This Anime Soccer RPG Series is Making Its Long-Awaited Debut on Xbox

Level-5 Inc., renowned for its iconic Japanese game series like Professor Layton, Ni No Kuni, and Yo-Kai Watch, along with co-developing Dragon Quest VIII and IX, has an exciting update for fans: the beloved Inazuma Eleven series is stepping onto Xbox consoles for the first time ever with the upcoming release titled Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road.

The news came during a special showcase stream that delved into what players can expect from the game’s story and gameplay, all leading up to its expected release on August 21, 2025.

For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Inazuma Eleven debuted in 2008 and skillfully blends soccer with RPG elements. Over the years, it blossomed into a robust multimedia franchise, including video games, manga, and anime TV shows and movies.

Unlike traditional soccer games like FIFA or EA Sports FC, Inazuma Eleven takes a charmingly exaggerated, cartoon-style approach to the sport, with characters unleashing superpowers to triumph. The newest installment, Victory Road, retains this unique flair.

Players have several modes to dive into: the single-player Story Mode, the Chronicle Mode, and the online-multiplayer Competition Mode. Story Mode follows Destin Billows, a high-school student determined to lead his soccer team to the top spot in Japan. This mode promises a narrative packed with emotion, adventure, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as you engage in mini-games and team-building exercises.

Meanwhile, Chronicle Mode invites players to relive iconic matches from the entire Inazuma Eleven saga, guided by a time-traveler named Victorio. With over 5,200 characters available to recruit, players can craft their ultimate dream team.

The game introduces new gameplay options such as ‘Manual Mode’ and ‘Commander Mode.’ In Manual Mode, players take direct control of a character, similar to standard soccer games. Commander Mode, however, brings a strategic edge as the AI handles character movements while players direct the team’s overall strategy.

Off the field, players can explore Bond Town, where they create a personalized avatar and connect with other fans online, even teaming up for special 2-player tag matches.

This addition to the Xbox lineup marks another achievement for the platform, attracting yet another beloved RPG franchise. As a first time viewer of this vibrant world, the anticipation around the game is palpable. Although wrestling games like WWE 2K25 might be my usual preference, the spectacle of Inazuma Eleven’s animation and game mechanics is undeniably captivating.

For fans of sports anime and soccer enthusiasts alike, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is set to be an exciting new experience when it debuts on August 21, 2025. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Keep an eye out for what promises to be a thrilling addition to the genre!