you can actually play in a side day in day out and have leagues set up etc. I haven't really got far into it but it is a great addition in my opinion.
does this imply that u can play online with other ppl playing inthe same team as u???
yeah. I am not sure how many you can have but I have heard its 7 vs 7, don’t quote me though as this is 2nd hand info (tough I’m quoting you anyway!)
Any word on online lag yet?
I haven't played the game online but I am assured that the lag is 100% a thing of the past and this years will be the smoothest yet.
Of the big names, who has been greatly improved stat-wise, and have any of the silly super slags been downgraded?
Most of the stats are the same as last year (not completely finished yet) but Arshavin is better but not amazing. The slags dont need to be downgraded as the collisions are calculated better so its just a matter of defending them right. In my opinion your league wouldn't need to remove any players as Messi can be handled by a competent defender as long as you time your challenges.
If you had to be disappointed with one thing, what would it be?
There are a couple for me (But I could be over critical). Crossing seems to be a bit floaty (from corners) and the shooting has completely changed again so it needs a good practise again. Shooting like PES 2008 will result in you scoring 0. This isn't so much a bad thing but a nuisance.
Also on the be a legend mode the user is unable to create a goalkeeper or defender to play with which is a shame
I am disappointed that Bayern have gone and the master league hasn't changed - even the menus are the same.
Overall its the best footy game out there by a country mile up to now. Roll on October for the release
