Pro Evolution Soccer has long been a lunchtime favourite and with the series finally competing on all formats, this is going to be one to watch as it takes on EA's FIFA franchise.
While the PS3 version of PES has been grabbing all the attention (it's set to debut this month) it's the intriguing Wii version which has PES purists scratching their beards, wondering just what the series has in store.
What's been the most challenging part about developing a version of PES for Wii?
Greyhound: It was challenging to create a brand new control system and the most difficult thing for me was having a brand new way of thinking. Of course all of the development team are core PES fans, but even some of the team didn't initially like the idea of a brand new control system. But I wanted to create a brand new PES.
We've only seen the game in the training mode, don't you think controlling several players at the same time in a real game could prove difficult?
Greyhound: I showed you an actual match in the trailer on the screen yesterday and I'm just using the training mode because time is very limited.
But it's not so difficult to use this control scheme in an actual match. I think players will easily get used to this control method, but I wanted to show the simple method and training is the easiest way to show this.
Would you say the Wii version is one for hardcore players? Wii is geared more towards casual players in Europe, is this the same in Japan?
Greyhound: In the beginning I wondered if we would have to create a casual game, because the Wii is a more of a casual player's machine. But I thought it would be boring if we create it as a more casual game. Therefore in the beginning I abandoned any plans to make this a more casual version and started to look for a brand new direction.
With Mario Strikers Charged Nintendo created the first online game for Wii in Europe. Did you ever consider including an online mode in Wii PES?
Greyhound: I'm still in research and development to have Wi-Fi functionality, but currently there are some issues to be solved before we have an online version of the game.
Did you ever consider controlling the game with your feet? Using the Wii-mote in that way? Using your foot to shoot for example?
Greyhound: In the beginning we had the idea of putting the Nunchuck controller on your boot and actually one of the team put it on his foot.
But it wasn't quite as interesting as we expected [laughs]. The guy who put the controller on his foot looked very awkward and it did not look like playing football at all. It looked like he had something wrong with his foot, so it was not a very successful experiment.
As well as the new control scheme, will you support the Classic Controller with this Wii version?
Greyhound: The base of this Wii version is the PS2 version, so technically it's possible to have classic control. But I'm focussing on creating a brand new game system so I don't have any plans to use the Classic Controller.
While the unique control method will satisfy Wii players, do you think there's a danger traditional PES fans might not want to re-learn their tried and trusted control method?
Greyhound: Everything we are doing, especially with test players shows some of the development staff can read their opponent's mind by seeing the arrows on the screen. So I would like you to practice the game very hard. If you practice hard I think you will be able to find a good method.
Could your control method form a basis for the DS version of the game?
Greyhound: I'm not involved in development of the DS version but we're exploring some opportunities there.
Moving away from PES Wii for a moment, you produced the Pro Evo Management game, any chance we'll see a return for that series?
Greyhound: I'm very happy to have that question. Personally I would like to continue that management series but the company has this new direction [on Wii].
I would love to do the next version of PES management, I would be very happy to include some PES management features in the next Wii version of the game.
If the Wii Pro Evo 2008 doesn't have online play then Konami have just lost a sale!!!
He did say that they were still looking in to it so I am hopeful.
I am very interested in the control method they have come up with. It could either turn out amazing or very confusing. I love PES nad have done since the old days of ISS on the SNES but I am getting a bit bored of the small updates that these PES and FIFA are following (although after playing the demo of the new 360 version of PES I think it plays better than ever).
"because the Wii is a more of a casual player's machine"
I hate crap comments like that. The Wii has more casual gamers, but it isnt more of a casual gamers machine. Hell, its us hardcore gamers that are buying every other piece of software and VC game around. Casual gamers will haev bought, what? Mario Party perhaps? Wii play?
At least, Konami have realised dumbing down Pro Evo controls, like the stupid Remote only ones in EA Sport's recent 08 games, would not be right.
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