Pro Evolution Soccer shoots into UK arcades

Konami Digital Entertainment B.V has announced test versions of its new Pro Evolution Soccer arcade machine have been released into two locations.

Based on the multi-million-selling console game, the coin-op version of Pro Evolution Soccer has been specially created yet retains the series' famed physics and gameplay. Entitled Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship, the two-player machines can be found at the Hollywood Bowl on the Finchley High Road, and at The Rocket venue on Euston Road.

Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship enjoys all the close control and intuitive gameplay of the popular Konami Pro Evolution Soccer series, whilst introducing new elements via Konami's innovative e-AMUSEMENT online network system. The e-AMUSEMENT process links machines all over Europe to one central server, and facilitates data saving and networked play between units. The release of Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship marks its first use in the UK, with players using e-AMUSEMENT cards (sold separately) to save data, and buy new players. The cards also allow users to play pan-European opponents in real time, while Konami will also be hosting knock-out tournaments in the future.

The two test sites will mark UK fans of the Pro Evolution Soccer series' first chance to experience the arcade version and its online elements. Players can select from both licensed international and club teams, with every player in the game realistically recreated in terms of speed, ability, close control, shooting, etc. While there are also varying levels of CPU opponent for the player to compete against, in addition to the network and two-player modes. Uniquely, Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship also allows existing fans of the series to plug in their own gaming controller, allowing them to use the same controls as in the home versions of the game.

Following its initial tests, Konami will widely release Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship later this year, with the e-AMUSEMENT system go live shortly after.

Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship will be widely available from June. Test versions of the machine can be found at The Hollywood Bowl Finchley, Leisure Way, Finchley High Road, London, N12 0QZ and at The Rocket, 120 Euston Road, London, NW1 2AL. For PR enquiries, please contact Steve Merrett at Voltage PR on 020 7903 5122, or email steve@voltagepr.com. For al other enquiries, please contact James Anderson at Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. via jauk01@konami.com.