Level-5 Inc., renowned for their beloved Japanese game franchises such as Professor Layton, Ni No Kuni, and Yo-Kai Watch—and also known for co-developing Dragon Quest VIII and IX—has exciting news. They’re introducing their Inazuma Eleven series to Xbox consoles for the first time ever with the upcoming release of Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road.
This major announcement was made during a special showcase streamed online, where fans were treated to a sneak peek of Victory Road’s gameplay, storyline, and were marked with its release date set for August 21, 2025.
For those unfamiliar, Inazuma Eleven is a unique soccer video game series that combines RPG elements. Since its inception in 2008, it has blossomed into a substantial multimedia franchise, spanning video games, manga, anime TV shows, and movies.
What sets Inazuma Eleven apart from other soccer games like FIFA or EA Sports FC is its out-of-the-box, cartoon-like approach. Unlike its more realistic counterparts, the series features characters with almost superpower-like abilities, delivering a thrilling spectacle for players. As expected, Victory Road maintains this vibrant style.
In Victory Road, players can dive into soccer matches through different modes. The single-player Story Mode and Chronicle Modes provide engaging solo adventures, while the Competition Mode connects players in exciting multiplayer competitions.
The Story Mode revolves around Destin Billows, a high-schooler determined to propel his soccer team to the top in Japan. Players will navigate various mini-games and team-building exercises, attempting to recruit the best of their classmates to ensure a winning lineup. This narrative is set to offer a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and intense sports action.
In Chronicle Mode, fans of the series can revisit classic matches and epic instances from the past with the help of Victorio, a time-traveling guide. With over 5,200 characters available for recruitment, creating the ultimate Inazuma Eleven dream team becomes a thrilling challenge.
Additionally, the game introduces new ‘Manual Mode’ and ‘Commander Mode’ for match play. Manual Mode grants players direct control over a character, similar to traditional soccer video games. Meanwhile, Commander Mode lets the AI handle player movements, while gamers focus on strategies and formations.
Between matches, the Bond Town mode allows for a more social experience, enabling users to create personal avatars and interact with other players online. There’s even an option for special two-player tag matches, adding a cooperative layer to the soccer madness.
Xbox has indeed captured another beloved RPG franchise with Inazuma Eleven’s arrival.
As a newcomer to the franchise, I must admit, this Xbox debut looks like a delightful whirlwind. Even though I’m personally more into wrestling games, Inazuma Eleven’s captivating production values and fantastical super moves are hard to resist.
For those who enjoy sports anime and soccer, keeping tabs on Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road could be a wise move. When it hits Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam on August 21, 2025, it promises to be an adventure worth experiencing.
