Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 strengthens the series’ reputation for tight, responsive controls and realistic ball physics. From the first match, you’ll notice the refined passing engine and more deliberate dribbling animations that reward precision over button-mashing. New skill moves and feints have been added, giving creative players more tools to unlock stubborn defenses.

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The introduction of “Become A Legend” mode marks a major evolution in career options. You create a single player and guide his progression through club and international play, experiencing the ebb and flow of form, injuries, and managerial decisions. Meanwhile, the classic Master League remains, offering deep squad management, transfer bidding, and AI-driven rivalries that unfold over multiple seasons.

Licensing improvements also enhance gameplay variety. The fully licensed Ligue 1 and Eredivisie bring authentic rosters and kits, while partial licenses for the Premier League, La Liga (LFP), and Serie A still allow you to field real players in generically named competitions. For the first time in PES history, UEFA Champions League fixtures are included, alongside 60 national teams and countless continental cups, ensuring you can recreate any European showdown you dream up.

Graphics

PES 2009 continues Konami’s tradition of pushing visual fidelity on last-generation hardware. Stadiums are richly detailed, with vibrant pitch textures, dynamic lighting for day and night matches, and convincing turf wear that evolves as the match progresses. Floodlights and shadows add atmosphere, heightening the tension of late goals and penalty shootouts.

Player models have been overhauled with smoother animations and more lifelike proportions. Faces of star players capture characteristic hairstyles and running styles, while new motion-capture data improves realism in tackles, headers, and slide challenges. Ball trajectory is more believable than ever, as spin and swerve respond faithfully to your input.

User interface elements feel polished and unobtrusive. Menus and overlays mimic TV broadcasts, complete with authentic scoreboard graphics and smooth transition animations. Replays summon multiple camera angles, slow-motion inserts, and instant cutbacks, making every highlight goal a mini spectacle worthy of prime-time coverage.

Story

While traditional football games don’t follow a linear narrative, PES 2009 makes up for this by weaving compelling personal arcs through its “Become A Legend” campaign. You start as an unheralded prospect in Europe’s lesser leagues, aiming to catch the eye of top-flight clubs and earn a national team call-up. Each match builds your reputation, letting you chart a believable rise from rookie to superstar.

The Master League adds a managerial storyline: you’re the architect of a club’s destiny, responsible for transfers, youth development, and tactical setups. AI rival managers issue press-conference barbs and negotiate deals, creating a sense of inter-club rivalry that unfolds organically. Over multiple seasons, you watch your established squad either dominate or struggle to emulate past glories.

Outside these modes, the game offers exhibition play, custom tournaments, and local multiplayer. Though lacking a scripted plot, the variety of modes generates its own stories: last-minute comebacks, underdog cup runs, and transfer-market coup surprises all contribute to memorable moments you’ll recount long after switching off your console.

Overall Experience

PES 2009 stands out as a landmark entry in the series, combining refined on-pitch action with an unprecedented degree of career immersion. Whether you’re strategizing in Master League, forging a legend in your own image, or battling friends in local multiplayer, the game delivers consistent depth and authenticity.

Konami’s licensing expansions and graphical enhancements make this edition feel polished and modern, while the core gameplay retains the satisfying weight and responsiveness fans expect. Newcomers will appreciate the approachable controls, and veterans will dive into advanced tactics and skill-move mastery.

For anyone seeking a football sim that balances realism, variety, and pure fun, Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 is an essential addition to your library. Its wealth of official competitions, engaging career modes, and solid presentation ensure that you’ll return to the pitch again and again.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10