Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Preview: Inazuma Eleven’s Latest Chapter
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road has been highly anticipated since 2016 when Level-5 first announced a new game for the franchise. Unfortunately, the game didn’t materialize as quickly as fans hoped, and the related anime came and went. However, Level-5 has now repurposed their initial plans into the game, which is on the verge of release.
Before its full launch, Level-5 has allowed players to test the gameplay and experience the unique vision of the upcoming soccer RPG. A global beta test demo is currently available on the Nintendo Switch, with versions for PC, PS4, and PS5 slated for release later this year.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road combines the thrill of soccer with the strategic depth of an RPG, creating an engaging sports experience unlike any other.
Inazuma Eleven is a multimedia series about children who are passionate about soccer. The narrative eventually escalates to include matches against teams of aliens, dinosaurs, and other fantastical opponents. Victory Road promises to be the most expansive installment yet, offering a roster of over 4,500 characters to help players build their ideal team.
Tactical Gameplay and Strategic Depth in Victory Road
The beta version is somewhat limited, offering only a few teams for players to experiment with. More characters will be added before the beta concludes in June. Additionally, the introduction to the story mode will be integrated later, focusing the current demo primarily on match play against the computer or other players.
This format is ideal for getting a feel for the game, which is more reminiscent of the Wii versions of Inazuma Eleven than those for the DS. When compared to Bandai Namco’s Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions, we also get to see just how much depth it can offer indirect challenges during the matches.
The gameplay in Victory Road is a constant power struggle, enhanced by mechanics that emphasize strategic choice, risk, and consequence. One key feature is the tension gauge, which increases when players maintain possession of the ball or win disputes on the field. Reaching certain levels on this gauge unlocks skills that expand the character’s move sets. However, executing these skills can be challenging as opponents set up barriers and employ various tactics to disrupt play.
Midfield interactions involve a tactical duel where players must decide whether to dribble, pass, or use a skill to maintain control. Defenders and attackers have strategies to counter their opponent’s moves, including using epic defensive walls or feints to advance the ball.
With a roster of over 4,500 characters, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is set to offer unparalleled team customization and strategic gameplay.
A notable game mechanic is the “In the Zone” slow-motion mode activated near the goal, allowing both attacking and defending teams to plan their next moves meticulously. As the main goal is to score, these moments are crucial, and the goalkeeper’s stamina bar plays a significant role, as it decreases with each defense, making subsequent goals easier for the attackers.
Players can also employ various formations and activate unique tactics during matches, providing bonuses to teammates within a specific range and enhancing their abilities to shoot or defend. As an RPG, players gain experience, level up, and unlock new skills after each match, except in Casual Mode, designed for friendly competition instead of the more competitive Ranked Mode.
Victory Road’s ‘In the Zone’ slow-motion mode adds a thrilling tactical layer to soccer matches, enhancing the excitement of crucial moments.
Online Experience and Technical Performance
During my time with the demo, the experience was largely bug-free, with only a minor glitch involving the ball appearing stuck to a character who no longer possessed it. Even with my less-than-ideal internet connection, online gameplay was smooth.
While the demo is limited, it already showcases the depth of the RPG experience that the new Inazuma Eleven game aims to offer. Combining role-playing elements with sports in a meaningful way is challenging, but Level-5 appears to capture once again what makes the fusion enjoyable.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the Full Release
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is shaping up to be the type of game players will find hard to put down, exploring all its intricacies. The beta alone has rekindled nearly a decade of anticipation and seems poised to deliver on those long-held expectations.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, and mobile devices in 2024.
