Since its debut in 2008, Inazuma Elevendeveloped by Level-5, has maintained a successful combination of RPG and soccer, capturing the attention of players of all ages. With each new installment, the series has added innovations and evolved in terms of mechanics, narrative and visuals.
In this article, we will not only review the games in the saga, but also their key points, most notable new features, and their reception in the market.
Inazuma Eleven (2008)
- Platforms: Nintendo DS
- Launch: Japan (2008), Europe (2011)
Mark Evansan enthusiastic and talented goalkeeper, inherits his grandfather’s mission: to lead Raimon Junior High to glory in the most prestigious soccer tournament, the Frontier Soccer. With the help of his new teammates and amazing super techniques, Mark must lead the team to victory while uncovering mysteries about his family’s past.
This first game established the central concept of the series: soccer matches with super techniques and RPG elementssuch as managing a team, recruiting characters, and developing skills. The most innovative was its combination of sports and turn-based strategy, where players controlled the characters through the Nintendo DS touch screen.
The game was a success in Japan, although its arrival in Europe took three years. Despite the delay, it was also well received in the West, especially due to the popularity of the anime.
Inazuma Eleven 2: Firestorm and the Eternal Blizzard (2009)
- Platforms: Nintendo DS
- Launch: Japan (2009), Europe (2012)
After winning the Tournament Frontier Soccer, Team Raimon is attacked by a mysterious alien force known as Another Academywho wants to destroy the Earth through football. Mark and his friends must embark on an epic journey to defeat the invaders, facing even tougher challenges along the way.
This installment added the concept of splitting the game into two versions (similar to Pokémon), each with exclusive characters and equipment. The supertechniques were improved, and the story became more ambitious, introducing science fiction elements with the alien invasion of the Another Academy. Additionally, it included a greater focus on skill upgrades and equipment customization.
The two versions were very popular in Japan and Europe, with a good level of sales, although the division into versions did not have as much impact as in sagas such as Pokémon. Still, the more epic narrative and gameplay improvements were well received.
Inazuma Eleven 3: Sky Lightning and Explosive Fire (2010)
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS (Remake)
- Launch: Japan (2010), Europe (2013)
The Raimon team has been selected to represent Japan in the International Youth Soccer Tournamentknown as Football Frontier International (FFI). They travel around the world facing the best international teams, each with their own super techniques and playing styles.
This delivery expanded the world of Inazuma Eleven on a global scale with the International Tournament Football Frontier International (FFI)introducing a variety of international teams. Apart from improving the game mechanics, the narrative became more complex, with new rivalries and more spectacular techniques. The special version The Ogre Menace added extra content, such as new characters and challenges.
It was one of the best-selling titles in the series, especially in Japan. Internationally, it was also a success, although its late release in Europe slightly affected the media impact it may have had.
Inazuma Eleven Strikers (2011)
- Platforms: Nintendo Wii
- Launch: Japan (2011), Europe (2012)
Inazuma Eleven Strikers abandons the story-centered narrative and focuses on action-packed soccer games. Players can select their favorite characters and compete in dynamic matches, using spectacular super techniques in real time.
This installment deviated from the RPG format and offered a more direct focus on action soccer matches with super techniques. Instead of focusing on turn-based strategy, players controlled characters in real time, making it more accessible to those who preferred action over tactical planning.
Although it was well received by younger fans and those who wanted a more casual experience, Strikers It was not as successful in the market compared to RPG titles. Its change in gameplay made it less attractive for the most dedicated fans of the series.
Inazuma Eleven GO (2011)
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
- Launch: Japan (2011), Europe (2014)
Ten years have passed since the events of the first tournament, and football is strictly controlled by an organization called Fifth Sector. Arion Sherwind, a young man full of passion for football, must help restore freedom to the sport by leading the new Raimon team against the oppressive regime.
Cwith a new protagonist, Arion Sherwindand a time jump in history, Inazuma Eleven GO introduced an improved combat system thanks to the graphical capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS. Furthermore, he added a system Keshin (warrior spirits) that players could summon during matches, adding a new layer of strategy.
It was a hit in Japan, especially among new players. However, the delay in its European release impacted its popularity outside of Japan. News such as Keshin and the graphical improvement were well received.
Inazuma Eleven GO Chrono Stones (2012)
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
- Launch: Japan (2012), Europe (2015)
Arion Sherwind come back, but discovers that football has disappeared from history. With the help of a mysterious time traveler, he must travel through different eras to restore the sport he loves and stop the organization that is destroying football.
Chrono Stones took the series in a new direction by adding time travel, allowing players to visit different eras to recruit historical figures. It also introduced the mode Miximaxwhere players could fuse the abilities of two characters, and new forms of the Keshin.
The title performed well in Japan, with positive reviews for its innovative gameplay. In Europe, however, its late launch affected market penetration. Despite this, fans appreciated the news such as the Miximax and time travel.
Inazuma Eleven GO Galaxy (2013)
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
- Launch: Japan (2013)
Raimon has been selected to represent Earth in an intergalactic tournamentfacing teams from other planets. Arion and his companions must overcome space challenges as they fight to keep the hope of humanity alive.
The plot was a mix of science fiction and sports, adding a new team formation system and improving customization. Added a greater focus on multiplayer.
Exclusive to Japan, the game was not as successful as its predecessors. The plot, although innovative, was seen as too far removed from the original roots of football and land, which put off some traditional fans.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road (2025)
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, iOS, Android, PC
- Launch: Japan (2024), Europe (to be confirmed)
Victory Road continues the story of Inazuma Eleven with a new generation of characterswhile some classic heroes return. The plot revolves around a young man who aspires to return the Raimon team to its former gloryfacing new and powerful rivals.
Victory Road promises a return to the roots of the sagacombining classic characters with a new generation. The demo has shown graphical and gameplay improvements, with more fluid controls and the possibility of performing super techniques in a more dynamic way. Character customization and recruitment are more complete than ever.
The demo has been well received by the community, praising the graphics, the return of iconic characters and the improvements in control. Expectations are high in both Japan and Europe, where fans are eagerly awaiting its release.
Inazuma Eleven: RE (coming soon)
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 y PlayStation 5.
Inazuma Eleven: RE is a remake of the first game in the Inazuma Eleven series, originally released for the Nintendo DS. The story follows Mark Evans, a young goalkeeper, who assembles a soccer team at his school, Raimon Junior High, to compete in a tournament and face various opponents. The remake It features improved graphics, new game mechanics and smoother gameplay, maintaining the essence of the original.
The game also offers new abilities and special moves, expanding strategies during matches. Additionally, the interface and graphics have been improved, making the experience more attractive for new players and fans of the series.
Conclusion
Each installment of the saga Inazuma Eleven has brought new ideas and innovations, from its unique blend of RPG and football to the introduction of science fiction and fantasy elements. Despite some fluctuations in commercial success, the series has maintained a loyal following, thanks to its engaging narrative and fun gameplay.
Con Inazuma Eleven: Victory Roadit seems that the saga is ready to reconquer the global marketoffering a refined experience for a new generation of players.
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