Inazuma Eleven 2: Firestorm

A nice and unexpected goal for a handheld living the end of its cycle.

Even though it doesn't push a lot further its concept than the original, Inazuma Eleven 2 still is a very nice RPG with a cool soccer-based fantasy universe and a lot to do and play.

More of the same, which is no bad thing at all. If you loved the first, you'll feel the same about the second.

If you enjoyed the first game you will have fun with this second installment. It doesn't add many changes, except for some new additions that improve its gameplay, and it is also a longer game with more content. A unique mix of roleplaying and football that can become really addictive.

That a role playing game with soccer action can be given this much depth, charm and variation isn't new for fans of the series. Part 2 doesn't offer anything new, but remains interesting for hours on end thanks to hundreds of new moves to learn and a fun story.

While it may appear to be fairly frivolous at first glance, at its heart it is a substantial experience, well balanced to be either dauntingly complex or an RPG-lite, depending on the player's wishes.

Inazuma Eleven 2 is a weird adventure which will especially appeal fans of jRPGs and Japanese animation. It's very similar to its prequel and share the same lackluster visuals, however its peculiar "combat system" and fun plot make out for it.

Inazuma Eleven 2 is the same good game with the typical high value production Level5 give to their projects. Both versions set the story in a prominent position, offering the same original mechanics of the first episode but with much more content to play with.

Virtually identical to its predecessor, Inazuma Eleven 2 will entertain and enthrall the same gamers who have already appreciated the original.

If you are a fan of role playing games and soccer, Inamuza Eleven 2 will give you an amazing experience. An honest sequel with some great new features.

You get more of everything: More content, more story, more abilities. But that doesn't necessarily mean more fun – unfortunately.

Championship-winning concept held back by a few lacklustre mechanics. [Apr 2012, p.91]

It's a charming, simple and beautiful RPG that seamlessly combines football and fantasy. But in the end, there is not much evolution when in comparison with the first game.

Inazuma Eleven 2 definitely stays true to the simple charm created by the first game, providing what is very much more of the same. An engaging premise sets the early theme of simple but enjoyable fun, which the gameplay is more than happy to uphold. Those looking for a challenging experience won't find that here, but there's plenty of enjoyment to be had by those prepared to sit back and enjoy the wacky adventures of the Raimon team.

The enormous amount of recycling makes it difficult to enjoy and recommend this game over its predecessor, and that game should be available for cheap by now.

Those looking for more of the same will get just that, but if you weren't won over by the original, an alien footy team from outer space will be an even harder story to stomach.

There is something appealing about the soccer mechanics in the Inazuma Eleven-series, but the way the concept stands today it's no more than decent. The Inazuma-series has potential, if just Level-5 (who are also behind the Professor Layton games) dares to develop it further.