Evolution Soccer 2009 Pes 2009 Patched - Pro
Despite the lower review scores, the gameplay debate raged online. Forums like BigSoccer were split down the middle. Some argued that FIFA 09 was the polished, realistic simulation, while others maintained that PES 2009 still had the "heart" of football—where the physics of the ball and the weight of a tackle just felt right. One user famously argued that PES ran smoother and was 100% more fluent, even if the presentation was lacking.
In Become a Legend , you create a single player (a rookie aged 17) and control only that athlete on the pitch. You start on a mediocre team in the reserves, and through match ratings, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance, you work your way up to captaincy and international glory.
Commentary remained a weak spot. The duo of and Mark Lawrenson was professional but sterile. They failed to react to the context of a match. Scoring a 90th-minute winner in the Merseyside derby would result in the same tone as scoring a preseason friendly goal. For fans of the series, the commentary was often muted after the first week in favor of custom soundtracks.
: Representing a new era, Barcelona's Lionel Messi graced the cover, replacing long-time veterans of the franchise. pro evolution soccer 2009 pes 2009
Konami launched PES 2009 in the Autumn of 2008 across a staggering number of platforms, but the staggered release highlighted the transition from the PlayStation 2 era to the HD consoles:
The traditional mode returned in PES 2009 , remaining a fan favorite for its distinct management mechanics. It featured the legendary default squad of fictional players—including Castolo, Minanda, Ximelez, and Ordaz —who players had to slowly replace by earning points to buy real-world superstars. Team chemistry, player retirement, and the development of youth academy prospects required long-term tactical planning. Lasting Cultural Impact
PES 2009 represents a transitional era for Konami, bridging the gap between earlier, faster-paced entries and later, more tactical iterations. It remains a key part of the legacy that eventually led to the modern, yet differently branded, . If you'd like, I can: Despite the lower review scores, the gameplay debate
The game’s "story" is largely player-driven through its marquee game modes: Become a Legend
The iconic Champions League anthem played during pre-match team lineups.
While FIFA 09 had "Be A Pro," PES’s version felt more tactile. You felt the sluggishness of a tired winger in the 85th minute. You felt the frustration of a striker who misses a sitter because their "mentality" stat was low. Today, BAL remains a cult favorite, with modding communities still updating PES 2009 to keep this mode alive. One user famously argued that PES ran smoother
He loses his first five matches. But each loss teaches him. He learns to shield with Dodo (the tiny Brazilian left-back). He scores a scissor kick with Ordaz — a player with 68 shot accuracy, but perfect timing.
The biggest headline for PES 2009 was undoubtedly the arrival of the . After years of "North London" and "Merseyside Red," seeing the official starball logo and hearing the iconic anthem felt like a massive win for realism. While it didn't solve all the licensing gaps—the Premier League remained largely unlicensed outside of Manchester United and Liverpool—it gave the game a sense of prestige that felt "big time". Forging Your Own Path: Become a Legend
You start as a promising talent in training matches, working to earn a spot in the starting XI and eventually moving to elite European clubs or earning national team caps.
Konami’s tagline for the year was aiming to bridge the gap between the hardcore simulation elitists and casual arcade lovers. To achieve this, the development team tweaked the physics, pacing, and mechanics. The zippy, bullet-time pace of previous iterations was toned down for a more "measured" footballing experience. Passing felt weightier, and the ball was treated as a separate entity subject to air resistance and friction—a hallmark of PES realism.
