Level-5 Inc., the creative force behind popular Japanese gaming series such as Professor Layton, Ni No Kuni, and Yo-Kai Watch—alongside co-developing classics Dragon Quest VIII and IX—has some exciting news. They’ve decided to bring their dynamic Inazuma Eleven series to Xbox consoles for the first time ever with the upcoming Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road.
This announcement came during an exclusive showcase stream, which not only unveiled an in-depth look at the game’s features and storyline but also confirmed its release date set for August 21, 2025.
If you’re new to Inazuma Eleven, this gaming series, which combines soccer with RPG elements, debuted back in 2008. Over the years, it has evolved into a robust multimedia franchise encompassing video games, manga, plus anime TV series and films.
Unlike the realism found in soccer video games like FIFA or EA Sports FC, Inazuma Eleven offers a whimsical, caricatured take on the sport. Here, characters don’t just play soccer—they use seemingly magical powers to clinch those thrilling victories. Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road continues this tradition.
In the game, players can indulge in soccer matches through its single-player Story Mode, delve into nostalgic moments in Chronicle Mode, or engage in the thrilling online-multiplayer Competition Mode.
The Story Mode centers on Destin Billows, a spirited high schooler with a passionate dream to propel his soccer team to become Japan’s finest. Players will partake in engaging mini-games and bonding activities with teammates, aiming to recruit the most promising figures. Expect an epic sports adventure brimming with laughter, emotion, and thrilling action.
Chronicle Mode invites players to step into iconic series matches and moments, guided by the time-traveling Victorio. You’ll have the opportunity to face unique challenges and recruit an extensive roster of over 5,200 characters, all to create your ultimate Inazuma Eleven dream team.
Inazuma Eleven introduces innovative gameplay options with two new modes: ‘Manual Mode,’ where you control one character directly like a traditional soccer game, and ‘Commander Mode,’ where the AI takes charge, while you oversee tactics and strategies on the field.
Between matches, players can dive into the Bond Town mode. This feature allows you to craft a personalized avatar and interact with others in the game community. Plus, you can join forces with a friend for exciting 2-player tag matches.
As Xbox secures yet another highly-anticipated RPG franchise, let me share my initial thoughts. Having never come across this franchise before, this new Xbox release looks utterly wild.
While my personal gaming tastes lean more towards wrestling simulations like WWE 2K25 than soccer, I understand why Inazuma Eleven has remained a gamer favorite for over a decade. Its high production quality paired with spectacular super moves is truly entertaining.
If sports anime and soccer capture your interest, be sure to mark Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road on your calendar. It’s set to launch on August 21, 2025, across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
