The news that Konami had secured the rights for UEFA Euro 2016 and were producing a game to be tacked on to their existing PES 2016 game was met with worry by many gaming fans.
While Pro Evolution Soccer has come on leaps and bounds in the last two years, it is still the less popular game in comparison to EA Sports' FIFA as many gamers simply don't trust the game anymore after the series slid downhill from PES 2008 onwards.
But there will be a lot of interest in the official game for a tournament that Ireland have qualified for, so we have rounded up all the info you need to take the boys in green to virtual glory in France.
(It's not only on Playstation, I don't know why the box says that.)
When is it coming out?
There are two release dates for this game, because it is available both as downloadable content if you already own PES 2016, or you can buy it as a standalone game too.
Digital download if you already own PES: March 24th
Physical game sold in shops: April 21st
What consoles is it on?
Both downloadable and standalone versions of the game are coming out on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC.
Do I have to own PES 2016 already and download it online?
No.
If you want to play the game as early as possible, you can buy PES 2016 now (it's actually fallen to a reasonable price in shops) and download the game for free on March 24th, but otherwise you can buy the Euro 2016 version of PES 2016 which includes both games on April 21st.
Will all the proper logos and kits for the teams be in there?
Sadly, no.
This is easily the most devastating news about this release, as while all the Adidas teams will be decked out in the proper gear, Ireland will not be according to the press release:
From the 24 qualified teams that feature real players with hundreds of authentic player faces, 15 fully licensed teams will be included with the latest strips for England, Wales, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovakia, Iceland, Turkey, Albania, Northern Ireland and hosts France, all perfectly recreated.
The player names will be real, but the kits and logo will not be.
Will the game be any good?
Honestly? Yes.
Give PES 2016 a chance. At a time when most people are getting sick of FIFA 16, it could be a much needed change of pace.
In terms of gameplay, PES is much more true to the football you see on TV, but many prefer FIFA's more fast-paced action. Don't knock PES if you haven't tried it, but if you have played it and it's not for you, then it's bad news.
You can check out our review of the PES 20616 demo here if you want a bit more info on the gameplay.
