Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 vs Pro Evolution Soccer 2012
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 brings a complete overhaul to the series, introducing the innovative Become a Legend mode where players create and guide their own football star through a realistic career. The game also features enhanced Master League negotiations, improved edit tools, and reduced network lag for smoother online play. With Lionel Messi gracing the cover and support for PlayStation 3, PC, and Xbox 360, PES 09 delivers a deep, authentic soccer simulation that satisfies both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts alike.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 delivers a deep football simulation experience across PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, featuring licensed teams, realistic player movements, and tactical depth. The game showcases Cristiano Ronaldo on the global cover, with regional variations highlighting Neymar and Shinji Kagawa. The title includes robust single‑player modes, online multiplayer, and a comprehensive career mode, offering both casual matches and long‑term team management for football enthusiasts.
- Deep career mode with player creation
- Enhanced negotiation system in Master League
- Improved online performance with less lag
- Robust editing tools for customization
- Highly realistic player movements and ball physics
- Extensive licensing for clubs and leagues
- Robust online multiplayer with matchmaking
- Deep career and management features
- Graphics are dated compared to newer titles
- Limited licensing leads to fictional team names
- AI can be inconsistent in certain match situations
- Limited licensing for some teams leads to generic names
- Occasional AI glitches in defensive situations
- Graphics, while solid, lag behind newer sports titles
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Alternatives to Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
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Alternatives to Pro Evolution Soccer 2012
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Ultimate football simulation for PlayStation 2 enthusiasts.
Realistic football action with fully licensed leagues on console and PC.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataPro Evolution Soccer 2012 offers newer gameplay, better AI and weather effects, while PES 2009 scores higher critically but feels dated.
Key differences
- •Critic score: 2012 has 74/100, 2009 has 90/100.
- •Licensing: 2012 includes more authentic clubs/kits, though still limited for some teams.
- •Online multiplayer capacity: 2012 supports up to 16 players, 2009 does not specify a limit.
- •Graphics & performance: 2012 runs at 1080p/60 fps on supported consoles; 2009 is noted as dated.
- •Career mode depth: 2012 adds deep club management; 2009 focuses on player‑creation and Master League negotiations.
Gameplay & fun factor
2012 adds dynamic weather, adaptive AI and deeper club management, expanding tactical depth.
Platform availability
2009 explicitly supports PS3, Xbox 360 and PC; 2012 platform list not provided.
Price & value
Both priced at $59.99 with one‑time purchase.
Multiplayer / co‑op
2012 offers online matches for up to 16 players; 2009 only mentions reduced lag, no player cap.
Content & replayability
2012 includes all major leagues with authentic kits and a deep career mode; 2009 relies on custom player creation.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both rated ESRB E/PEGI 3, indicating similar accessibility; AI glitches noted for 2012, inconsistent AI for 2009.
Graphics & performance
2012 delivers 1080p/60 fps on supported consoles; 2009 is described as having dated graphics.
Choose Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 if…
Buy PES 2009 if you prioritize critical acclaim and need PC support.
Choose Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 if…
Buy PES 2012 if you want newer features, larger online matches, and more authentic leagues.
Common questions
Is there a price difference between the two games?
Both are listed at $59.99, a one‑time purchase.
Which version has better online multiplayer?
PES 2012 supports up to 16 players online; PES 2009 only mentions reduced lag without a player limit.
Do both games run on PC?
Only PES 2009 explicitly lists PC support; PES 2012 platform details are not provided.