I can't decide which of these games to pick up. Both would cost me the same amount of money, and both seem to have really fun gameplay. But picking up both would seem like serious overkill, so I need to choose one. Problem is, I can't. So I'd like you to do it for me. Please tell me which of these you prefer. I have played a lot of FIFA games, but the only experience I have with PES games is the PES2009 demo. Please help me out here.

Fifa was supposed to be really good this year, definitely a step above Pes.

Dude it depends on your personal tastes.

FIFA is more advanced in terms of presentation: gfx, sound, stadium atmosphere. It has more licensed teams, a good online experience (up to 10 vs 10), the be-a-pro is very good.
On the gameplay side the game improved a lot, but the controls (altought varied) aren't that responsive and the actual animations looks very robotic. IMO it is the weakest poin t in the game.

With PES it's all about gameplay, the game is still miles away from FIFA in terms of presentation. Even tought they aren't too bad Konami should had done a better job with the gfx and sound. The big drawing point in PES has always been the gameplay, and 2009 doesn't disappoint . The animations (altought sometimes bit cluncky)
are for the most part fluid, the controls are very responsive. The online portion is a weak point in the game stability wise and in numbers (only 4 vs 4).

Has I said before it depends on what u want. If u want more fast-paced gameplay but doesn't mind the non licensed teams and bad online choose PES.
But if ya have an heart for presentation and 10 vs 10 gameplay and don't mind a more robotic gameplay u should gear towards FIFA.

Me I'm a PES players all the way.

I'd seriously go for FIFA, its an amazing game this year and well worth every penny.

I am loving FIFA 09. Greatly done this year. I would suggest that.

I would get FIFA because I usually hear that that one is better. I don't play soccer games much, though.

My mind is set; PES is far, far better than FIFA.
I have both FIFA 09 and PES 09 and I gotta say PES beats FIFA by miles. Sure, FIFA's graphics may look a bit sharper and they have licensed teams etc. etc. But what it really comes down to is realistic and fun gameplay and FIFA can't compare to PES in that regard. Also, in PES you can edit almost anything so you if you want to you can change logos, players, teams etc. to get the teams to be as authentic as possible. And ofcourse with the same feature you can create your own personal in-game avatar with whatever stats you seem fitting ;)
If "Be a pro" is a big selling point for you PES has a similar mode called "Become a Legend", which is just about the same but lasts for 30-something seasons instead of the 8 in "Be a Pro".
If you're having a hard time choosing why don't you download the FIFA 09 demo and compare them?

PES loyalist but I would wait a few months 'til the 10's come out. 2009 was not a major step up from 2008.

PES 10 is -supposedly- boasting a new engine and a couple of screens have surfaced of supposed in-game footage and it does look pretty impressive.

Well, FIFA 09 did seem to get more votes, so I'll likely go with that one. Thanks for the input guys.

FIFA is by far the better game this year. Previously PES was by far the best, but in recent years PES has been slipping.

Although, in reality the 2010 iterations of these games are only a few months away, so I'd say buy a cheap 08 or 07 game, which should keep you entertained until FIFA 10 and PES 2010 come out.

FIFA 09 for me.

FIFA09 for moi also.

I've been all about PES since PES 2, but I've swapped to FIFA since FIFA 09 and PES 09. PES 09 is dud and FIFA 09 presents a unique perspective to online footy with the team Be a Pro mode.

I played PES everyone that's ever been released, I played PES 09 and then realised I never liked it so I traded it in for fifa, never looked back. I've always been a PES fan but this years just felt bland. Apprently PES is getting completely re-done so when that comes out I'll automatically buy that being a PES fan but for this year I feel FIFA has taken the crown.

FIFA 09 this year, easy choice