INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road - Kicking Goals and Taking Names

A strategic soccer saga with a side of nostalgia

Launch Day Larry

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is here, and it’s ready to dribble its way into your heart—or at least your gaming library. This latest installment in the beloved series promises a mix of strategic gameplay, stunning visuals, and a story that feels like an anime come to life. But does it score a hat-trick, or is it more of an own goal? Let’s lace up our boots and find out.

Gameplay: A Tactical Tango with a Side of Frustration

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road offers a gameplay experience that is as deep as it is complex, demanding significant brainpower from its players. The strategic elements are a delight for those who enjoy a challenge, with a combat system that humorously leans on a rock-paper-scissors mechanic. However, like a soccer match that goes into extra time, it can become a bit repetitive.

The game shines when played with a controller, offering smooth 360-degree movement and aim assist that makes you feel like a pro. Unfortunately, keyboard and mouse users might feel like they’re playing with two left feet. The controls can be unresponsive, and a silent update that altered keybinds has left some players scrambling. It’s a bit like trying to play soccer with a beach ball—awkward and not quite what you signed up for.

Despite these hiccups, the core gameplay is a nostalgic nod to the anime series, with extensive character customization and a roster that would make a Pokémon trainer jealous. The match experience is particularly well-received, with improvements like the teamwide Tension meter and the return of shot chains and power-ups. It’s like playing an anime series, and for fans, that’s a dream come true.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Few Sour Notes

If there’s one area where Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road truly excels, it’s in its graphics. Described as “peak visuals” by many, the game runs smoothly even on less powerful hardware, showcasing the developers’ optimization prowess. The high-quality animated cutscenes are a standout, making you feel like you’re part of an epic anime saga.

However, not everything is picture-perfect. Some players have noted a lack of improvement in visual effects since the demo, with certain gameplay elements like “grand power clashing” feeling underwhelming. And let’s not forget the curious case of ice shots turning green instead of blue—it’s like the game decided to play a little prank on us.

Story: An Emotional Rollercoaster with a Few Bumps

The story in Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is a heartfelt journey that resonates with both children and adults. With a shonen-sport theme focusing on friendship, passion, and dreams, it delivers emotional depth and character development that elevates it beyond typical genre clichés. The main character, Unmei, is celebrated as the coolest protagonist yet, and the Japanese dub’s voice acting adds authenticity to the experience.

The semi-open world concept allows for exploration without missing key story elements, and the Chronicle Mode adds a layer of nostalgia by letting players form teams from a vast array of characters from the original series. However, the story isn’t without its pacing issues. The initial setup can feel slow, and the focus on mini-games unrelated to football might detract from the main narrative for some players.

Final Verdict

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is a game that delivers on many fronts, with strategic gameplay, stunning graphics, and a story that tugs at the heartstrings. However, control issues and certain design choices might leave some players feeling like they’re stuck in a penalty shootout. For fans of the series, it’s a must-play, but newcomers might want to watch some gameplay footage before diving in.

Score: 8.0/10