Yo-kai Watch
Release Date: July 11, 2013
RPG, fantasy, isometric view, manga and anime, action RPG, jRPG, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
OpenCritic
A turn-based RPG developed by the experienced Japanese studio Level 5. The game was inspired by the popular series of Pokemon games. In Yo-Kai Watch the player assumes the role of a young boy who receives a magic watch from a mysterious creature. The watch allows him to see the title yokai, sympathetic ghosts that live in the world.
Yo-Kai Watch is an RPG game in which we travel around the world and summon special "ghosts" called yokai. With their help we fight battles with other creatures. The title at first glance resembles the popular series Pokemon, but differs from it with a few elements. Level-5 studio is responsible for producing versions for AND, 3DS and iOS platforms.
The plot:
The player plays the role of a young boy or girl. Unlike other peers, however, the protagonist has an unusual skill - he is able to see the title yokai, i.e. nice ghosts living in our world every day. He owes this ability to a special watch, which allows him to summon creatures at any time and use their abilities.
Mechanics:
Our task is first and foremost to help - but we are often disturbed by other, less friendly yokai. When we come across one of them, we fight turn-based duels. The reward is the ability to befriend the creature and use his skills later. The fight itself was designed with the capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS in mind, but it was not a problem to transfer it to smartphones and tablets, because on the console we had to use the lower touch screen anyway.
Technical issues:
Yo-Kai Watch's graphic design looks better than the portable console version, as the creators have boosted the resolution of the game. Apart from that, the line characteristic for manga and anime is also present in Yo-Kai Watch, and the whole thing has an above-average colourful and "nice" character. The world is full of charming yokis, and even more dangerous ones are characterized by a design that evokes a smile on the face.
Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions regarding this description.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
Videos and Screens
[1:29] Yo-kai Watch E3 2015 - trailer
TheSixthAxis: 7 / 10 by Dave Irwin
While it does not usurp the Pokémon franchise in any way, shape, or form, Yo-Kai Watch is a viable alternative for those who can get past some of the inconsistent design choices. It's easy to understand why kids in Japan have been drawn to the franchise and while the game feels like it's on autopilot a lot of the time, there is enough complexity here to keep you from getting bored. Younger gamers in particular are likely to find the most enjoyment in Yo-Kai Watch.
Hardcore Gamer: 4 / 5 by Dermot Creegan
It's easy to compare Yo-Kai Watch to Pokémon (which we're we're guilty of ourselves), but Level-5's creature-collecting RPG is a delightfully unique adventure.
GamesRadar+: 3.5 / 5 by Ashley Reed
While it's not Pokemon-killer, Yo-kai Watch delivers a delightfully simple and engaging experience that'll keep you coming back time and again.
Yo-kai Watch Summary
Platforms:
Nintendo 3DS July 11, 2013
Android July 10, 2021
Apple iOS July 10, 2021
