PES 2018 publisher Konami just pulled off one of the most daring – and controversial – stunts of this year’s Gamescom.
The Japanese publisher, who are showing off the new game at the convention in Cologne – wanted to ensure as many eyes as possible were on their flagship football title.
So, what better way to do that than get last year’s FIFA cover star Marco Reus to show up and endorse their game just metres from the EA stand.
The Dortmund star wasn’t alone, though. His teammate Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was along for the ride, too.
Both players then played a full match of the game.
The stunt comes as Konami announced a PES 2018 demo is arriving on August 30.
It’s crammed full of features but won’t include online play – which will surely limit appeal.
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The demo will be offline only with players able to take part in both exhibition and co-op modes on the PS4 and Xbox One.
This is likely because Konami is taking the time to ensure the servers are stable come launch on September 14.
There will be two stadiums to choose from – the iconic Camp Nou and Signal Iduna Park – and you’ll be able to play with the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
You’ll also be able to test out South American clubs, such as Corinthians, Flamengo, Boca Juniors, River Plate and Colo-Colo.
National teams, including Brazil, Argentina and Germany are available to play with as well.
Konami has done its best to dramatically improve PES this year – after last year’s game sold 40 times fewer copies than EA’s FIFA 17.
Gameplay has been tweaked to give fans more realistic game speeds, while the inclusion of strategic dribbling gives the player more control of the ball.
There’s also a refined 2v2 and 3v3 feature on co-op mode, which lets you team up with friends and compete against groups all over the world.
PES launches on September 14, with FIFA 18 arriving two weeks later.
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