This Soccer-Themed Anime RPG Series Is Making Its Xbox Debut

Level-5 Inc., known for developing beloved Japanese game series such as Professor Layton, Ni No Kuni, and Yo-Kai Watch, is making waves by announcing that their Inazuma Eleven series will grace Xbox consoles for the very first time. The latest installment, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, will be hitting Xbox platforms.

The exciting news was revealed during a special livestream event, where fans got a sneak peek into the gameplay, storyline, and learned about its release date, slated for August 21, 2025.

For those who aren’t familiar, Inazuma Eleven has been a staple in the gaming world since 2008, blending soccer with RPG elements and expanding into a multimedia franchise that includes games, manga, anime, and even movies.

In stark contrast to realistic soccer titles like FIFA or EA Sports FC, Inazuma Eleven offers a more extravagant and cartoonish portrayal of the sport, featuring characters with super abilities that make gameplay thrillingly over-the-top. Victory Road promises to continue in this creative spirit.

Gamers will have the choice to dive into various modes: the single-player Story Mode, the Chronicle Mode, and an online Competition Mode.

In Story Mode, you’ll follow the journey of Destin Billows, a high school student determined to lead his soccer team to the top of Japan’s leagues. Expect a mix of mini-games and bonding activities with classmates, as you scout potential teammates to recruit. It’s set to deliver an emotional rollercoaster packed with humor, drama, and plenty of action.

Chronicle Mode grants players the opportunity to experience iconic matches and events from Inazuma Eleven’s rich history, thanks to a time-travel element courtesy of Victorio. The game boasts a massive roster of over 5,200 characters to recruit, allowing you to build your ultimate team.

Two new gameplay modes have been introduced: Manual Mode, which offers more traditional, direct control of players, and Commander Mode, where you can strategize while the AI operates the characters.

Between matches, Bond Town offers a social hub where you can create an avatar and interact with players worldwide. Plus, special 2-player tag matches will be available for those looking to team up.

This announcement is definitely a score for Xbox, adding another popular RPG franchise to its library. Personally, as someone who just discovered this series, the game looks truly wild in its execution. Although I usually gravitate more towards wrestling games like WWE 2K25, I can appreciate why Inazuma Eleven has captivated its audience for so long with its high production values and thrilling super moves.

For those who love sports anime and soccer, mark your calendars for August 21, 2025. Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road will be available across multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.