Konami readies Pro Evolution Soccer 6!

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has used the Leipzig Games Convention to make a series of announcements regarding its highly-anticipated Pro Evolution Soccer 6.

The first Next Generation incarnation of the acclaimed football series will be on show and in the shape of the vaunted Xbox 360 version. Boasting significantly better graphics, enhanced animation and a wealth of gameplay additions, visitors to the Konami stand (F02, Hall 5) will be able to play the 360 version for the first time, marking the first public airing of Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka's Next Generation release.

The move to Xbox 360 comes as Konami confirms that Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be released for the Microsoft machine, PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation®Portable), PC-DVD and the first ever Nintendo DS in October. With the series famed for its realism, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is packed with new gameplay additions. Player AI has been upgraded, with players running intelligently into space when not in possession of the ball, while the physical side of play has been refined, with players working to turn defenders as they receive the ball, with defenders learning to back off slightly to prevent such moves.

The shooting system has also been refined, and players will be able to attempt more snap shots than in previous versions, while volleys and half-volleys have been reworked. Other new moves include the ability to retain control of the ball when performing a sliding tackle, while all-new feints and backwards dribbling are now available thanks to the improved dribbling controls.

Konami's commitment to introduce new licences to the series is also confirmed at the Games Convention and Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will include the fully-licensed kits for the Czech, French, Australian, English, Italian, Argentinian, Spanish and Swedish national sides. Similarly, the French Championat league has been added to the game following a new agreement, alongside Bayern Munich, Portugal's Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, Greek giants Olympiacos Piraeus, and Manchester United from England. The previously-announced Brasilian striker Adriano will appear on the German packaging, too.

It is also revealed that the online side of the PlayStation 2 and PC game has been massively revamped. Seabass and his team have implemented a new online system that allows up to eight players to compete simultaneously through four linked systems.

"Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is one of the most eagerly-awaited games of the year, and we are delighted to be able to come to the Games Convention with so many exciting advances to announce," commented Martin Schneider, Sales and Marketing Director for Konami in Germany. "As we show the first Next Generation version of the game for Xbox 360, we are sure that visitors to the Konami stand will see that the future of the Pro Evolution Soccer series is very bright indeed."

About KONAMI CORPORATION

KONAMI CORPORATION was established in 1973, and became a holding company on March 31, 2006. KONAMI CORPORATION covers the fields of "Digital Entertainment Business", "Health & Fitness Business" and "Gaming & System Business". KONAMI CORPORATION went public on Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988, the Singapore Stock Exchange in 1997, the London Stock Exchange in 1999, and the New York Stock Exchange in 2002. Home Page URL: www.konami.co.jp. Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary, responsible for popular franchises like Metal Gear Solid®, Silent Hill® and Pro Evolution Soccer amongst other top sellers. For more information concerning Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and its products, please visit www.konami-europe.com/games.

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Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS and PC-DVD in October.