• Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: 12/15/2011 (Japan)
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Jun 26, 2014
    80
    A great game that repeats the same mistake of previous entries: it takes too long to appreciate its full potential, so at first it might not seem as appealing as it really is.
  2. Jun 24, 2014
    80
    Though the gameplay is far too similar to the original trilogy and the game is once again too easy, Inazuma Eleven Go is another solid JRPG entry in the 3DS library, mostly thanks to the graphical overhaul and the elimination of random encounters.
  3. Jun 19, 2014
    80
    If you enjoyed the previous episodes, you'll probably enjoy this one as well. Good gameplay and interesting additions, and also a quite friendly introductions for those new to the series.
  4. Jun 19, 2014
    80
    Deep and very engaging soccer-adventure game created once again by the talented team of Level-5.
  5. Jun 13, 2014
    80
    The first Inazuma Eleven to be launched on 3DS is also one of the best chapters of the franchise we've played so far. The new graphics-engine and the new gameplay features make GO a whole new experience that's worth buying.
  6. Jun 6, 2014
    80
    Inazuma Eleven Go does not really add anything new to the franchise, but it's visually impressive and finally does justice to the original anime. Gameplay is also crispier and faster. Fans will definitely love it.
  7. Jun 5, 2014
    80
    Inazuma Eleven GO: Shadow and Light is a nice evolution of the Inazuma Eleven series. The new graphics are pretty good and the exploration is much better than before. The new gameplay elements are interesting, but the lack of the online multiplayer is still a shame.
  8. Jun 3, 2014
    80
    Surreal and oddly charming, Inazuma Eleven Go: Light is captivating in a completely unique way. If you're in need of a new RPG and you're a fan of the beautiful game, then Inazuma is the way to go.
  9. 80
    As a new beginning, Inazuma Eleven GO is just fantastic, and it nails all the important aspects that make this RPG a winner, staying true to the formula of its predecessors and at the same time expanding it and giving it a damn pretty new coat of paint.
  10. Jun 3, 2014
    80
    The clever mix of standard RPG adventure with an intriguing football-based storyline and innovative battle system - in the form of tactical stylus-controlled football matches - makes this one of the most unique games not only on 3DS, but on any system right now.
  11. Jun 27, 2014
    75
    Characters and plot are not as good as we expected, and once more there's no online multiplayer. Gameplay, on the other hand, is finely crafted, so if you're a fan, you'll probably enjoy it.
  12. Jul 16, 2014
    70
    Those who weren't fans of the previous games are unlikely to see anything in Inazuma Eleven GO that'll change their minds, but fans who getting a little tired of the original cast and systems should find that the game once more successfully injects its winning combination of charm and bonkers.
  13. JeuxActu
    Jul 8, 2014
    70
    Inazuma Eleven Go Shadow & Light have made substantial progress since the last iterations, and are among the most beautiful games on 3DS. Unfortunately, the rest of the game hasn't made the same step forward.
  14. Jun 28, 2014
    70
    Inazuma Eleven Go, in his Light or Shadow version, reveals a good use of 3DS potential and is as one of the most relevant options in the series.
  15. Jun 6, 2014
    70
    A solid début for the GO sub-series, if not a stand-out, it scores a narrow, extra time win in its quest to maintain the standards that fans of outrageous football have come to expect. Well played, Level-5.
  16. Jun 3, 2014
    70
    The first Inazuma Eleven to be fully produced for the 3DS had a tremendous opportunity to bring forth a significant evolution to the series. Nevertheless, other than the laudable technical progress, its new features are lukewarm at best, some of them even bothersome. This remains a solid, quality title but Inazuma Eleven GO: Light/Dark has missed its champion shot.
  17. Jun 5, 2014
    66
    Inazuma Eleven GO gets better in some aspects, but it lost the right balance between narration and gameplay.
  18. Jun 3, 2014
    60
    The biggest issue that the first few hours of the story areincredibly boring and predictable, and it takes too long for anything to happen. Admittedly, it does get better, to a respectable level, but if a game like this takes 5 whole hours to become any good, is it really worth playing?
  19. Jul 23, 2014
    50
    Bad storytelling, an unfocused plot and horrible voice acting puts Inazuma Eleven GO in a bad light. And the inclusion of Fighting spirits makes the game on the pitch seem a bit unbalanced. But there’s a real incentive for recruiting and leveling new players and discovering moves and abilities. An interesting mix of football and RPG that could have been much better if executed with a bit more flair.
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. Jun 30, 2014
    8
    Just finished this Soccer Simulation RPG. I must say that it definitely has improved graphics than the previous series, since this is theJust finished this Soccer Simulation RPG. I must say that it definitely has improved graphics than the previous series, since this is the first game of Inazuma on the next gen handheld. Well 10 years after Endou Mamoru and Inazuma Japan win the tournament, Soccer becomes very famous. But behind that, every match was being controlled by a group called Fifth Sector. They decide who win and who lose and also the score. Matsukaze Tenma, a first year in Raimon Junior High, has been longing to join the soccer team. But the reality is that soccer isn't something "fun" anymore. We'll see how Tenma return soccer to it's original form.

    Plus point:
    - Improved graphics, the game is very beautiful. This is the first game in the series to be released on 3DS. The 3D works too, and it works beautifully. Love it.
    - Pretty decent story and great ost. Well the story is pretty much decent though, and if you play the previous series, you'll see some returning characters in their adult version. Also after you finished the game, you'll get a piece of story regarding the movie of Inazuma Eleven GO. The battle in God Eden against Hakuryuu. So, i guess it's pretty complete.

    Minus point:
    - Not so many skills anymore. Comparing to the previous game, every characters other than the main one, pretty much has the same set of skills and that makes them boring. I barely used the supporting characters. Also the recruiting system has changed. Sometimes to get who you want, you need to went through a bunch of condition first, which is annoying.

    After all, it's a good game. I give it 8/10.
    Full Review »
  2. Feb 13, 2023
    8
    I like this game, it was a big part of my childhood. Kind of sad how you can't see the 3D spirit models.
    Everyone seems to hate the story bc
    I like this game, it was a big part of my childhood. Kind of sad how you can't see the 3D spirit models.
    Everyone seems to hate the story bc it's "too serious" but i love it because of it. 75/100, i really wish Michael was more important.
    Full Review »
  3. Feb 25, 2022
    10
    Great JRPG combined with soccer!
    This game has a very interesting story, good multiplayer and great postgame.