Pro Evolution Soccer: Konami Interview

We meet PES veteran Akiyoshi 'Greyhound' Chosokabe for a chat that focuses on the highly unique Wii version of the game and considers what might be in store for PES 2009.

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Kikizo: Also regarding the menus, this is improved from previous games in this version; it is very slick and fast loading...

Greyhound: Yes, I have created accessible and user-friendly menus, which Wii users can easily control.

Kikizo: Do you think there's a possibility that existing console versions could be overtaken in popularity by the Wii version?

Greyhound: I think the Wii version and the other versions can co-exist because of the different concept and control system. For instance, the war simulation genre has two types of game - one is shooter and the other is real time strategy - and I enjoy both types of game. So I am confident that the Wii version and the other versions both have a place. I think that the passionate PES users of the other versions will also be able to enjoy the brand new gameplay on Wii.

Kikizo: Because of this new system, for the first time, the player has control over the entire team more so than ever before. Can you think of any way that you may be able to achieve a similar result on a traditional controller for maybe a future game?

Greyhound: For future version of PES?

Kikizo: Well I don't want you to specifically talk about a forthcoming product, I am just asking if you can think of a way you may be able to achieve this result on a normal controller?

Greyhound: On the other versions of PES, the point is how to control the player with the ball, whereas on Wii it's about controlling every player, not just the individual. So, this version is a completely separate concept to be honest. And I think the concept of this Wii version cannot simply be used in the other versions of PES. But, I think some of the features available in this Wii version can be considered for the other versions in the future.

Kikizo: Could you explain specifically which features are possible, in that case?

Greyhound: At this stage, I am sorry, I cannot say any features which can be used for the other versions. [thinks]... I used a new system for penalty shootout - I think this new concept for penalty shootout on the Wii version is very interesting. So I think it can be considered for the other versions - but I can't promise anything.

Kikizo: Seabass said in a recent interview that the way you structure your development team needs to fundamentally change in order to continue to make the series better in future. This is an interesting comment. I am wondering what kind of changes could you make to your development team in order to achieve this?

Greyhound: The PES development team is always trying to make reorganisations. I think the most important point is how to extract individuals' potential and skills, and how to organise each individual. I think this is the same in film production, and I think we need to continue to assess and explore reorganisation for the future. I think the most important point is to be flexible for any kind of challenge, not just working enthusiastically. But I think both of these things are important.

Kikizo: How personally involved do you think you might be with PES 2009? Will you be involved in the traditional versions as well as Wii? Since you are experienced on the series, might you personally be involved in the whole of PES from now on?

Greyhound: I work with Seabass on the same floor, and we are always exchanging information and opinions. So I can't say anything is confirmed, but we will always be sharing our opinions and information.

Kikizo: So it's not yet decided if you may personally work on the other console versions?

Greyhound: I have already started working on the next version on Wii, but sorry, I cannot say if I will be involved in the development on 360 and or PS3 versions!

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