Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Review

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Review

9 years after the initial announcement, the latest installment in the football JRPG series has finally arrived. Cult classic from famous developers Level-5, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road The goal of the game is to tell a heartfelt story combined with a tactical approach to the sport. With fans waiting nearly a decade to return to the pitch, the pressure is enormous. So, was the long wait worth it?

You play as Destin, a young, disaffected boy who avoids football at all costs. When he first attends South Sirrus High School, he chooses the school specifically because it doesn't have a football team, hoping for a new beginning. Through flashbacks, you soon learn that Destin once loved the sport, but after he collapsed on the field, doctors informed him that he had a heart condition, meaning he would never be able to play again. In an attempt to cope, he tries to ignore its existence until he witnesses real talent. It rekindles his love for the beautiful game, taking you on an adventure to uncover the truth behind football's exclusion, restore the sport and build a team capable of becoming the best.

Creating a team

History is more than its overarching plot; it's about the characters and the connections you make with their quirky personalities. Everyone you meet has an intriguing backstory that contributes to a larger goal. Different in both design and mannerisms, each character feels unique, creating a great dynamic among the players you recruit throughout your journey. This leads to some impressive emotional moments, resulting in a strong, gripping narrative. With impressive cutscenes, full English and Japanese voice acting, and an incredible score that enhances these emotional moments, the presentation makes for a beautifully executed and deeply engrossing tale.

Those who play Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road solely for the football will be disappointed. The campaign is a story-driven adventure with on-field action interspersed with focused missions. Some quests can be a bit repetitive due to the structure of the choice quests, and they sometimes get delayed; however, the goal is always clear, making each goal feel meaningful. Even the side missions have quirky little stories that help flesh out the world, making exploration enjoyable. There are soccer balls lying around in the streets and you need to kick them to get a reward. Although these tasks are small, they allow you to immerse yourself in the process and improve your movement through areas.

More than a match

The gameplay changes on and off the field. As you travel through the environment, you will encounter situations that will require you to engage in rock-paper-scissors battles. While it lacks the depth of titles that use a similar triangular formula like Fire Emblem, it's still a fun system where you have to read and react to attacks. Adding to this variety are mini-games, often using a football theme for smaller challenges. Level 5 manages to keep the sport at the center of the experience, whether it's doing menial jobs or recruiting players, everything leads towards your main goal.

On the field, the gameplay shines. It's a wonderful combination of role-playing game and football that reflects the tactical nature of the sport. One-on-one encounters become intense games of chance where you either need to move your body to block your opponent or rush past them to break free. Hitting the ball across the field carries the risk of interception, with the success rate depending on the player's positioning. Meanwhile, shots can be blocked by defenders or deflected by the goalkeeper, forcing you to evade your opponent for a clean try or wear down the goalkeeper with constant effort. Special and tactical capabilities complement the action on the field, creating a brilliant and fresh take on the sport.

Extra time

Apart from the main story mode, the game also includes many other modes that will provide countless hours of entertainment. Chronicle mode celebrates the franchise's history by following events from previous games in the series, allowing fans to relive iconic moments. You can head to Battle Bay Stadium to hone your skills in offline matches, and then move on to competitive mode where you can take part in online ranked and friendly matches. Finally, there's Kizuna Station, a cozy world that allows you to customize and decorate your environment. While not all modes will appeal to fans, there's definitely something for everyone.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road perfectly combines JRPG mechanics and soccer to create a unique and refreshing experience. The story is beautifully presented, with high-quality cutscenes and a great soundtrack that enhances its emotional beats. While the main campaign does suffer from some pacing issues, it remains a strong story with a satisfying conclusion. Add to this the wide range of modes and you have a great package full of content. A fantastic return to the field, Victory Road captures the essence of the series and moves it forward.

***PS5 code provided by publisher***