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.

Michael Owen is one of the most exciting and prolific strikers in the English game, and will join Cristiano Ronaldo on the UK packshots of PES 2008. Since making his first team debut in 1997, Owen has built a reputation for pace and skill, netting over 178 league goals, and 37 for England. His reputation spans the globe, making Michael the perfect compliment to Cristiano Ronaldo’s status on the world stage, and creating an enviable pairing for the new game.

The striker will feature alongside Ronaldo on packaging and point-of-sale materials for UK versions of PES 2008, which will launch on PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and Nintendo DS in the Autumn. As befits a game endorsed by two of the leading talents of the modern game, PES 2008 represents a massive step forward for the Pro Evolution Soccer series and includes the advent of the new Teamvision AI system.

Teamvision actively monitors the player’s onscreen movements and adapts its response, forcing the player to constantly revise and alter their strategy during the course of a match. PES 2008 also boasts stunning attention to visual detail with the faces of players animated and shirts creasing during a match. The new game also includes extensive Edit modes in all Next Generation versions, and closer control than ever before.

“Securing Michael Owen is a real coup for Konami,” commented Jon Murphy, Pro Evolution Soccer Team Leader for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “Since he burst on to the scene, he has proven himself an incredible goal-scorer, netting at every level both domestic and international. We are delighted to be working alongside such a talent on PES 2008.”

“PES 2008 is a fantastic game, and the only choice for pro players,” added Michael Owen. “It enjoys a brilliant reputation within many, many players and manages to be a true simulation of football while also being a real laugh to play. I look forward to working closely with Konami in the run up to launch, and being a key part of its development.”

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 NDS, scheduled for release in Autumn 2007