It's hardly a surprise, but Konami have now officially announced the next addition to their annual Pro Evolution Soccer franchise, the creatively titled PES 2012. A press release and debut trailer both feature commentary from PES Creative Producer Shingo "Seabass" Takatsuka:

PES 2012 continues KONAMI’s determination to work with fans of both the PES series and football in general, to create a truly realistic, immersive and utterly playable take on the modern game. Thus, the focus in PES 2012 is the instinctive way the game can be played and on teamwork in particular. Seabass and his Tokyo team have worked to recreate the very essence of top-level football, ensuring the new game’s AI engine has undergone a major overhaul and provide an experience akin to being part of a real team.

Seabass goes further to explain more of the expected gameplay changes:

The physicality of top-level football is represented as PES 2012 extends the jostling system of its predecessor. Defenders rely on their strength and stature to force a player from the ball as strikers and play makers make use of unique attributes to beat their markers. Tighter, more accurate collisions see players tumbling dependent on how they are knocked off the ball. Crucially, control is not lost, allowing the stumbling player to be brought directly back under control.

The result is a game that, more than ever, truly represents the key attributes of the world’s greatest players, but without sacrificing balance and allowing single players to waltz undefended through a game. Coupled with heavily tweaked animation, more detailed lighting techniques, a wider variety of player styles, improved dead-ball situations, expanded tactics and a new customisable pass feature, means that PES 2012 truly captures the essence of top-flight football.

Hit up the press release for complete details and watch the trailer below (or click here for HD) for a few peeks at the game in action.



PES 2012: Real Football Simulation is due for a Spring 2011 (U.S. Fall) release on PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Portable and even the old PlayStation 2.