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Seabass: PES 2009 forced back to drawing board

Criticism of PES 2008 on PS3 responsible
Pro Evolution Soccer creator Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka has revealed that he's gone back to the drawing board for PES 2009 following the criticism of the 2008 edition on PS3.

"It's so far from what we wanted", Seabass said of PES 2008 on PS3 in an interview with PSM3 magazine in its latest issue (#95), echoing words said to CVG in October.

"In fact," he continued, "we thought about delaying it but different factors meant we had to [release it]".

"As a developer, we've worked the same way since the days of the SNES. We're simply not set up for multi-platform development".

But, asking us to look at the way the PS2 version panned out from the first to the last game, Seabass reassured that the development team is well on course to follow suit on PS3.

However, the criticisms levelled at PES 2008 on PS3 have forced the series' creator back a peg or two with PES 2009.

"PES 2009 is in development, but after hearing the criticism, we'll be taking it back to the drawing board. It might not be next year, but it will be soon", Seabass explained.

computerandvideogames.com
// Interactive
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I can't believe the 360 version hasn't been mentioned, its asolutely awful online. Seabass you have totally ruined PE2008 online!
spooney100 on 23 Nov '07
As it bloody well should be. The latest game is a flop and they need to start over again to see if they can re-capture that old pes magic.
wudragon on 23 Nov '07
PES 2009 is in development, but after hearing the criticism, we'll be taking it back to the drawing board. It might not be next year, but it will be soon

So next year coyuld be just as bad? Think I'll stick with PES 6 on PS2 until 2010 then
mfnick on 23 Nov '07
God, if they're saying the PS3 version is bad and not mentioning the PC one, I pity the Sonyites...

Balls to 2008, it's smelly.
csdaveuk on 23 Nov '07
The multiplayer in football games has always been the most important factor especially since online gaming really took off. I do not know of anyone who plays one player much in either pes or fifa. So to balls up the online twice now (as pes7 was flawed due to cheaters online) is unforgiveable. Message to Seabass "Scrap the master league and concentrate on multiplayer and online" they also need 2 on 2 online not sure if that is in the current version but I have been told it does not have it even though it suggests it on the back of the box.
leefear1 on 23 Nov '07
What a load of F**king b******s. He's basically said the game we've released is s**te but since we don't want to lose out to FIFA, who to be fair them are acutally trying to step up their game even if the gameplay isn't quite there yet.

The basic fact is that even though PES has been out for about a month there's been no great improvement i can see to online stability which is where the series needed to go. No wonder i've seen the game for half price on amazon.

Considering Sony carried the PES brand through at least 3 years when PS2 was at it's peak it's shocking that they've disregarded the new console alltogether.
bmaindj on 23 Nov '07
I played a game online last on the 360 and it was a complete joke. The ball was disappearing and then reappearing somewhere else. You'd shoot, think it's going in, the ball would vanish and the next thing you're taking a corner. A complete balls up for sure! No 2v2 online either. Seabass, please collect your P45 on your way out...
shellster2 on 23 Nov '07
This message is not being displayed because the poster is banned.
Mr Vengeance on 23 Nov '07
The guys deserves credit for having the balls to come out and admit that the latest PES is a pile of crap and they know it, and reading between the lines it sounds like his team were TOLD to release it for the PS3 probably as a result of some heavy Sony pressure, as they didn't want the 360 version being the only console version in the shops and therefore classed as another console exclusive.

Hopefully going back to the drawing board and building the next version without the same pressures will bring a return to form.
Tonyb on 23 Nov '07
So from what he's saying, he admits PES 2008 is crap but since 2009 is already in development they can't actually start from scratch so 2010 will be a complete rewrite, something the series has needed since its step-up to the current gen.
Personally im fairly happy with the offline section on 360 but the multi-player is an absolute joke. You just need to look at Fifa and see the strides and improvements they are making and you look at PES and its still running on the PS2 engine... Confused
Sort it out Konami and give the man enough developers to actually cope with multi-format development.
vulcanraven01 on 23 Nov '07
i have been one of pes 2008's biggest critics, you may have well read one or many of my forum posts highlighting the glaring flaws in its game. i have the ps3 version and i took it back the day after it was released. i got it again when a patch update was mentioned, it was supposed to be here this monday but its nowhere to be seen. however i have stuck with it as its only fair to wait for the patch before i condemn it indefinitely. however, i have just followed psm3's top 5 tips for pes 2008, and i have to say that i once again enjoyed playing it. if you havent taken pes back already, give psm3's tips a go. they make a world of difference. ok so its no what we hoped for / expected. hopefully the patch will be released soon and better it still, but at this least this means you dont have to buy and put up with fifa if you want a footy game on your ps3 :0)
b0ilhawk on 23 Nov '07
pro evo 08 on xbox 360 is fantastic if you ask me but I don't know about it online cos I've yet to do so
the monk 21 on 23 Nov '07
Pes 2008 is worse than pes6 imo

Why cants they make a proper game

Just re-release the pro evo 4 game with updated graphics and stats - that game was near perfect

Sucked ever since
dandoc2 on 23 Nov '07
The 360 version is pants too

I mean has anyone tried the face mapping -its crapola

Waste of £15 for the camera

If only pro evo 4 was on the xbox bc lit id get

You know what people im getting a ps2 again and rebuying pro evo4 -- game sucks

Would anyone have any objections is fifa combined with pes as im sure if the next version sucks konami will sell it
dandoc2 on 23 Nov '07
Pes 2008 is worse than pes6 imo

Why cants they make a proper game

Just re-release the pro evo 4 game with updated graphics and stats - that game was near perfect

Sucked ever since

I loved 4 but 5 was the best for me, too easy to score on 4
the monk 21 on 23 Nov '07
I dont really think pro evo 2008 is as bad as people are
making out. Its like the previous versions where its not
clear at the start whats new until youve been playing for a while and then realize the subtle improvements. The one gripe i do have is that the graphics on ps3 are barely better than ps2. Also in this day and age can Konami not just fork out for the FIFPro license and put ALL the real teams in?
micka on 23 Nov '07
the issue for licences is not money for konami. it is the fact that 10 years ago or so EA got the a contract for the sole rights of them, the contract is close to expiring, so expect to see konami AND EA pick up the rights to the premier league next time round.
as ive said a minute ago, try the 5 tips psm3 has printed this issue, it makes the game play like pes6.
follow the tips, and the game is dramatically improved.
as for online play, what ever happened to getting your mates round for a good game of pes. yes a decent game online would be brilliant, especially if you havent got any mates. but nothing beats wrestling with your mate over a dirty tackle or a scabby goal.
b0ilhawk on 23 Nov '07
I think this is the first time that he's admitted to faults with his game series - I'd like Konami to do a bit of research and ask us what we want sorted.

And if they are struggling with multi-format development, then just shove it on PS3 or Xbox 360.
deadmartyr on 23 Nov '07
PES'09, hmmm - no exscuses this time round then eh?Exclamation... Shocked
FunkYellowMonkey on 23 Nov '07
PES 2008 is a horrible game in every respect. This years ps2 version is the best.

I don't know how badly they messed up the online mode on PS3 because it is comical on the PC. But let's ignore that for a second... The core of the game has been broken. Poor player AI (paticularly when it comes to defensive positioning), bizarre ball physics, laughable goal keeping (how often do they actually hold the ball rather than palming into the path of an oncoming opponent) and wonky shooting mechanic. In the past they have strengthened in one area only to compromise in another without damaging the balance. But this year they have picked all of it apart and added what? Plus points being the referees are better, very slightly improved graphics, commentary is more passionate but still flawed.

That can't all be blamed on one piece of hardware... I am sure for all the criticisms leveled at PS3 it is more than capable of handling a quality PES title. Even EA managed.
sammyone on 23 Nov '07
PES 2008 is a horrible game in every respect. This years ps2 version is the best.

Yeh im rebuying a ps2 soon and getting it on there and selling my 360 version
dandoc2 on 23 Nov '07
Do ya know what? F*ck Pro Evo 2008! If today's news is correct then we'll get a chance to play a great footy game that has been delayed for the right reasons i.e the online play wasn't up to scratch so they fixed it! The game I'm talking about..... SWOS!!!

It may have been a long time coming but at least they've not given in to pressure and released a botched version!

Touch wood PSN will get a version and then we'll all be happy! Very Happy
matt*u on 23 Nov '07
Give the guy some credit. This is the first game he's made that is flawed. The reason why it's flawed is the publisher (Konami) wanting their yearly cash.

The guy has made around 10 amazing football games and every one of them better than the nearest competitor.

Blame Konami folks, their greed is why you all got a terrible game.
chizzer on 24 Nov '07
Give the guy some credit. This is the first game he's made that is flawed. The reason why it's flawed is the publisher (Konami) wanting their yearly cash.

The guy has made around 10 amazing football games and every one of them better than the nearest competitor.

Blame Konami folks, their greed is why you all got a terrible game.

No I'll continue to blame seabass thanks, its his job to get it right before the release date, I don't like to pay £40 for a horrendously flawed game. He gets paid to do a job and this time he f**ked up, if I f**ked up to this sort of degree in my job I would be out of a job!
And another thing Seabass sort out the offides, ok I get it you understand the offside rule but at the minute players are pulled up for offside way too many times in a game. Its just not realistic.
spooney100 on 24 Nov '07
I work for toys r us (don't laugh) and we've got a PS3 on a huge HD TV playing PES2008 on show in the store. When I first saw it last week I noticed it was running slow (I'd estimate 14-20 FPS), but I was viewing it from a distance and thought that it was a replay with some sort of slow-mo effect on it. I got a better look at it a little later and was quite shocked to see that it was actually running like that normally, and not to mention that up-close I thought it looked kinda ugly too.

I've not seen a 360 or PC version yet for comparison.
peteuplink on 24 Nov '07
Basically, Konami have gotten all high and mighty with their PES games. They think they can just release any old turd and people will buy it. I've always said the PES games are way overrated and now they're getting worse.

Konami make too much junk these days, except for the odd game here and there (mainly DS stuff). MGS is also overrated. Where are the good old games like Axelay, Pop n Twinbee and Probotector/Contra (though the new DS one is supposed to be good but its not made by them - they even messed those games up)?

Konami - STOP MAKING GAMES!!
JuiKuen on 24 Nov '07
Konami - STOP MAKING GAMES!!

Harsh! Year in year out they've p**sed on fifa from a great height. They make one crap version....

At least now this version is rubbish I've had time to concentrate on other games (namely COD4).

BTW, the main reason I thought it was rubbish is that it's too damn fast. No time to think and plan.
Downleyboy on 24 Nov '07
I've got the 360 version and it's not that bad a game. But then again, I play quite a lot of single player (Master League) and if I ever play multiplayer, it's offline, so it's no problem.

I still prefer it to FIFA, though I will admit, FIFA is catching up to Pro Evo.
kettiby on 24 Nov '07
I respect they've had a nearly flawless if latterly umambitious track record with Pro Evo. I don't believe it is an overhyped/rated series. They have had little glitches here and there but the freedom it has offered is almost enough to put the games in the sandbox category. FIFA while it may be more polished than ever still misses the intuitive flexibility the PES has always offered.

The thing that troubles me with the new game is that in the process of hardware transfer it actually does many things worse that the first PES game that came out on the PS2. As I said before the online is not the only flaw. But still a huge one considering they actually cut the 2v2 mode out to ensure that there was no difference between this and the standard game. I am sure it can be patched and mended. But unless they intend to offer improvement to the rest of the experience then the last 6 interations are better.
More vexing decisions are the complete removal of the already lacking social aspect of the game. No chat feature... I know they added voice chat (which I confess I have not tried) but typing has always been a less intrusive option for me.

Whether Konami or Seabass are to blame it is still the same end product that disapoints me. Having been one of the only game series I have ever bought over consecutive years I expected a lot more from them.
sammyone on 25 Nov '07
"Whether Konami or Seabass are to blame it is still the same end product that disapoints me. Having been one of the only game series I have ever bought over consecutive years I expected a lot more from them"

I totally agree dude. If the game wasn't ready, well then it shouldn't have seen the light of day. Forget the online for one moment. The major factor for me is that we keep ploughing money into a game that just isn't listening to what the fans want. ie.

Where's the f**king licenses?
Who wants to f**k around with editing all the time!
The music is atrocious man, why can't you import music files?
You still don't have full control over shooting.
The dribbling ability in the ps3 version is absurd, it feels like the ball is stuck to some players feet.

At the end of the day, the fact that we have paid another £40 for the same game is a bloody joke! We want true next gen experiences. Everyone who cares should boycott this game and demand their coin back (like I have done). If we all done this it would give Konami a kick up the bottom and make them realise you can't f**k around with the true fan of this series.
J45 Boom on 25 Nov '07
has anyone heard anything about this patch / update coming?
b0ilhawk on 25 Nov '07
Just to throw in a dissenting comment, I love the new Pro Evo.

I'm not too bothered about online play, I usually play Master League and with my mates and I think the 360 version is the best I've played (been playing the series since Winning 11 4).

Just thought I'd add in a positive comment from someone who actually likes the game, not moaning baout pointless features like face mapping. They just shouldn't have rubbish like that in a football game anyway.
bonusuk on 26 Nov '07

Where's the f**king licenses?
Who wants to f**k around with editing all the time!
The music is atrocious man, why can't you import music files?

1 - real fans of the series aren't bothered by non-licences, it's easy to tell who all the players are and this has been the same since the early ISS games. I'd rather they didn't spend a lot of money to get the licences from EA, they can keep them.

2 - Get a 360 and use custom soundtracks with every game you buy, if you want the feature, support the hardware that has it. Easy.
bonusuk on 26 Nov '07
I think the 360 version is fine. Not bothered about playing it online at all.
Andy_Monahan on 26 Nov '07
The music is the worst I've ever heard in a video game. That was the first thing to be turned off.

After the 1.1 patch things do seem a bit better. Offline/online and replays don't seem as laggy. This is my first foray into the PES world and I have to say it still better than FIFA, but only just.

It still troubles me though as PES08 could could've been so much more, and I'm glad that after the Fanbois uproar, that seems to have came from PES08 - has 'forced' Seabass and Konami back to the drawing board for PES09.

Which leads me to think that they were fixing to spring another variation on the PES08 theme, until the s**t hit the fan, and they decided they better start from scratch, and make it good.

Please Konami, listen to the fans this time.
Jobbie74 on 29 Nov '07
First off, im gonna rage at all of you people moaning, im just gonna take a wild stab in the dark here and say that a majority of you arent too good at football in real life...

second FOOTBALL GAMES ARE ABOUT GAMEPLAY! NOT GRAPHICS LICENCES MUSIC AND COMMENTARY SO STOP YOUR MOANING ABOUT THAT AND PLAY THE DAMN GAME....although to be fair i do hate it when the commentator says "managers always say treat the ball as a friend"....when was the last time you kicked your friend around you halfwit!

third im gonna admit now, it could have been better and there are some dodgy occurences in the game, but for the most part it is great!

and one more thing before you all read this, i openly admit im not great at the game


as ive said a minute ago, try the 5 tips psm3 has printed this issue, it makes the game play like pes6.
follow the tips, and the game is dramatically improved.

AGREE, im slowly playin my way thru a master league, and im strugglin to win because of the much more intelligent AI...which is a good thing, but as im learning and my mates learn new tricks, you piece them all together and improve bits at a time, althought the lobbing really annoys me

ill bet you some people reading this dont really know about sending players on foreward runs and how deadly it is.


as for online play, what ever happened to getting your mates round for a good game of pes.

yes a decent game online would be brilliant, especially if you havent got any mates. but nothing beats wrestling with your mate over a dirty tackle or a scabby goal.

to put it bluntly! GET SOME MATES! the beauty of football is controversy! scoring that cheeky marco polo (run to the touchline, pass back across the face of goal and tap in to an open goal.)..passing player: "marco"....shot taker: "polo"

and rubbing it in ur mates face only to be sat back down again by a rediculous 45 yard crack by seedorf (get that man on a red conditon and shoot with him, hes godlike). THIS IS FOOTBALL!

the game is fantastic, ive never played online because id rather play against people i know...who cares if the games bad online? you do? billy no mates? i dont care about you go get some friends

you think the games s**t now because you cant press the through ball button anymore and have it go through every time! learn to manual pass...THE GAME ISNT GOING TO DO IT FOR YOU ANY MORE KIDDO!

ok its different, and yeah its something new to master but its f**king great when you do so dont shun it just because you cant play it.

ok its not perfect they should have done better but i challenge you to make a football game with better gameplay than pro evo...fifa doesnt even come close

EDIT: HA POST ABOVE THIS! YOURE MOANING ABOUT THE MUSIC IN A FOOTBALL GAME!!! PUT YOUR OWN MUSIC ON AND TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS! THATS ALL THE MUSIC YOU NEED!

ISS, Pro evo, winning eleven, pes2008! ROCK ON
taniquetil on 4 Feb '08
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