In order to remedy this, there is a rather deep character/team/league editor for players to goof around with. Konami even went so far as to add camera support to allow players to scan in and import player likenesses and team shields. Of course, this is ever so tedious. Consequently, players looking to customize the game to their liking would be better served to pick up this game for PC and download a community-developed patch.

Presentation in PES 2009 is still as crude as ever. The plastic-like player likenesses, silly menu design, and poor menu organization are quite bad. While many players are given their own faces, the detailed models are scary to look at. Konami tried to inject a spot of realism by adding skin textures, but the result is that players all look like really ugly plastic dolls with residual acne scarring. Moreover, menu layout is actually one of the worst designs I've ever seen. For starters, the top menu is spread over two pages. Second, the convoluted controls page looks like Chinese! Third, navigating through the online menus is an utter joke. On a good note, the stadiums look crisp and the supporters are detailed. Also, on-pitch animations are nicely rendered; this prevents gameplay from being butchered. However, when put up against FIFA 09, this is definitely one ugly title.

Disappointingly, sound can't save the overall presentation either. The commentary is performed by John Champion and Mark Lawrenson. This pair of Brits does an admirable job of portraying the game, but the injection of color commentary is almost always way off base, contrived, and oh so repetitive. The music selection is easy on the ears but by no means excellent. I did like the fact that the tunes didn't change or start over whilst navigating through menus. Still, the music selection does get boring after awhile.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 will undoubtedly appeal to the PES faithful. If you're a FIFA guy and are wondering what the fuss is all about, you'll still be left wondering. The solid, friendly A.I. and easy passing mechanic is more satisfying than that of last year's version or that found in EA's footie title. However, the lack of overall polish is inexcusable. Thankfully, this is a discounted title here in North America. For $49.99 you will be treated to a fun game of soccer, but you will also be subject to some glaring missteps. Do yourself a favor and pick this game up on PC. That seems to be where this series shines and is supported by literally a world full of players.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director