User blog comment:XshuuX/Comparing between IE,GO&CS./@comment-222.254.179.60-20121003063124

While it's true that the first IE series is the base for its popularity now, most of its plot isn't that good: But what make this series so fun is the fact that same techniques are spam very frequently, meaning a lot more actions in the match.
 * The plot for IE season 1 is very generic for any sports anime: the club starts out weak, then train to be the best, overcoming various opponents, and become champion. Kageyama's schemes to get rid of Raimon isn't something exclusive to this anime, as the theme of opposing foes attempting to get rid of the protagonists isn't uncommon.
 * IE season 2 is where things really get interesting. I mean, aliens coming to Earth and challenge Earthlings with soccer? That's is something unique. Not to mention several plot twists.
 * IE season 3, like season 1, has a common plot. Team become the best in their country, now aiming to be the best in the world. Plenty of sport anime did this.

The GO series, while doesn't have many interesting matches, have a plot that is more depth than IE series: As mentioned earlier, the matches aren't very interesting because they lack what was in IE's matches: continuous spamming of same techniques. But they make up for this with in-depth story.
 * IE GO had us went back to the plot formula of IE season 1. But this time, there's an evil organization that control pretty much all aspects of soccer (from match score to players' developments, they had it all covered). Raimon need someone to stir up a revolution, opposing said organization and do everything in their power to win.
 * And unlike IE season 1, where if Raimon lose they can just try again in the next tournament, Raimon GO has to win. Because if they don't, Fifth Sector's control over soccer will be preserved, and Raimon will face terrible consequences because they oppose Fifth Sector.
 * Chrono Stone (which can be considered GO season 2) once again introduce us to a unique plot. Future bad guys want to erase soccer completely, going as far as changing people's past and getting soccer banned on a national-scale. Future good guys show up, helping present guys combat their new foes.

So to sum up, IE series have interesting matches, but not enough decent plot. IE GO (and Chrono Stone) have not-so-fun matches, but have great story. As I enjoy a series base on its plot rather than actions (and really, the main point of the games is to tell a story, not just pure soccer matches all game long), I like GO and Chrono Stone more.