“Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions,” the first “Captain Tsubasa” video game in 10 years, was released on Thursday, August 27, 2020! This first-ever “Captain Tsubasa” soccer action game lets you enjoy super shots performed by your favorite characters. We’ll share key points to watch for in the new title, along with the game producer’s thoughts on the title!

*This article was originally released in Japan on August 18, 2020.

“Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions,” the First “Captain Tsubasa” Soccer Action Video Game

On Thursday, August 27, 2020, “Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions” debuted on PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™ and PC platforms!　In this first-ever “Captain Tsubasa” soccer action video game, you can pit the anime’s characters against each other at high speed using their signature super shots. We asked game producer Katsuaki Tsuzuki to tell us what’s special about the latest title and key points to watch for in the game.

What is “Captain Tsubasa”?

Captain Tsubasa is a beloved soccer manga by Yoichi Takahashi that began serial publication in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1981. It depicts the story of how Tsubasa Ozora, a soccer prodigy who transferred to Nankatsu Elementary School, develops as a serious soccer player through fierce battles with unique teammates and rivals such as Taro Misaki, Kojiro Hyuga, and Genzo Wakabayashi. In 1983 Captain Tsubasa began airing as a TV anime as well. Its popularity crossed the seas and started a “Captain Tsubasa” popularity boom around the world.

In 2018 a new TV anime series hit the airwaves.  “Captain Tsubasa” continues to excite fans around the world even today.

5 Elements of “Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions” that Fans Love

1. Mind-blowing graphics created with anime shaders and authentic effects

The newest title combines anime-like graphics – that “Captain Tsubasa” fans worldwide have grown to love – with authentic effects, resulting in visuals that make players feel like they’re part of the scene.

Dramatically crafted appearances by popular characters from the manga and anime, along with new characters debuting in this title, are further enhanced by super flashy action sequences to electrify the battles in “Captain Tsubasa”!

2. Super shots drive fast-paced competition!　Mega soccer action that anyone can enjoy with ease!

“Captain Tsubasa” is chock-full of super shots that every fan would love to experience. This title features an action system that makes it easy for anyone and everyone to experience super shots first-hand. This easy-to-control and exhilarating action game lets players enjoy countless awe-inspiring skills at high speed.

Players can also try out the unique abilities of the different characters using the “Spirit Gauge,” “Skill,” and “Certain Victory Move” functions established for each character.

3. Two different story modes, so you can savor the world of “Captain Tsubasa” to the fullest!

In order for players to savor the white-hot drama and action of “Captain Tsubasa” to the fullest, this title features a two-part story.

The first is called “Episode of Tsubasa,” a story mode that lets players relive the “Junior High Days” depicted in the new TV anime series.

Players control the powerhouse Nankatsu Junior High team as they engage in fierce matches against powerful rivals, on a quest to secure their third-straight national championship. This story mode lets you relive the moving scenes depicted in the anime and manga.

The second story mode is called “Episode of New Hero,” and features an original storyline that is only available in the game. In “Episode of New Hero” players take on the role of characters in the world of “Captain Tsubasa” and fight for victory. As the protagonist, players get to choose their school, their position, their appearance, their uniform, and more. Players can create their own original character and aim to become a new hero!

4. With the friend system, you can become closer friends with the central characters on each team and work towards becoming a better player yourself!

In “Episode of New Hero” – which runs parallel to the main story – players can become closer friends with the captains and central characters on each team, increasing their friendship rank.

As a player’s friendship rank increases, events focusing on that character occur. In some events, players can even have that character teach them their unique move or skill.

What’s more, the match in the second half of “Episode of New Hero” entitled “World Challenge Edition” sees characters from rival teams around the world join the story, kicking open the range of possible interactions!　All of their skills are powerful, global-level moves. By becoming closer friends with them, players can improve their own abilities. Enhancing this degree of friendship also enables players to acquire “Super Moves.”

5. In face-offs with up to four players, you can win fierce matches against global rivals to advance!

The versus mode in “Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions” is available for play both online and offline. In versus mode, players can polish their skills and face off against global rivals. Additionally, since one to four players can play against each other offline, players can have tons of fun playing together with family or friends.

Anyone Can Experience the Amazing Feel of a Super Shot!　Game Highlights as Told by a Game Developer

“Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions” is packed with content. What makes this title special?　We asked producer Katsuaki Tsuzuki!

We heard that this title is the first “Captain Tsubasa” soccer action video game. As you oversaw production of this title, what sort of things did you pay particular attention to?

Tsuzuki: On the subject of “Captain Tsubasa” which is popular around the world, we created the game based on the concept that “anyone can do an awe-inspiring super shot with ease.” Many people may think “Captain Tsubasa” is a simulation game, but in actuality we created an action game that enables players to execute super shots like the Drive Shot, the Tiger Shot, and the Overhead Kick at will. We wanted to make sure our game enabled players to execute those awesome shots and feel amazing while doing it.

As a result, we didn’t want the super shots to take place on a still screen, but in real time, while 22 characters are moving around on the pitch. This would feel better because it’s more like you’re actually playing soccer. So, we dialed-up the action game feel for the game.

In that sense, we paid a lot of attention to how good it feels when you execute your own plays and when you score. I encourage everyone to try out some “Captain Tsubasa” super shots for yourself.

“Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions” game screen

Is there anything in particular you’d like “Captain Tsubasa” fans or soccer fans to watch for?

Tsuzuki: Anime fans and soccer fans should be sure to check out “Episode of New Hero” which is one of the story modes in this title. This is a story mode where players can create a unique character that serves as their avatar and experience playing together with their friends in the “Captain Tsubasa” world.

During a match, everyone can recreate for themselves the countless Certain Victory shots we’ve all tried at some point, I think this aspect is really fun for anime fans and soccer fans.

Lastly, through an original game storyline, players can experience aiming for the no. 1 spot in the world with awe-inspiring characters, in where they don’t know what will happen next, offering more drama and excitement to fans.

So, what would you like players who are just experiencing the “Captain Tsubasa” franchise for the first time through this title to watch for?

Tsuzuki: For players who are just experiencing “Captain Tsubasa” for the first time with this title, in addition to “Episode of Tsubasa,” which is a story mode that lets players enjoy our nostalgic “Junior High Days,” we’ve also prepared a “Junior High Days” digest movie, among other things. There, players can explore the appeal of the “Captain Tsubasa” franchise, its characters, and from their own perspectives. They can also enjoy the stories unique to “Captain Tsubasa” as they aim for the no. 1 soccer spot in the world, along with their teammate characters.

And when players find characters they like, there’s also a mode that lets them gather those characters up and assemble their own dream team, so I hope people enjoy that part as well.

“Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions”
Official Information

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©YOICHI TAKAHASHI/SHUEISHA,2018CAPTAIN TSUBASA COMMITTEE
©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

* “PlayStation” and “PS4” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
“Nintendo Switch” and the “Nintendo Switch” logo are trademarks of Nintendo. ©2017 Nintendo
*The screen images are from the developmental stage.

Mayuko Yago
Freelance editor and writer. Learning and being inspired by the emotions of a wide variety of game characters.