Have you broken your arm, Wayne?

Every year, sports game developers scratch their heads over what they’re going to slap on the back of the box for their latest annual update. However, the folks over at Konami have concocted a true corker for the upcoming PES 2015: Pro Evolution Soccer on the PlayStation 4 – adaptable grass lengths.

It’s all part of a greater desire to improve the authenticity of the beautiful game. If your opponents prefer to zip the ball around like Barcelona, then you’ll be able to instruct your groundsman to not cut the grass so short, potentially breaking their flow. Alternatively, if you favour pace, you can water the pitch to give the ball a bit of whiz.

While last year’s outing was powered by Kojima Productions’ vaunted FOX Engine, the publisher claims that this was in an “embryonic form”. You’re going to get the full experience on next-gen hardware this time around, though, with virtually every facet of the presentation overhauled. The most noteworthy of these enhancements is real-time lighting, meaning that the sun will set as you play early evening matches in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, the title – which is being developed in collaboration between the Japanese company’s Tokyo and Windsor offices – promises vastly improved artificial intelligence, which will extend to the full pitch, rather than just what’s happening on-screen. This means that players will make runs, mark, and jostle for space – even if you can’t see them.

And lastly, microtransactions are inevitably being added as part of the MyClub online mode. You’ll be able to purchase players using GP or real-world cash, which will allow you to assemble your own squad of stars. It sounds similar to FIFA Ultimate Team – except without the random part. Are you excited to see what PES 2015 can bring to the pitch? Take a bow in the comments section below.

[source konami.co.uk]