Konami announced it will release Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 in North America for the PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, PSP, Nintendo DS and PC. Slated for a Winter 2007 release, the new edition marks the first time that the soccer video game franchise has exclusively used the Pro Evolution moniker in North America.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 boasts a revolutionary AI system that actively monitors the player's onscreen movements and adapts accordingly, forcing the player to consider their own strategic play more carefully. Other new additions include amazing attention to aesthetic detail as faces contort and shirts crease during a match, extensive Edit modes in all Next Generation versions, and closer control than ever before.

Adding to the authenticity, Portuguese midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo will be the face of the latest version of the series. As part of the deal, Ronaldo will appear on the packaging and point-of-sale materials for Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Featuring real players, a large variety of licensed teams, photo-realistic graphics, and a huge variety of stadiums, gamers will be able to re-create the same excitement that surrounds the world's most popular sport. As with previous releases, the ball is treated as a separate entity, with the timing of shots completely controlled by the player, while the new AI ensures that defenders work to close down space and block efforts on goal. Similarly, distribution of passes works along the same lines, with players using the space available to them to switch the ball. Dribbling control has also been enhanced, and a number of subtle moves have been added to bypass defenders in order to move the ball into space.

Marking the series' first appearance on the PLAYSTATION 3 system, and its second Xbox 360 outing, these and the PC-DVD 'Next Generation' versions of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008's are further enhanced by stunning aesthetic elements. Player features have been taken to incredible levels with full facial animation and the high-definition detail afforded by the hardware shows full movement and subtle details on the various uniforms during the course of a match. All 'Next Gen' versions will also benefit from an extensive Edit mode, allowing them to customize their Pro Evolution experience.


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