Inazuma Eleven 1 Ds //top\\ -
Inazuma Eleven for the Nintendo DS (2008) is a unique blend of a traditional RPG and a frantic, stylus-driven sports game. It effectively translates the high-stakes "special move" drama of anime into a portable experience that feels both charming and occasionally primitive. Gameplay: Stylus Soccer Meets JRPG
The core of the game is its dual-mode structure. Outside of matches, you explore Raimon Junior High
and Tokyo in a classic top-down RPG style, recruiting from over 1,000 players to build your team. Touch-Screen Action
: During matches, you don't use the D-pad to move players; instead, you draw paths on the screen with your stylus. Tapping a teammate passes the ball, and tapping the goal initiates a shot. Hissatsu (Special Moves)
: The highlight is the "Duel" system. When two players collide, time freezes, and you choose an action. If you use a Hissatsu move like Fire Tornado inazuma eleven 1 ds
, a flashy 3D animation plays, often deciding the outcome of the play. Difficulty Spikes
: The game is notorious for uneven difficulty, particularly an early "wall" during the match against the team, which can be frustrating for new players. Story & Presentation
The narrative follows Mark Evans, a spirited goalkeeper trying to save his school's failing football club. Anime Aesthetic : The game features high-quality animated cutscenes by Production I.G
, which were actually produced before the anime series itself. Inazuma Eleven for the Nintendo DS (2008) is
: The 2D overworld sprites have aged gracefully due to their stylized "chibi" look, though the 3D models used for special moves on the DS show the hardware's limitations with some pixelation.
: The soundtrack is highly regarded, capturing the "Saturday morning anime" vibe perfectly, though some fans find the English dubbing of certain characters less intimidating than the original Japanese performances. Final Verdict Let's Talk! Beta's COMPREHENSIVE Review of Inazuma Eleven 1
Strengths
- Unique fusion of RPG and sports genres; accessible yet deep strategic play.
- Strong cast of memorable characters and engaging, often dramatic story beats.
- Variety of special moves and tactical options encourage experimentation.
- Good replay value from recruiting, collecting techniques, and alternate challenges.
- Charming presentation with anime aesthetics appealing to younger players and fans of the franchise.
Post-Game Content: The Real Football Frontier
Most players finish the main story (the Football Frontier tournament) in about 15-20 hours. But the veterans know that the game truly begins after the credits.
The Chaos Mode unlocks:
- The Chaos League: A super-team consisting of the best players from rival schools (Royal Academy, Farm, etc.) with maxed-out stats.
- Legendary Recruits: You can now find hidden characters like the samurai warrior Matsukaze Tenma (a secret cameo) or the mythical goalkeeper King Arthur.
- The Ultimate Challenge: Beating the secret "Dark Emperors" team rewards you with the strongest special moves in the game, requiring you to master the elemental rock-paper-scissors system.
Final Verdict: A Nostalgia Hat-Trick
Inazuma Eleven 1 on DS isn’t a deep tactical soccer game. It’s a shonen anime buried inside a handheld RPG, complete with friendship speeches, over-the-top special effects, and a soundtrack that makes you want to run through a wall.
If you love:
- Pokémon-style collecting (over 1000 players!),
- Old-school JRPG grinding,
- Soccer moments that defy physics,
…give it a shot. It’s available on the original DS cart (pricey these days) or via the Inazuma Eleven 1, 2, 3: Legend of Endou Mamoru collection on Switch (Japan-only, but fan translations exist).
For me? I’m off to challenge the occult club to a soccer match. Wish me luck. Strengths
Did you play the original Inazuma Eleven on DS? Who was your star player? Let me know in the comments!
The Secret Sauce: Soccer + JRPG
Here’s what makes Inazuma Eleven 1 special: it’s not a sports sim. It’s a JRPG first, soccer game second.
- Exploration: You walk around the school and town, talking to NPCs, finding hidden items, and… scouting players. Want a kid who can kick a ball through concrete? Find him in the cafeteria, beat him in a soccer battle, and he’s yours.
- Random Battles? Yes. Random battles. Instead of slimes, you fight rival soccer thugs. The game transitions into a turn-based-ish tactical soccer match where you choose special moves from a menu.
- Special Moves: This is the main event. The DS’s dual screens show your player charging a shot on the top screen while you draw a symbol on the bottom. Draw it right, and you unleash The Phoenix or Dragon Crash – moves that literally set the ball on fire.