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.
Videos and Screens
[1:29] Yo-kai Watch E3 2015 - trailer
Destructoid: 8.5 / 10 by Chris Carter
Yo-Kai Watch isn't the second coming of Pokémon, and that's perfectly okay. If you love to sit by the fire and train your Pokémon for hours, perfecting their EV and IV levels so you can be the very best, you likely won't find the same depth in Yo-Kai. Its world and philosophy is much simpler than that. But as a result, none of it feels frustrating or like work, and I'm constantly tempted to jump back into my adventures with Nate and Whisper.
Game Revolution: 4 / 5 by Kevin Schaller
By and large these are all minor gripes. The battle system is a lot of frenetic fun, the writing is sharp, and visually the game is that Level-5 cel-shaded colorful anime that looks fantastic. The 3D is unnecessary, but they appear to have learned from what was irritating in a game like LBX (recent as it was) and really worked to smooth out the rough and awkward edges. Aside from a few clumsy design choices, mostly regarding side mission requirements and scrounging around awkwardly for the few required missions, Yo-Kai Watch is a charming gem that's only helping bolster the claim that fun and full RPG experiences are only getting better on portable hardware. And it's a great and action-ish way to invite newer RPG players into the party without entirely scaring away the more hardcore fans. Just because it's cute and funny doesn't mean it doesn't get tense, like seeing a g-g-g-GHOOOOOOST!
Polygon: 7.5 / 10 by Allegra Frank
Yo-kai Watch's charm overcomes its repetitive nature
Yo-kai Watch Description
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
Yo-kai Watch Summary
Platforms:
Android OS July 10, 2021
Apple iOS July 10, 2021
Nintendo 3DS July 11, 2013
