Pro Evolution Soccer 10 to have 360-degree control scheme

The rivalry between EA's FIFA series and Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer continues today as Konami has announced at this years GamesCom that the game will now feature a 360-degree control system--already a part of FIFA 10.

The new control scheme allows gamers to move the players around the pitch freely, resulting in smoother animation and more realistic gameplay. The old system only allowed for eight directions of movement, limiting the direction of runs and through balls. The PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC versions of the game will feature the new control system when using the analog sticks, while only PS3 users will see the benefit using the D pad--even with the upgraded D pad controller that shipped last year to tie in with Pro Evo’s 2009 iteration.

The publisher also announced a whole host of improvements to Pro Evo 2010, which are said to have come directly from fan requests. These include manual goalkeepers and ball requests, as well as fine-tuned close control. This comes on top of previous improvements already announced for the game, including revisited graphics and player animations, as well as a new game balance system with "instantaneous stamina," which will prevent game-breaking tactics like over-sprinting. A new free-kick system featuring improved ball targeting, plus new AI feints have also been added.

Pro Evo 2010 is due out October 22 on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. PSP and PlayStation 2 versions will be available shortly after on November 5, with the Wii version landing November 19.