Inazuma Eleven Go: Shadow

 3DS
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: 12/15/2011 (Japan)
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Eurogamer Spain
    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. Vandal
    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.
  3. Meristation
    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.
  5. Multiplayer.it
    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.
  6. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Jun 6, 2014
    80
    Level-5 successfully overcomes our Inazuma fatigue with a cheery addition to the series that is a great hopping-on point for newcomers. Good stuff.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    Jun 5, 2014
    80
    This is one Nintendo 3DS game that deserves to be owned.
  8. Eurogamer Italy
    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.
  9. Cubed3
    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.
  10. Everyeye.it
    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.
  11. Eurogamer Portugal
    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.
  12. The Digital Fix
    Jun 20, 2014
    70
    Overall, Inazuma Eleven GO is stronger as a JRPG than as a sports game, but should still provide children with the football excitement they are looking for during the World Cup.
  13. Nintendo Life
    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.
  14. IGN Italia
    Jun 5, 2014
    66
    Inazuma Eleven GO gets better in some aspects, but it lost the right balance between narration and gameplay.
  15. Level7.nu
    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.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best 3DS Game of 2011
49
#49 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2011
23
#23 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 29
  3. Negative: 5 out of 29
  1. ND-Bringer
    Jan 22, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Inazuma 11 GO is one of the more enjoyable games I've played on the 3DS. I can count on Level-5 to create a strong feel-good game that appeals both kids and adults. And while Inazuma 11 is one of my favorite video game series'...this game gives me a weaker experience with each play through. Even setting the main game level's problems aside, the future next Inazuma 11 didn't seem very bright. One popular conflict is that almost all of the special moves have been removed. It doesn't bother me too much, starting from scratch with brand new special moves. But what I am upset about is that some of these moves are completely worthless. Jumping Jack is a B Shot technique learned by a defender with a really weak kick stat, most of the fire and earth moves available in shops have a high foul rate, and it would've been nice to have better magic move shots available in the post game overall. There are some fun new special moves like Killer Whale and Fingers of Gaia, but its a little annoying that most of them are only used by fighting spirits. Until you beat the main game, obtaining more fighting spirits for your team is pretty much chore. You can customize spirits in the post game as well as give players the ability to use fighting spirits by talking to the Spirit Master at the tower, but thanks to the luck based mechanics it can take longer than it needs to be. Even if you aimed to obtain a full team of fighting spirits like the Dragon Link team, obtaining players with fighting spirits is pretty exhausting with out a little luck. Most of theme require you to obtain randomly dropped items from battle, somedays its takes hours somedays it takes minutes. But going to all the trouble to build an ultimate Inazuma 11 GO team requires a lot of time to waist. This recruiting system is fine if players could only be obtained with purchasable items, treasure chest items, photos, and topics but the random drop items are good examples of poor game design. Why can't I just complete a challenge to unlock these characters? Even the crappy American port of the original Inazuma 11 had a better recruitment system. It's a real burden because I really like to play as cool players like Sol Daystar, but I risk the chance of being able to use him again with every profile reset. But what's the point...regulated football has won. I'm always being ordered by the game in story levels to act and win when the game tells me to. It kind of goes against plot focus when you think about it. At least the post game is decent enough. Customization is better than ever before. You can now completely change a player's special move set, their goal celebration pose, there's plenty of new logos and kits available, and to add to the dream team planning...all of the main character players from the previous games are recruitable! They may have different move sets, but it's a nice touch.As for the new characters they're likable enough, but the only character I thought was weak was the final villain Gyan Cinquedea. While the menace of his team's power level was built up well in the opening song, the payoff is pretty underwhelming. Gyan isn't introduced until really late in the game in Chapter 11 out of 12. There isn't quite enough time to build up his motivations so its tossed on to the player right before the second half starts. His son explains how he founded 5th sector to make sure all children enjoy football equally and while it is a decent backstory there isn't enough time to flesh it out and make his character more interesting. He's not as weak as Garshield's character, but it does make the final battle feel pretty underwhelming. Especially since your party will be fully healed before the match resumes. Honestly the most evil thing thing I found in this game is that at least 2 characters said the words "As you know", one of the laziest pieces of writing in the world. If its already known, then why are you restating it! On the bright side the sequel is a contender for one the best 3DS games in my eyes. This may have been a strange start, but not an awful start. At least things look and sound great. I also got to hand it to Level-5 that each one of the Inazuma 11 games gave me fresh experience. So even if this is one the weaker titles the bunch, at least I'll have a nice visual experience. The story has plenty of great morals that make me tear up now and then. I've got a feeling that I'll replay this game regardless of the negative things I've discovered recently. If your looking for a nice story that will make your heart sing, I recommend checking it out. But if your looking for an excellent soccer game, the DS games are more well-balanced. I prefer to play the classics when come to hardcore gameplay because fighting spirits can be pretty overpowered at times. Just watch Arion run with Griffon, fast as a spring breeze. Makes multiplayer PRETTY interesting when you team up Griffon with Arthur. Check it out if you're inspired.… Full Review »
  2. Hawkblade09
    Jul 2, 2014
    9
    Inazuma Eleven GO Sombra/Luz tiene todas las papeletas para convertirse en el Inazuma Eleven definitivo, pero esto no puede ser así porque aúnInazuma Eleven GO Sombra/Luz tiene todas las papeletas para convertirse en el Inazuma Eleven definitivo, pero esto no puede ser así porque aún nos quedan varias entregas del mismo por recibir aquí en Europa y todo fan sabe lo que hay en dichas versiones lanzadas en Japón. Cumple con su cometido y es una obra especialmente dedicada para todo fan de la serie y uno de los imprescindibles del catálogo de 3DS. Pero si eres un amante al fútbol y a los RPG no deberías de perderte esta serie ya que está ambientada para cualquier tipo de público. Tanto principiante como para los más aventurados en el género.

    Gráficos: 80
    Sonido: 95
    Jugabilidad: 95
    Modos de juego: 80
    Nota: 88    … Full Review »
  3. sklfehe
    Dec 2, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. The worst Inazuma Eleven Game. I am a huge fan of this francise, but this is the worst experience you could get.
    First: The story is the best thing about the game and it is still very bad. Maybe the worst besides the first game. And the matches in the story are so slow paced because you need to do challenges that pause match time. And it becomes very repetitive if you have to walk into a circle with Arion for the 7th time. Unlike prior games of this francise, all of Raimons players have atleast some story and backround.
    And the postgame is so damn awful. First the scouting system is absolute horrible, sometimes you have to grind several hours for one player just because you dont get an item from the 5vs5 matches. And for me the worst part is that your level doesnt really matter when playing the soccer tours. You could be level 80 and could not be able to win s rank. And I won't even begin to talk about the horrible spirits.
    So my advice would be to play Inazuma Eleven 2.    … Full Review »
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