Pro Evolution Soccer 2009

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
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  1. IGN
    72
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 makes a valiant effort at keeping pace with FIFA 09, and there are some improvements and good ideas under the strange gameplay changes that were made, it’s just tough to see them if you’ve played FIFA.
  2. VideoGamer
    70
    PES 2009 is a good game, but the times they are changin', and we're afraid that Konami is being left behind. Time for a reboot, Seabass.
  3. TheSixthAxis
    70
    A well-presented, enjoyable game of football that suffers from a few issues involving sound and physics. If you loved PES 6 you will love PES 09 and in many ways I think this is the game’s biggest strength and, at the same time, its biggest weakness.
  5. GameSpot
    70
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 is an improvement on last year's game, but this is a series that desperately needs a complete overhaul.
  6. D+PAD Magazine
    70
    When put up against the competition PES feels outdated and crude, crumbling under the weight of expectation that each annual iteration brings. The additional modes may make it the best PES on the current crop of consoles, but the rigid animations, pathetic commentary system and shoddy online component all add up to a game that just hasn’t progressed since the PS2-era as much as it deserved to.
  7. AceGamez
    70
    It's sometimes strange to consider how quickly the two main performers in the world of football videogames have changed their styles. FIFA is now the American Smooth of the genre, classic, elaborate and elegant, while PES is like a Cha Cha Cha; faster and livelier but also seen as somewhat outdated.
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  8. 3DJuegos
    69
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 seems to be, again and lamentably, a lost opportunity. This could have been a great chance to vindicate the lost football throne, to demonstrate to the skeptics that they are cappable to make a great game, and to bring some light to a saga that is suffering, overwhelmed by new titles.
  9. MEGamers
    68
    This is easily the worst PES we have ever played. Hopefully next year Konami will work on improving the game. Until then though, we have FIFA 09.
  10. Cheat Code Central
    68
    The lack of overall polish is inexcusable.
  11. 1UP
    67
    The PES-versus-FIFA bout is always tough to call, but while neither disappoints, I'll narrowly side with the glitzier, überlicensed competition this season: FIFA 09.
  12. games(TM)
    60
    Konami has made a concerted effort to make the game more accessible, but by speeding up and simplifying much of the action it risks alienating the fans of the series who are used to the ebb and flow of the real thing. [Christmas 2008, p.113]
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  13. GameShark
    58
    It’s just now you can really see the difference between FIFA and PES – and FIFA is starting to pull away.
  14. Game Revolution
    58
    Similarly, PES 2009 is a drunken misstep for the series, but because I’m a sucker for the underdog, I’m hopeful that Konami will get it right the next time around. In the meantime, we’re left with a game that looks, smells, and feels a lot like regret and a hangover.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best PS3 Game of 2009
57
#57 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2009
68
#68 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 84
  3. Negative: 12 out of 84
  1. Ardho
    Aug 29, 2021
    8
    Balanced gameplay, good graphics, really enjoy playing this game with friends or playing alone
  2. TheCornflex
    Jan 31, 2018
    6
    Not a bad game but unfortunately it can not compete with FIFA because of the licences.
  3. SamL
    Jul 15, 2009
    3
    Despite being vastly superior to any previous PES, it's still dreadful! Goalkeepers can't catch, no one can control the ball Despite being vastly superior to any previous PES, it's still dreadful! Goalkeepers can't catch, no one can control the ball (especially under pressure!), shooting is terrible and often completely random (especially under pressure!), free kicks are pointless, there's no power bar for penalty kicks and yet you can still miss the goal (completely random unless you kick it straight down the middle), referees will send you off for getting the ball and on top of all else it's just so poorly designed, it's like the creators gave it about 5 minutes of testing and thought that was it seeing as the ball can often go through people's faces. On top of this, it's simply unplayable on Xbox Live due to issues with lag.… Full Review »
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