More after the jump!

Taking a look at the first of the BaL screens – which I think tells us more than initially meets the eye – we see a glimpse of the players virtual manager in the locker room, apparently giving specific instruction as to what he demands from the veteran ML default, Stremer. The first thing that jumped out for me in this screen was that the instruction was being given to a right full-back, so it would seem that this year the BaL mode has expanded with regards to what positions the user can play with defence now being an option. Then of course we have the instructions themselves, In the accompanying press release for these shots it is stated that :

In the locker room, the manager gives you clear instructions on tactics to be used, your tasks, expected play area on the pitch, and player you have to mark, etc. Instructions change depending on situation of your team.

The manager gives you feedback on your achievement of given tasks including play area and tactics for you after the match. And you will receive evaluation message and rating from the manager. In the Become a Legend mode, users will be able to play with clear objectives during the game this year. Users also will be able to recognise how much trust your manager has in you and level of your contribution to the team. This will make users have a sense of accomplishment after the match.

What this all suggests is that there will be welcome level of additional depth to the BaL experience. Particularly worthy of note is that it is mentioned that player instruction can alter depending on the situation of your team, which I would assume means that the scoreline in particular can dictate what is expected from the user in their role. This is quite significant as in theory this would mean that you are no longer just operating in a role in a generic fashion, which in turn would surely increase the sense of involvement you feel as an individual and give you a greater sense of contribution to the team effort as a whole.

Also welcome is the user being able to recognise the level of trust the virtual manager has in you. Providing it is implemented well and some variety is present when moving from club to club, I can see a many a falling out or even a sense of allegiance forming with a virtual Mourinho or Pep Guardiola-esque figures for example. This could even potentially act as a major contributing factor to the player deciding whether they should look to move on or stick it out. Imagine finally arriving at the club you really want to play for only for the manager to prove to be a bit of a ‘Domenech’ and finding yourself having to seriously think about your future. This is all speculation on my part of course that this is how it will play out with these new features but you have to admit the prospect does sound rather appealing and very involving.

I have to confess that Become a Legend and similar modes of it’s ilk present in other sports games have thus far failed pretty miserably in getting me hooked into their unique style of play and what they demand. My one issue has always been that of a feeling of disconnect between that of myself, my team mates (not helped by poor AI!), and club/manager, which as a result makes the whole experience feel incredibly shallow and unrewarding. These modes are not present in sports titles and loved by many without reason however and it is this, along with these proposed improvements being made to this style of play, that might well see me give BaL a little bit more TLC in PES2011.

It strikes me that Konami have looked at not only improving and refining the technical assets that drive the game but are at the same time looking to implement a higher quality of overall game design in all the games various modes, with Become a Legend not missing out in this approach in PES2011.

He’s posted up all the work _anderson has done, comparing videos and pics from PES 2011 to real life! The game more than holds up, I mean just look at the Henry pics! Staggering.

Click here to see everything.

WOW, just wow.

Click here for HD.

PESFan have posted up some screens too, click here to see them. You’ll also find a Q&A and impressions on their site, make sure you check it out!

**Update** IGN Roundtable discussion

**Update** Gameswelt preview

**Update** Gamestrust.de preview

**Update** Eurogamer.de preview

**Update** Zavviblog preview Thanks to Jaymez Hetfield for this.

Press release after the jump!

New PES: New Information

Konami Digital Entertainment has today elaborated on the many new additions gracing its eagerly-awaited PES 2011 title.

Due for release in the Autumn, PES 2011 has been astounding football fans with its free-flowing, unfettered gameplay. Total control is the new game’s mantra, and PES 2001 delivers this with an all-new power gauge system wherein players govern the strength and position of every pass. Total 360-degree control adds a layer of realism to the series, and Konami has showcased this innovation with an all-new trailer.

The new footage shows the total freedom of passing PES 2011 offers, alongside closer looks at its new dribbling, defensive hold-up play, and jostling. Similarly, the trailer gives an insight into the new power gauge, while also showing how feints and tricks can be mapped on to the R3 button and accessed with ease. PES 2011 utilises over 1000 new animations, and these are also on show as the new game demonstrates its key attributes in the footage.

Konami has also released a number of new screens to accompany the trailer, and these reveal for the first time the new ‘Stadium Edit’ mode, that allows users to create their own home ground for use in the game, and the first screens for the massively reworked Become a Legend mode, where players are cast as an upcoming starlet and strive to earn major honours and become the world’s greatest player. More information will be released in the coming months.

Gaming site Creative Future managed to get hold of 4 screens. Expect more, plus these in HD, tomorrow morning.

Still amazing detail in these early screens, I’m sure you’ll agree.

*Update* – Firstplay 14 is now available from the PS Store on PSN.

Posted on the official Euro PlayStation Blog, we will get all the released screens so far for the game in full HD. Lets hope there’s more to come from them in the coming weeks.

Thanks to Marshall for the heads up.

Konami have released 6 new screenshots of PES 2011 at E3, showing things from the Copa Libertadores license, to stadium and formation screen.

Check them out!

From the many videos released, to the DLC, and pics today, we take out time to discuss everything. There’s also a look towards E3 (link mentioned on podcast here), and our hopes and wishes on what the event will bring.

It’s a big one, so sit back with that cup of tea, relax and enjoy!

Click the pic for an insanely large sized view!

The official press release is below along with a link to all the screens, including some lovely stadium screens.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has released more images from its forthcoming PES 2011 title, showing the incredible realism the game will boast.

Total freedom of play is the buzz-word for PES 2011, and the game will be released for PlayStation(R)3, Xbox 360(R), PC-DVD, Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) later this year. The PES team is currently implementing a raft of new additions, including a new power gauge-based passing and shooting system, wherein the user is given total control over the pace and weighting of every pass, flick-on and shot.

The game’s aesthetics are also undergoing a revolution, with the photo-realistic visuals married to all-new animations. Over 1000 new animations have been added to PES 2011 to emphasise the slickness and variety of movement that a top-level match showcases. Similarly, big game atmosphere is assured, with all-new stadium designs, with stunning crowds, and a wide range of chants and jeers tied in to the on-field action

For the new screens click HERE

Konami seem to have there finger on the pulse this year it would appear!

Forum member Merdiso hit one up, so I had to share. Check it out!

Altogether now…NIGHT AND DAY!