Following the announcement of Neymar as the cover star for PES 2016, Konami on Friday announced the release date and more details about the upcoming professional soccer game.
The game launches September 18 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the franchise, and Konami says the game will focus on “core PES values.”
PES 2016 runs on the Fox Engine, which also powers Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and the upcoming Phantom Pain. “Every facet of the game has been enhanced to deliver yet another outstanding product” that aims to stand up as the “definitive football experience,” Konami said.
Among other things, PES 2016 will deliver an “advanced collision system” that calculates how players interact, thus resulting in “unique outcomes” based on how two players collide. The game also gives players greater control when in the air. “Use the left stick to battle the opposition or disrupt a larger, more powerful, player; or find the best position to make the header/volley,” Konami said.
PES 2016 also includes enhancements to 1v1 player control, with response times improved to help players deke out their opponents when charging toward the net. Other new features include improvements to defense (perform a tackle at the “perfect time” and you’ll get the ball for a quick counter chance), smarter player AI that means you no longer need to manually trigger a one-two, and advancements to goalkeeping mechanics to allow for more variety in catching, clearing, and deflecting shots.
Further still, PES 2016 includes new goal celebration controls, and better visuals across the board, including dynamic weather (players will slip and fall in rainy weather) and a new wide camera. There are also a variety of new player animations, new ball physics, and improvements to the game’s Master League and myClub modes, as well as new commentary.
Konami also says it signed a new three-year deal with UEFA for Champions League competition. This allows Konami to feature the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League tournaments in PES.
More details on PES 2016 will be announced next week at E3. We’re also expecting to hear about EA’s FIFA 16 next week at the show. Check back soon for more.