PES 2018 release date confirmed for September, with loads of new additions

Konami’s PES 2018 is coming on September 14th 2017, the publisher has announced today, and will bring a swathe of improvements to the long-running football franchise, including a digital PC version on Steam in addition to the usual console offerings on PS4, Xbox One, PS3 and Xbox 360.

According to Konami, "no part of the game has been left untouched" in PES 2018, which features more new additions than any other PES title in the last ten years. These include a revamped control system that adds more fluidity to the game, and a new, simpler user interface.

Matches will also be played at a "more realistic pace", while a new strategic dribbling system will offer greater close control, such as contextual shielding and shimmies to deceive defenders. Konami will also be implementing what it calls a Real Touch+ process, which lets players react to receiving the ball using permissible parts of the body to bring a pass under control dependent on the height and speed of the incoming ball. Set piece routines have also been completely revamped, including penalty kicks and one-player kick-offs.

Konami’s new Real Capture system will also provide true-to-life lighting across day and night names, and players will be individually motion-capped to provide more realistic movements.

Away from the game’s visuals, PES 2018 will feature full 11v11 online options as well as 2v2 and 3v3 modes with support for local play. Random Selection matches will also return with all new content, while the Master League implements pre-season tournaments, a new transfer system and pre-match interviews and an insight to the changing rooms.

PES 2018 is a title that finds the series at the very top of its game,” commented Masami Saso, president of Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. It is a game that builds on the foundations of the resurgent series and has taken on board requests from our growing fan base. It is also a game with an eye on the future. As eSports continue to develop as a worldwide force, PES 2018’s inclusion of a dedicated PES League mode removes any barrier to entry to die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Konami is committed to breaking new ground with the PES series, and PES 2018 sees us enter the field more confident and determined to excel than ever.”

While the game will also be available on PS3 and Xbox 360, only those who pre-order the digital FC Barcelona Special Edition on PS4, Xbox One and PC will receive additional content at launch, including 1,000 myClub coins and five myClub player agents, which guarantees a top UEFA Champions League player as well as a top club and legend player from FC Barcelona.