Yo-kai Watch

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 106 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • humor
Yo-kai Watch Game Cover
Yo-Kai Watch on the 3DS is a fun RPG that targets the younger gamer or those older gamers who want to reminiscence about those classic Gameboy titles!
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Yo-kai Watch is a single-player fantasy turn-based strategy game with a good story, wonderful visuals, and plenty of humor. Players befriend and help mischievous Yo-kai, solving everyday problems, and summon them to fight other Yo-kai. These Yo-kai are eccentric creatures resembling inanimate objects to mythical creatures, forming a unique and engaging experience.

  • Nintendo 3ds
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 106 reviews
story8 positive mentions
grinding5 negative mentions
  • The game features a charming and colorful world filled with unique characters and engaging side quests that keep players entertained.
  • The battle system, while different from traditional RPGs, offers a fun and interactive experience that encourages strategic team setups.
  • Yo-Kai Watch successfully captures the nostalgia of classic RPGs while providing a fresh take on monster collection, appealing to both younger audiences and older fans of the genre.
  • The gameplay can become repetitive, with many quests feeling similar and the monster-collecting mechanics sometimes feeling arbitrary.
  • Players have limited control over their Yo-Kai during battles, which can lead to frustration for those expecting a more tactical experience.
  • Some characters and designs may come off as juvenile or poorly conceived, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.
  • story35 mentions

    The story in the game is described as simple and primarily driven by quests, which range from trivial to significant, allowing for exploration and character interaction. While the main narrative is relatively short and aimed at a younger audience, it is complemented by humorous dialogue and a variety of side quests that enhance gameplay. Overall, the writing is engaging and nostalgic, appealing to both children and adults who appreciate quirky storytelling reminiscent of classic anime.

    • “Yo-kai Watch made me change my mind; it is as weird and quirky as the anime I used to enjoy so much in my childhood and teenage years. Yet, the writing is improved. Even if the target demographic is kids, I found myself laughing and enjoying the story progression.”
    • “It is a beautifully crafted world with a focus on story and exploration, not on grinding or getting frustrated every time you enter a random battle.”
    • “The game story has been naturally divided into chapters, which is really great for pacing yourself if you would like to get some life out of the story, along with plenty of side quests to take up all the time you could want.”
    • “The writing within it, however, is definitely aimed at children and offers no depth to the story otherwise.”
    • “The missions/quests are mostly the same and get incredibly repetitive, and you run out of areas to explore fairly quickly.”
    • “Not in an unfinished way, but in an... there's no coherent story to this game; the characters have no personality. The best part of the game is arguably the combat.”
  • graphics12 mentions

    The graphics in Yo-kai Watch are widely praised for their quality, especially considering it is a 3DS game, with many reviewers noting the cute character designs and smooth visuals. The game's aesthetic is described as vibrant and engaging, complementing its quirky and humorous storytelling. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the enjoyable experience for both children and adults.

    • “The graphics are amazing for a 3DS game, while the soundtrack is as good as Pokémon X and Y’s.”
    • “Other than that, the game is phenomenal, with great graphics and humorous, fantasy-like adventures.”
    • “It has amazing graphics!”
  • humor10 mentions

    The humor in Yo-kai Watch is described as quirky and reminiscent of childhood favorites, with improved writing that appeals to both kids and adults. Players find joy in the game's whimsical characters and funny scenarios, such as the humorous mini-games and the absurdity of certain yokai designs, like "cheek squeak." Overall, the game successfully blends fantasy and humor, providing a lighthearted and entertaining experience.

    • “Yo-kai Watch made me change my mind; it is as weird and quirky as the anime I used to enjoy so much in my childhood and teenage years. The writing is improved, and even though the target demographic is kids, I found myself laughing and enjoying the story progression.”
    • “I start laughing when the yo-kai break into song or when they say their name.”
    • “This is a funny game; you know it's Japanese when one of the monsters you're fighting is called Cheek Squeak and is literally a butt-faced creature that attacks by farting at you.”
  • gameplay8 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by unique mechanics that diverge from traditional monster-catching games, offering a fun and engaging experience, especially during boss fights. While some players find the gameplay somewhat repetitive, it is generally praised for its colorful graphics and abundance of content, making it appealing for both kids and casual gamers.

    • “I love the fighting mechanic.”
    • “Great for kids or gamers who love a good goofy game with cool mechanics.”
    • “The gameplay and graphics are great.”
    • “The gameplay can find itself somewhat redundant; however, on boss fights, it becomes a lot more fun.”
    • “The game mechanics are completely different, and you're not 'catching' the yokai.”
    • “Many Japanese games have catching of monsters or other minions as a common mechanic, but don't buy this expecting a Pokémon game.”
  • grinding5 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be minimal and enjoyable, with fetch-quests feeling engaging rather than tedious. The focus on story and exploration reduces the need for excessive grinding, allowing for a more streamlined experience, while still offering ample side quests and collectibles for those seeking additional content.

    • “They're not difficult to do and quickly become somewhat tedious.”
    • “The main story is a little short, finished it around 16 hours with very little grinding or side quests, but you can spend a lot more time doing all the side quests, post-game stuff, and collecting every yo-kai.”
    • “It is a beautifully crafted world with focus on story and exploration, not on grinding or getting frustrated every time you enter a random battle.”
  • music5 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing nighttime themes and catchy tunes, particularly when characters break into song. Reviewers compare the soundtrack favorably to that of Pokémon X and Y, highlighting its ability to enhance the immersive experience of the game. Overall, the music contributes significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “The music is nice, especially the nighttime music which is very relaxing.”
    • “The graphics are amazing for a 3DS game, while the soundtrack is as good as Pokémon X and Y’s.”
    • “I start laughing when the yo-kai break into song or when they say their name.”
    • “The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel monotonous after a short while.”
    • “While the sound effects are cute, the overall soundtrack feels uninspired and forgettable.”
    • “The background music doesn't match the game's tone, often feeling out of place during key moments.”
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Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

68% average critic score

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