This Soccer-Themed Anime RPG Series is Making Its Way to Xbox

Level-5 Inc., renowned for crafting iconic Japanese game series such as Professor Layton, Ni No Kuni, and Yo-Kai Watch, has some exciting news for Xbox users. The beloved Inazuma Eleven series is finally making its debut on Xbox with the upcoming title, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road.

This thrilling announcement popped up during a special showcase event, where fans got their first glimpse into the gameplay, storyline, and a confirmed release date set for August 21, 2025.

For those unfamiliar with Inazuma Eleven, it’s an engaging blend of soccer and RPG elements originally launched in 2008. This series has transcended into a broad multimedia franchise, embracing games, manga, and anime.

While many soccer games like FIFA or EA Sports FC strive for realism, Inazuma Eleven spins the genre on its head. It’s a fantastical, cartoony escapade where players use near-superhuman abilities to clinch victories. Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road promises to stay true to this whimsical formula.

In this game, players can dive into thrilling single-player Story and Chronicle Modes or test their skills in the online-multiplayer Competition Mode. The Story Mode revolves around Destin Billows, a passionate high-schooler on a mission to lead his soccer team to be the best in Japan. It’s packed with mini-games and heartfelt moments, providing a rich narrative full of emotion and excitement.

For those seeking nostalgia, Chronicle Mode allows players to revisit classic matchups from the entire Inazuma Eleven saga. With the help of Victorio, the time traveler, you can recruit from a staggering 5,200 characters to assemble your dream team.

A notable addition to this game is the new ‘Manual Mode’ and ‘Commander Modes,’ offering varied gameplay experiences. In Manual Mode, you maneuver one character across the field, akin to traditional soccer games. Conversely, Commander Mode lets AI manage gameplay while you strategize formations to outsmart opponents.

Off the field, the Bond Town mode invites players to create avatars and engage with others online. And for competitive spirits, you can partner with a friend to challenge others in intense 2-player tag matches.

For Xbox, securing such a popular franchise is a feather in their cap. Although initially unfamiliar with the series, I find myself captivated by its whimsical nature. While soccer isn’t usually my game of choice—I tend to gravitate towards wrestling titles like WWE 2K25—inazuma Eleven’s high-quality production and gravity-defying moves offer a fresh and dynamic experience.

So, if sports anime and soccer tickle your fancy, mark your calendars for August 21, 2025. Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road will be hitting Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Don’t let this unique gaming adventure pass you by!