Socceroos to feature in new digital game

The success of the Socceroos at the recent 2006 FIFA World Cup finals has not gone unnoticed in the digital games market, with Football Federation Australia reaching an agreement with Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH.

The success of the Socceroos at the recent 2006 FIFA World Cup finals has not gone unnoticed in the digital games market, with Football Federation Australia reaching an agreement with Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH.

The agreement will see the Australian mens national football side, the Socceroos included in its forthcoming Pro Evolution Soccer 6 title, due for release later this year. The deal means that the ‘Socceroos- will be added to Pro Evolution Soccer 6-s impressive roster of International sides, with the license allowing Konami to reproduce the team-s first and second strips and the proper player names and attributes of the squad members. It comes as Konami strives to add further realism to the critically-acclaimed series via official partnerships with football-s leading teams.

Due for release in late 2006, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is abundant with new gameplay additions. Player Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been massively upgraded, with players running intelligently into space when not in possession of the ball and pointing where they want the pass placed to continue the attack. Similarly, the physical side of play has been refined, with players working to turn a defender as they receive the ball, while defenders must learn to stand off slightly to prevent such moves. The shooting system has also been refined and other new moves include the ability to retain control of the ball when sliding in to tackle, while all-new feints and backwards dribbling are now available thanks to the improved close control.

Other new additions include more balanced referees, and a selection of exciting new gameplay modes. An International Challenge involves leading your home country to victory through a series of entry and tournament rounds, while a Random mode lets the player play quick games within randomly-generated match day settings. The much-loved Master League also returns, allowing players to experience the many highs and lows of steering a team through years of competitive games.

Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be released for PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo DS and PC-DVD in late 2006.