It's a big day for footie fans, not only do fans of the Fifa series get their hands on the latest incarnation of the game with FIFA 07, but fans of Pro Evolution Soccer 6 get a launch date.

Trying to steal the thunder of the EA launch, Konami has announced that its latest version of its popular Pro Evo series will launch in the UK on the 27 October on the PlayStation 2, Xbox360 and PC-DVD, with the PSP and Nintendo DS versions to follow shortly after.

According to Konami, key improvements to Pro Evolution Soccer 6 include new player AI with team mates running into space more intelligently, while the physical nature of the sport has also been enhanced with new turns and defensive blocks to learn, alongside closing down unmarked opponents.

The shooting system has also been refined, and players will be able to attempt more snap shots than in previous versions, while volleys and half-volleys have been reworked. It is also now possible to retain control of the ball after performing a sliding tackle, while all-new feints and backwards dribbling are now possible thanks to the improved dribbling controls. Coupled with the series’ famed realism, the result is a more flowing and fluid game with all the movement and pace of the real thing.

Konami has also added a raft of new licensed sides to Pro Evolution Soccer 6, and all versions will include the fully-licensed kits and squads for the Czech, French, Australian, English, Italian, Argentinian, Spanish and Swedish national sides. Similarly, the French Ligue 1 Orange has been added to the game, alongside key European sides such as Sporting Lisbon, Benfica, Olympiacos Piraeus, and Manchester United.

Meanwhile gamers keen to get their hands on a footie game today will be able to opt for EA's FIFA 07, which features a new online mode that enables you to pit your club against supporters of your real-world opponents. Play your games according to the real-world schedule. Track your team's progress as the aggregate results determine your club's position in the league table. Now you actually take to the pitch for the glory of your club.

Likewise EA say a new intelligent AI ensures that your 11 men on the pitch make realistic decisions, finding space and passing like professionals. A complete overhaul of the game engine now means that you have to employ real world tactics, make realistic decisions and think like a player in order to win matches.

>> EA - Official website of EA