One of 2025’s Biggest Games Is Still Being Criminally Overlooked

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As a gamer, I keep thinking back to 2025 – it was just an amazing year for video games! Even with all the issues the industry is facing, so many talented developers still put out incredible games. They weren’t afraid to push boundaries, reinvent genres, and really show what great game design looks like – stuff that will probably influence games for years to come. We were so lucky to have so many fantastic titles come out, but honestly, it also meant some really good games got overlooked. It’s a shame when gems get lost in the crowd!

In 2025, despite a huge number of video games available on platforms like Steam and consoles, a few truly excellent titles are slipping under the radar. These games deserve more attention, and will likely become beloved cult classics, inspiring countless videos about how underrated they were. One standout is Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road. While it might not immediately appeal to everyone, it’s surprisingly good and I’m genuinely shocked it hasn’t found a wider audience.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Is Far Better Than It Needs To Be

Most people probably haven’t heard of Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, or the anime it’s based on. While the original game has a dedicated fanbase – I’m one of them – and likely sold well enough to justify future games, it’s not one of Level-5’s most well-known titles. This probably explains why it’s become one of 2025’s hidden gems. Despite being based on an anime, which might limit its appeal, this soccer-focused RPG is a genuinely fantastic game and stands out as one of the best in its genre.

The game stands out primarily because its numerous modes are all incredibly well-designed, showing a level of dedication rarely seen in anime-based games. Unlike many fighting games, including large franchises like Dragon Ball Z, which often limit characters and require players to purchase additional content, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road offers a massive 5,400 characters right from the start in its Chronicles mode. This mode lets players relive every match from the anime series, with a fresh, time-traveling story and original characters added to the mix.

This game mode features exciting, strategic gameplay inspired by football, with characters possessing extraordinary abilities. Success depends on carefully positioning your players, making smart moves, and building a strong team. Each player can be leveled up and improved with unique stats. Think of it as a football-themed RPG, but instead of turn-based combat, it uses a fast-paced, real-time system that captures the energy and flow of the sport.

Beyond the core gameplay, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road offers a huge amount of content. You can dive into a brand-new, 30-hour story mode filled with emotional moments, brought to life with stunning animated cutscenes from Studio MAPPA. The game features a sprawling world to explore, memorable characters to meet, a surprisingly fun dialogue system, and plenty of side quests. There’s also a multiplayer mode where you can create unique characters, build and customize your town, and compete against others online. It’s incredible how much content is packed into this game, especially considering it’s made by Level-5 – the talented studio behind hits like Fantasy Life, Dragon Quest IX, and Yo-kai Watch.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Should Be The Gold Standard For JRPGs & Anime Adaptations

It’s unusual to see a developer so dedicated to both a game and its fans, consistently delivering not only a great core game, but also substantial free updates. Level-5’s commitment is truly impressive. I used to think this level of support wasn’t realistic or sustainable for other developers, particularly those making JRPGs or games based on anime. But after years of only okay games in those genres, I now believe the experience Level-5 provides with Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road should be the standard, not something special.

It’s frustrating that we now live in a time where companies constantly charge extra for small things – like updates that should be free. Many games rely on aggressive, gambling-like ways to make money, and often launch unfinished and full of problems. This trend is especially noticeable when a game like Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road comes along. Level-5’s latest title doesn’t just meet expectations; it raises the bar for sports games, delivering a unique and exceptional experience that easily ranks it among the best of all time.

We need to see more games released with the quality and depth of titles like Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road. While there are already many excellent games, and some that offer a lot of content, it’s clear that 2025 was a promising year, suggesting the industry is heading in a positive direction. I’m not suggesting every game needs to be massive with endless features – just that most developers should aim to create games that feel complete, satisfying, and offer something beyond the basics.

Even if the gaming industry stays the same, there’s still hope thanks to developers like Level-5 who consistently create exceptional and groundbreaking games. I highly recommend Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road and hope this review reaches someone looking for something fresh. It’s a fantastic adaptation of the anime, a genuinely great JRPG, and a unique football game – a truly content-packed experience that will keep you playing for hours. It’s one of the most underrated games of 2025 and definitely worth checking out, especially for fans of the original Inazuma Eleven theme song.

Are you planning to play Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-25 23:14