"The most obvious improvement will be the graphics, focusing more on getting licensed players to look like their real-life counterparts.

New moves, control elements and online features are all promised too, with improved internet play being one thing fans of the series have been pleading for.

"The announcement of a new PES game is always a highlight for Konami, but PES 2009 looks set to reaffirm the series’ utter superiority," commented Jon Murphy, project leader for Konami."