Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sega sues Level-5, charges patent infringement in Inazuma Eleven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/sega-sues-level-5-charges-patent-infringement-in-inazuma-eleven/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/sega-sues-level-5-charges-patent-infringement-in-inazuma-eleven/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/sega-sues-level-5-charges-patent-infringement-in-inazuma-eleven/#comments Sega is suing Level 5 over touchscreen mechanic patentLevel-5, perhaps best known in the western world as the publisher of the Professor Layton games, has a popular soccer series in Japan called Inazuma Eleven, and Sega doesn't like it. Sega is suing Level-5, alleging patent infringement on a mechanic in Nintendo DS versions of Inazuma Eleven that allows players to move characters with their fingers or a stylus, Kotaku reports.

Sega's endgame is to halt the sale of all eight Inazuma Eleven games and to get ¥900 million ($11 million) in damages from Level-5. The case heard opening statements on December 7, and Level-5 plans to fight the charges.

"We are preparing our rebuttal and do not have any comments to make at this time," Level-5 says.

JoystiqSega sues Level-5, charges patent infringement in Inazuma Eleven originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsinazuma-elevenlawsuitlegalLevel-5nintendopatent-infringementSegasuesuingTue, 11 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5's 'Vision' event, in trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/level-5s-vision-event-in-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/level-5s-vision-event-in-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/level-5s-vision-event-in-trailers/#comments
We'll forgive you if you weren't up late this past Friday evening watching the livestream of Level-5's "Vision" event with us -- it was kind of in the middle of the night. The Japanese publisher showed off several of its upcoming titles, and revealed a few neat surprises (Ghost Watch, anyone?). Luckily for you, Level-5 has now released all the trailers from Vision and we've compiled them below the break for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Level-5's 'Vision' event, in trailers

JoystiqLevel-5's 'Vision' event, in trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsghost-watchinazuma-elevenlevel-5level-5-visionlevel-5-vision-2011microsoftni-no-kunini-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witchnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaprofessor-layton-vs-phoenix-wrightps3pspsonyvitaxboxyokai-watchMon, 17 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 CEO hints at North American releases for Ni no Kuni, Inazuma Eleven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/level-5-ceo-hints-at-north-american-releases-for-ni-no-kuni-ina/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/level-5-ceo-hints-at-north-american-releases-for-ni-no-kuni-ina/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/level-5-ceo-hints-at-north-american-releases-for-ni-no-kuni-ina/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Level-5 fans have a lot to look forward to. Akihiro Hino, president of Level-5, confirmed to Nintendo Power that some of its original non-Layton games would be coming Stateside, specifically Inazuma Eleven and Ni no Kuni: The Another World. It appears the company is already making good on its promise to promote its "overseas business."

The soccer-themed Inazuma Eleven franchise has been a surprise hit in Japan, having already spawned two sequels on the DS (with a new console version in the works). And while Ni no Kuni isn't a proven franchise yet, it has already generated quite a bit of buzz -- particularly the graphically-intense PS3 version. Although Hino doesn't offer specifics about a release date for either project, he does say that "I don't think it will that be long before you're able to play these games." Unfortunately, we don't think he means they'll be here "tomorrow."

The full interview with Akihiro Hino can be found in Nintendo Power #157, available now.

[Thanks, Paul!]

JoystiqLevel-5 CEO hints at North American releases for Ni no Kuni, Inazuma Eleven originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihiro-hinodsinazuma-elevenlevel-5ni-no-kuninintendonintendo-powerplaystationps3Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 CEO tweets hints about console Inazuma Eleven game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/level-5-ceo-tweets-hints-about-console-inazuma-eleven-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/level-5-ceo-tweets-hints-about-console-inazuma-eleven-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/level-5-ceo-tweets-hints-about-console-inazuma-eleven-game/#commentsWe currently know very little about Level-5's console-based spinoff of the DS soccer RPG Inazuma Eleven. In fact, here's what we know about it: That's actually pretty much it. We don't even know which console or consoles it's being considered for, though the fact that it's based on a kid-friendly series suggests the Wii. As does the content of a tweet sent by Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino (translated by Andriasang): "Meeting for the console version of Inazuma Eleven. Different from the DS version's RPG type, this has, maybe, the feeling of sports fighting. Perhaps those who like Smash Bros. will enjoy it." A sporty riff on Smash Bros. from one of the world's premiere RPG developers. How fascinating!

JoystiqLevel-5 CEO tweets hints about console Inazuma Eleven game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihiro-hinofightinginazuma-eleveninazuma-eleven-breaklevel-5NintendorpgsportsWiiThu, 25 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Inazuma Eleven 3 kicks off this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/inazuma-eleven-3-kicks-off-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/inazuma-eleven-3-kicks-off-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/inazuma-eleven-3-kicks-off-this-summer/#commentsA western release of Inazuma Eleven remains a distant and unclear goal, but Level-5 is already up to a third game in the popular soccer RPG in Japan. Having just announced Inazuma Eleven 3: Challenge of the World!!, Level-5 has yet to offer many details about the plot or gameplay changes.

What is known is that the game contains a "Super Link" feature that allows players to import characters from Inazuma Eleven 2. We hope, then, that Inazuma Eleven 2 comes out in the West before Inazuma Eleven 3 (which is out this summer in Japan), and we hope that all of these things happen in our lifetimes.

[Via Famitsu]

JoystiqInazuma Eleven 3 kicks off this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inazuma-eleveninazuma-eleven-3japanlevel-5rpgsoccerMon, 15 Feb 2010 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 opens new Tokyo office for 'overseas business']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/level-5-opens-new-tokyo-office-for-overseas-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/level-5-opens-new-tokyo-office-for-overseas-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/level-5-opens-new-tokyo-office-for-overseas-business/#commentsProfessor Layton, White Knight Chronicles, and Dragon Quest IX developer Level-5 is expanding from its Fukuoka, Japan base, founding a new office in Tokyo focused on its ROID mobile gaming platform, overseas business, and "new enterprises." The move could portend worldwide release of the developer's mobile games, or even expansion of its publishing business.

In Japan, Level-5 publishes the Layton series, Inazuma Eleven, and other titles independently. If a localized Inazuma Eleven is indeed on the way, Level-5 could be looking to start up its publishing business outside of Japan with that title. Or, less spectacularly, we suppose the new office could be tasked with localization of games and dealing with Western publishers.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqLevel-5 opens new Tokyo office for 'overseas business' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSinazuma-elevenlevel-5localizationni-no-kuniNintendoprofessor-laytonpublishingThu, 14 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trademark suggests Inazuma Eleven headed to US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/trademark-suggests-inazuma-eleven-headed-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/trademark-suggests-inazuma-eleven-headed-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/trademark-suggests-inazuma-eleven-headed-to-us/#commentsLevel-5's fab football RPG franchise, Inazuma Eleven, could be headed to the United States if a recent trademark is any indication. According to Siliconera, the US trademark crucially covers "video game discs," along with arcade machines and, er, cellphone straps. There's no telling if Level-5 will move beyond a mere trademark and carry out its goal of bringing the game to America, nor is there telling which of the Inazuma Eleven games are under consideration (none of the cellphone strap blogs have to worry about this stuff).

We'd normally be inclined to share some of our own long-winded theories, but the last thing you need is for us bore you with our ceaseless puntification.

Alright, that was bad. But you know that we're complete soccers for p -- [AUTHOR DELETED]

JoystiqTrademark suggests Inazuma Eleven headed to US originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballinazuma-eleveninazuma-eleven-2level-5rpgsoccertrademarkTue, 12 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 releases first Inazuma Eleven Break screens, still refuses to reveal platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/level-5-releases-first-inazuma-eleven-break-screens-still-refus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/level-5-releases-first-inazuma-eleven-break-screens-still-refus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/level-5-releases-first-inazuma-eleven-break-screens-still-refus/#commentsFiled under: ,


Professor Layton/Dragon Quest IX developers Level-5 held their "Level-5 Vision 2008" event this week, revealing new games for PSP, DS, and mobile phones, as well as the previously announced Inazuma Eleven Break, a spinoff of their DS soccer-RPG series. For some reason, they didn't specify what platform Inazuma Eleven Break was to be released on.

We find this odd -- and we're continuing to write here about this unknown-platform game -- because these screens look very Wii-like. It could be a very cheap 360/PS3 game, maybe, or a really nice-looking PS2 game. Maybe it is Wii, but they don't want to go into details yet, because they want to spring a "Surprise! It's WiiWare!" on us. In any case, we shouldn't expect news on Inazuma Eleven Break's platform until 2009, according to Level-5.

JoystiqLevel-5 releases first Inazuma Eleven Break screens, still refuses to reveal platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inazuma-eleveninazuma-eleven-breaklevel-5rpgsoccerFri, 26 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 details Professor Layton, Inazuma Eleven DS sequels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/level-5-details-professor-layton-inazuma-eleven-ds-sequels/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/level-5-details-professor-layton-inazuma-eleven-ds-sequels/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/level-5-details-professor-layton-inazuma-eleven-ds-sequels/#commentsFiled under:


As if two new PSP games and an impressive collaboration with the famed animators at Studio Ghibli wasn't enough for one day, Level-5 has also dropped some additional details on sequels to two of their biggest DS titles: Professor Layton and Inazuma Eleven

The third Professor Layton offering is the only one of these five Level-5 games not being released in 2009; instead, it's set for a November 27th release in Japan. The soccer-themed Inazuma Eleven will return in 2009 with Inazuma Eleven 2, packing a new storyline, more characters, and a new team made up of space invaders! Level-5 will be "formally unveiling" all five titles later this week in Tokyo; we'll try to wrastle all of 'em up at TGS next month.

JoystiqLevel-5 details Professor Layton, Inazuma Eleven DS sequels originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSFamitsuInazuma-ElevenLevel-5Professor-LaytonWed, 24 Sep 2008 20:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 has big plans for DS, enlists aid of Studio Ghibli]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/level-5-has-big-plans-for-ds-enlists-aid-of-studio-ghibli/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/level-5-has-big-plans-for-ds-enlists-aid-of-studio-ghibli/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/level-5-has-big-plans-for-ds-enlists-aid-of-studio-ghibli/#commentsFiled under: ,


Good news, fan of all things DS. The handheld is getting some more love from Level-5, in the form of more games. Level-5 pres and all around handsome dude, Akihiro Hino, has made public his company's intent to rock the DS right out of your hands. How? Well, first is a proposed partnership with Studio Ghibli, the folks behind awesome animated films like Spirited Away.

Continue reading Level-5 has big plans for DS, enlists aid of Studio Ghibli

JoystiqLevel-5 has big plans for DS, enlists aid of Studio Ghibli originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-worldinazuma-elevenjapanlevel-5ninokuniNinokuni-The-Another-Worldprofessor-laytonrpgstudio-ghiblithe-another-worldWed, 24 Sep 2008 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Inazuma Eleven on TV tells you to buy, buy, buy!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/inazuma-eleven-on-tv-tells-you-to-buy-buy-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/inazuma-eleven-on-tv-tells-you-to-buy-buy-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/inazuma-eleven-on-tv-tells-you-to-buy-buy-buy/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's true -- Inazuma Eleven looks great, and each piece of media has been drooled upon by RPG, anime and even general soccer fans alike. With the imminent Japanese release on August 22nd, Level-5 has begun advertising on television, and this commercial is a perfect place for gamers in the dark about Inazuma to take a first look and become ultra-interested.

Inazuma Eleven is incredibly original, featuring real-time strategy gameplay on the field, as players draw on the touch screen to direct positions of team members. Hopefully the gameplay is easy enough to understand for keen importers, because the chances of localization are not that great. Well, anything less than 100 percent won't be good enough!

JoystiqInazuma Eleven on TV tells you to buy, buy, buy! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballinazuma-elevenlevel-5rpgsoccersportsMon, 07 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fresh Inazuma Eleven scans take to the field]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/fresh-inazuma-eleven-scans-take-to-the-field/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/fresh-inazuma-eleven-scans-take-to-the-field/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/fresh-inazuma-eleven-scans-take-to-the-field/#commentsFiled under:



The latest issue of CoroCoro Comic has taken a long, hard look at Level-5's forthcoming soccer RPG, Inazuma Eleven. Mostly this involves displaying large quantities of the title's pretty fantastic character art (there's a definite Layton feel to it), but there are a number of screenshots dotted about the pages.

These show off several aspects of the title, from your common or garden dialog screens to shots of the matches that take place (and in which players control the movement of players by drawing on the touchscreen). Combining soccer with a real-time SRPG is fascinating to us, not to mention ridiculously original -- the closest comparison we can think of is International Superstar Soccer 2000 for the Nintendo 64, which included RPG-lite elements in its single-player mode, but nothing quite as in-depth as Inazuma Eleven.

Anyway, we digress: Jeux France was kind enough to pop CoroCoro in the scanner and show us the entire preview, so hit the "Source" link below for the full skinny.

JoystiqFresh Inazuma Eleven scans take to the field originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inazuma-elevenlevel-5rpgscansoccerTue, 24 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Inazuma Eleven headed to consoles, Wii likely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/inazuma-eleven-headed-to-consoles-wii-likely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/inazuma-eleven-headed-to-consoles-wii-likely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/inazuma-eleven-headed-to-consoles-wii-likely/#commentsFiled under: ,


Level-5 is sinking big money into their DS soccer RPG Inazuma Eleven, seemingly expecting a massive return. The company held a press conference in Tokyo to outline the "Cross-Media Project," which is a somewhat nicer way of describing "milking the new franchise." In addition to the planned manga and anime series, Level-5 president Akihiro Hino revealed an upcoming Inazuma Eleven card game, to be released concurrently with the DS game on August 22.

Along with all this stuff, Level-5 announced a second game, Inazuma Eleven Break, for consoles. No specific console or date was announced, but it's not hard to guess which home console Level-5 would choose for a mass-market children's game. They'd choose the one with a mass market.

JoystiqInazuma Eleven headed to consoles, Wii likely originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>break-inazuma-eleveninazuma-elevenlevel-5rpgsoccerWed, 14 May 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Inazuma Eleven media explosion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/inazuma-eleven-media-explosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/inazuma-eleven-media-explosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/inazuma-eleven-media-explosion/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Level 5's Inazuma Eleven looks utterly fantastic. Combining a sports title with RPG themes, that alone was enough to sell us on the game. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that Level-5 is developing it. Looks like Japan will find out how awesome Inazuma Eleven is this August.

For those of you who're as intrigued by this title as we are, know there is some new media around the net. First up, Game Watch has some lovely screens for you to check out. After that, get some full-motion excitement from the extended trailer up at GameSpot Japan. After that, we'd suggest changing your pants. We had to.

Read - Inazuma Eleven trailer at GameSpot Japan
Read - Inazuma Eleven screens at Game Watch

JoystiqInazuma Eleven media explosion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inazuma-elevenjapanlevel-5rpgsoccerWed, 14 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5's goal: release Inazuma Eleven in Japan this August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/level-5s-goal-release-inazuma-eleven-in-japan-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/level-5s-goal-release-inazuma-eleven-in-japan-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/level-5s-goal-release-inazuma-eleven-in-japan-this-august/#commentsFiled under: ,

Professor Layton/Dragon Quest VIII developer Level-5 has announced a release date for their next big project, Inazuma Eleven: August 22nd. The developer has been building interest in their soccer RPG for a long time in a lot of unconventional ways: offering demos on DS cards which also feature exclusive Layton content, creating a pop group, going so far as to buy naming rights to a soccer stadium.

Will the marketing overkill pay off for Level-5? We were pretty sure Inazuma Eleven was going to be huge even before they started doing this stuff, just because of the massive amounts of cred the company has picked up in Japan since Layton and DQVIII.

JoystiqLevel-5's goal: release Inazuma Eleven in Japan this August originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inazuma-elevenlevel-5rpgsoccerWed, 09 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 working for a 2008 release of Dragon Quest IX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/level-5-working-for-a-2008-release-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/level-5-working-for-a-2008-release-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/level-5-working-for-a-2008-release-of-dragon-quest-ix/#commentsFiled under:

Square Enix and Level-5 have both previously been reticent about Dragon Quest IX, showing little and saying even less. In fact, the last we heard anything about a possible release period was back in August when it was delayed until 2008, except for Yoichi Wada's assurance of the game's progress. A delay like that won't happen again, according to Level-5 president Akihiro Hino. Hino told Famitsu that he set a goal for 2008 of finishing not only Dragon Quest IX, but the soccer RPG Inazuma Eleven, the third Professor Layton game, and White Knight Chronicles on the Playstation 3.

Hino also mentioned that Level-5 would announce a new RPG soon, also for release this year. It's the 10th anniversary of Level-5, and they're celebrating it with work.

JoystiqLevel-5 working for a 2008 release of Dragon Quest IX originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixinazuma-elevenJRPGlaytonlevel-5Nintendorpgsquare-enixFri, 15 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 is rich]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/level-5-is-rich/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/level-5-is-rich/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/level-5-is-rich/#commentsFiled under:


We've been saying since Professor Layton first hit that Level-5 is the new Square. While Square continues remaking and spinning off their classics, Level-5 is making well-received RPGs (and Professor Layton) that happen to sell tons.

They're now competing with Square in the 'ridiculous show of wealth' department. Where Square disgraced Hironobu Sakaguchi into fleeing and almost ruined themselves with a high-budget CG movie, Level-5 is taking a more modest, but still overboard, approach to the whole 'conspicuous consumption' thing. Presumably to promote Inazuma Eleven (for which the company also manufactured a singing group), the company has purchased the naming rights to the Avispa Fukuoka J-League soccer team.

For the next three years (at $287,185 a year), Hakata no Mori Football Stadium in their native Fukuoka will be known as Level-5 Stadium, and teams across Japan will be encouraged to defeat the bosses of Levels 1 through 4 before attempting a game here. Well, maybe not. But the name thing -- that's true.

JoystiqLevel-5 is rich originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fukuokainazuma-elevenlevel-5soccerTue, 15 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Inazuma Eleven adds three for Twe'lv]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/inazuma-eleven-adds-three-for-twelv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/inazuma-eleven-adds-three-for-twelv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/inazuma-eleven-adds-three-for-twelv/#commentsFiled under:

Aiming for the hearts of companionless gamers out there, Level 5 seems to have formed an idol group to both promote and appear in its Soccer RPG, Inazuma Eleven. The three girls -- left to right, Haruna Otonashi (16 years old), Natsumi Kaminarimon (18 years old), and Aki Kino (13 years old) -- make up Twe'lv, the group's name playing off the phrase "12th man," a common sports term referring to a team's fans.

In the game, each of the three girls provides a different support function for your team. Haruna covers matches and events for the school paper, following players to collect data on them. Natsumi, the top student of her class and daughter of a politician/philanthropist, is initially unimpressed with your crew, but she eventually becomes one of the team's biggest fans and benefactors. Aki, the youngest of the group, manages the team. We guess she likes to wear green skirts, too.

Twe'lv plans to perform Inazuma Eleven's ending theme, a song composed by Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger), at the World Hobby Fair in Osaka this weekend. Peek past the post break for in-game art and more promotional photos of the young trio.

Continue reading Inazuma Eleven adds three for Twe'lv

JoystiqInazuma Eleven adds three for Twe'lv originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idolinazuma-eleveninazumaelevenlevel-5rpgsoccerFri, 11 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Inazuma Eleven site scores a GOOOOOAL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/31/inazuma-eleven-site-scores-a-goooooal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/31/inazuma-eleven-site-scores-a-goooooal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/31/inazuma-eleven-site-scores-a-goooooal/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The website for Japanese super-soccer romp Inazuma Eleven has got some stuff going on for the few of you who're as excited for the game as we are. There's a complete character section, explaining all of the different participants in the title. There is also an explanation on the game's controls, plus all of the indecipherable Japanese text you can try to read.

JoystiqInazuma Eleven site scores a GOOOOOAL originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballinazuma-eleveninazumaelevenjapanlevel-5level5rpgsoccerMon, 31 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fresh Famitsu scans for Inazuma Eleven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/fresh-famitsu-scans-for-inazuma-eleven/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/fresh-famitsu-scans-for-inazuma-eleven/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/fresh-famitsu-scans-for-inazuma-eleven/#commentsFiled under:


After getting our peepers knee-deep in some Inazuma Eleven, we knew this game was for us. Not being as obsessed with soccer (football or futbol, to some of you) as the rest of the world, we're still convinced the game will be a big success, because the gameplay looks sound and, of course, it's being made by Level-5. Hopefully menu navigation won't be a pain, because we're pretty sure we're going to have to import it.

For the full scans, head past the break.

Continue reading Fresh Famitsu scans for Inazuma Eleven

JoystiqFresh Famitsu scans for Inazuma Eleven originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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