Key to PES 2008 is a proprietary adaptive AI system entitled Teamvision. Unique to the Konami game, Teamvision is a sophisticated AI programming that learns and adapts according to an individual’s style of play. As such, it will learn new ways to build attacks and to counter specific movements and previous attacking or defensive errors, ensuring games are more in line with the tactical but flowing nature of the real thing.

With the Pro Evolution Soccer series renowned for its fluid, realistic gameplay, the new game builds on the implementation of Teamvision with additional key advances. As with previous releases since its inception in 1996, the ball is again treated as a separate entity, with the timing of shots entirely down to the player, while the new AI ensures that defenders work to close down space and block efforts on goal. Similarly, distribution of passes works along the same lines, with players using the space available to them to switch the ball. Close control has also been enhanced with more control when dribbling the ball, and a number of subtle moves added to bypass defenders and move the ball into space.

Working in conjunction with the Teamvision system, every aspect of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008’s on-field play has been reworked and fine-tuned to create the balanced and strategic play of a high stakes match. Set-pieces have been improved, with full control given over the number of players and the position of the defensive wall. A wider range of set piece options are also available to make use of specific talents within the team.

Midfielder Ronaldo is regarded as one of the most exciting talents of the modern game, and the 22-year-old is a permanent fixture in the Portuguese national squad. His incredible ball control and trademark skills have seen him receive countless awards, including both the PFA’s 2007 Player and Young Player of the Year awards. As part of the deal, Cristiano Ronaldo will appear on the packaging and point-of-sale materials for Konami’s PAL versions of PES 2008, alongside specially selected local talent, details of which will be released at a later date.

The Ronaldo deal comes as Konami gears up for the launch of PES 2008 this Autumn. Due for release for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and Nintendo DS, the new game boasts the revolutionary Teamvision AI system, a proprietary element that actively monitors the player’s onscreen movements and adapts accordingly, forcing the player to consider their own strategic play more carefully. Other new additions include amazing attention to aesthetic detail as faces contort and shirts crease during a match, extensive Edit modes in all Next Generation versions, and closer control than ever before.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the most exciting talent in modern football,” commented Jon Murphy, Pro Evolution Soccer Team Leader for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “It is fitting that a player with his incredible skill and poise is to join forces with a game that can thrill and challenge as much as the real thing. His obvious enthusiasm for PES 2008 will be channeled into the game, and we look forward to working with Cristiano in the coming months.”

“For me there is no other game that can capture the grace and skill of football like PES 2008,” added Cristiano Ronaldo. “Every element of the game is lavished with incredible detail, and with its close control and fast pace it is the most complete simulation of real football out there.”

Marking the series’ first appearance on PS3, and its second Xbox 360 outing, these and the PC-DVD ‘Next Generation’ versions of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008’s are further enhanced by stunning aesthetic elements. Player detail has been taken to incredible levels with full facial animation and the high-definition detail afforded by the hardware used to show full movement and subtle details to the various kits during the course of a match. All ‘Next Gen’ versions will also benefit from an extensive Edit mode, allowing gamers to customise their PES experience.

Pro Evolution Soccer series will be released for PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PS2, PSP and Nintendo DS, scheduled for release in Autumn 2007