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Inazuma Eleven UK release date

DS footy RPG finally kicks off.

Role-playing football oddity Inazuma Eleven will finally launch in the UK on 26th August, Nintendo has announced.

The manga-style sports title has been a long time coming. Inazuma Eleven's Japan launch was in 2008.

The rest of Europe got the game this January but UK gamers have had to wait for Inazuma's anime tie-in to start broadcasting.

Developed by Professor Layton outfit Level 5, the game has already spawned two DS sequels and a Wii spin-off in Japan, as well as the anime, a manga series and another planned title for 3DS.

Gameplay is interspersed with anime cut-scenes which tell the story of teenage goalkeeper Mark Evans. By exploring his town Evans can recuit the ultimate school football squad. Over 1000 different characters are available.

Football matches themselves are spiced up with RPG-esque fantasy moves.

Like Pokémon, you can trade and battle your squad over local Wi-Fi.

Inazuma Eleven's Japanese version.