"INAZMA ELEVEN: Heroes' Victory Road" Hands-On Report: New and Fresh Gameplay Experience Despite Major Differences from Previous Titles [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/819/G081980/20250926087/
Editorial Department: René | 2025/09/26 16:06 (UTC)
The new soccer game “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road” is on display as a playable title at Level-5’s booth during the ongoing Tokyo Game Show 2025 event at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. In this report, we deliver our impressions from playing it firsthand.
This title is the latest installment in the “Inazuma Eleven” series, scheduled for release on November 14, 2025. A new promotional video was also released on September 25.
Note that the demo version showcased at TGS 2025 differs from the final product in content.
During this hands-on session, we played through the game’s tutorial and a practice match against Imperial Academy, led by Kido. The story begins when Seiichiro Enkaku—supposedly deceased—unexpectedly appears before the protagonist of the previous series, Shuusuke Enkaku.
The tutorial unfolds as Shuusuke learns under the guidance of his grandfather, Daisuke. Players learn fundamental moves like dribbling and passing, along with special actions such as “Focus,” a local battle maneuver to bypass opponents, and “Scramble,” a high-intensity aerial ball争夺 (ball争夺 is likely meant to be “ball争夺” but appears to be an error—corrected below), where players compete for possession in mid-air.
Thumbnail image No.004 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.005 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025]
Then, by sharpening one’s mind and entering a “Zone State,” players launch the final shot toward goal. This sequence constitutes how points are scored.
Thumbnail image No.006 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.007 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025]
Defensive techniques are also taught here. Players learn how to switch to a nearby teammate to initiate “Focus,” execute the long-range “Catch Bomb” to steal the ball from distant opponents, and use the “Wall Defense” ability to weaken an opponent’s shot power.
Overall, the diversity and significant enhancements of each action stand out as particularly impressive features during this tutorial session.
Thumbnail image No.008 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.009 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025]
After completing the tutorial, players finally enter a practice match against Imperial Academy led by Kido.
Thumbnail image No.010 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.011 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025]
Following the tutorial instructions, players attempt to score—but their shot is easily blocked by Imperial Academy’s goalkeeper. Then, a story event causes an abrupt and massive scoring surge from the opponent, forcing the player’s score to 0–20 instantly. Anyone familiar with previous entries in the series will recognize this moment as strikingly familiar.
Later, the series’ iconic striker, Gouenji Shuya, joins forces. After that, Shuusuke learns “God Hand,” and Gouenji scores a point with his signature move, “Fire Tornado.” Witnessing this, Imperial Academy forfeits the match—just as seen in past installments—marking the end of this hands-on session.
Thumbnail image No.013 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.014 / Hands-on report of “Inazuma Eleven: Heroes’ Victory Road.” The significantly different controls compared to past entries promise a fresh gameplay experience [TGS2025]
Incidentally, this was my first time playing the “Inazuma Eleven” series since “[Inazuma Eleven GO Galaxy Big Bang]” and “[Super Nova].” The control scheme feels quite different from earlier entries—meaning it offers a refreshing experience. After multiple delays, the game finally arrives fully prepared for release, making it one that truly builds anticipation.
With the release date just around the corner—November 14—it’s exciting to think that this moment is not far off. According to the official website, the story takes place in a world set 25 years after the original “Inazuma Eleven.” Looking ahead, we eagerly await further updates on the game.