Before we get started we must just make it clear that at the time of this post a launch date for the patch had not been confrimed, however EuroGamer suggest that it will arrive in December. After this the next major update will relate to all of the squad changes which will take place during the January 2012 transfer window.

OK, let’s get started with some improvements to general gameplay. Apparently once the update is installed all goalkeepers should be better than before, especially at saving long efforts, also if you utilize the Speed Star skill card you should expect some tweaks post update to make this more realistic. Something else worth knowing is that you will now be able to search for Quick Match opponents based on pass support settings. Konami has also promised less freezing/hanging whilst partaking in Become a Legend and Online modes or when selecting Game Plan combinations.

In terms of bug fixes there’s nothing too exciting, one bug which allowed a team to remain with 11 players after receiving a red card will be patched, also if you have ever checked the myPES application after winning/losing on penalties you will no longer see a draw, here’s some other changes:

- Occasionally meaningless numbers were appearing when accessing the Community menu from the Community Card list
- Formation data in the Formation settings on the Game Plan screen can only be saved from the P1 controller
- Game data can be saved/loaded for both sides if you exit the Data Management menu while your opponent is saving/loading the game data and then enter the Data Management menu again on the Game Plan screen

We like the sound of all of these changes which are coming to PES 2012, especially the fact that goalkeepers will concede less efforts from long range – what other changes would you like to see made?

In FIFA 04 a featured dubbed “Off the ball” was introduced, this allowed a single player to control two players simultaneously and it was very hard to master, that said if used properly you could gain a tactical edge over your opposition by making runs etc. A recent article posted over at CVG has told us all about PES 2012′s similar feature which is called the “Teammate control system”.

Konami say that gamers will be able to use the new feature to gain full control over secondary players despite also controlling the player with the ball, to do this simply press the right analog in the direction of the player you want to control, alternatively you can depress the R3 button to activate assisted mode. If you use this feature correctly players can find space, get rid off markers and make shuttle runs, Konami thinks this brings “an astonishing advance for the series”.

If you have played previous PES games you will know that sometimes AI can ruin promising-looking attacks, therefore you will be glad to hear that the teammate control system will allow you to override AI. As you can see this feature should really bring a whole new dimension to PES and if it turns out to be better implemented than FIFA’s “Off the ball” feature we could be in for a treat.

Other Features / Changes

Whilst announcing the teammate control system Konami also confirmed a few other changes which gamers will notice when playing PES 2012. Apparently Challenge Training and shot feints will return (we are sure that the latter will be very popular with our readers), also this time round penalties will utilize the behind the taker view.

We can’t wait to see the teammate control system in action, we did have a little look around, however we were unable to find any videos showing it off. For now we would love to hear from you on the matter, do you think this will become a gimmick which flops? Or do you think it will change PES for the better? Let us know in the comments section below.

According to VG247 the release date has been set in line with the 3DS’ European release date on March 25, the Nintendo 3DS arrives in America on 27 March. Some people say that the 3D capabilities will add depth and realism to the game, hopefully it will the game a more crisp feel when driving the ball from one end of the pitch to the other.

There is no word yet from the guys over at EA who create FIFA soccer games however. We do not know if they will compete with the PES series (as has been the case for many years), however FIFA fans would undoubtedly welcome a 3D version of the game.

Over the past few years it may seem that FIFA is the stronger of the two sides however that does not cut Pro Evo out of the game just yet. Pro Evo will benefit greatly from getting in the market quicker and as the FIFA games normally arrive towards the later period of the year, it will give PES a longer time to get ahead of its rival and really make a good start on sales.

Will you be buying your copy or will you wait for the next FIFA instalment?