Yo-kai Watch

 3DS
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 69
  3. Negative: 0 out of 69
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  1. Wccftech
    Jun 7, 2016
    74
    Pokémon's younger brother has a lot to learn. Yo-kai Watch is hugely recommended for young teens and kids, but I struggle to imagine any adult 3DS owner finding it to be an essential purchase.
  2. Power Unlimited
    Apr 21, 2016
    72
    Yo-Kai Watch is a gorgeous and unique Pokémon clone for everyone that loves Japanese culture and cutesie animals. We don’t expect the series to become as prolific as its big inspiration though, the gameplay is simply too shallow to allow for that to happen.
  3. IGN
    Nov 4, 2015
    72
    As an RPG, Yo-Kai Watch mostly fumbles its battle system and creates a relatively passive experience. However, I adored exploring every corner of its compelling world.
  5. Pocket Gamer UK
    May 5, 2016
    70
    Yo-Kai Watch leaves a positive first impression, providing just enough creativity and content to help you see past most of its misgivings and flaws.
  6. Gameblog.fr
    Apr 21, 2016
    70
    Combat is not as tactical nor as deep as one could expect from a RPG. Moreover, befriending Yo-kai can be pretty frustrating at times. However, the game tells a light story full of hope, laughs and happiness. Discovering Yo-kai Watch is a very enjoyable experience that we gladly invite you to try.
  7. Eurogamer Poland
    Apr 21, 2016
    70
    An interesting and pleasant adventure, not too demanding alternative for Pokémon fans, who are perhaps a little bit tired with the same formula. Yo-Kai Watch won't offer any deep gameplay system, but maybe that's the point.
  8. FNintendo
    Apr 20, 2016
    70
    A stunning looking RPG with fun interactions and gameplay, Yo-Kai Watch packs over one hundred hours of lifespan to explore fully. While it could have invested more in developing its plot, it's a very welcome arrival to the European market of a game that has spawned a successful series in its home country.
  9. TheSixthAxis
    Apr 20, 2016
    70
    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.
  10. Attack of the Fanboy
    Nov 16, 2015
    70
    While the battle system could use some work, the charming world of Yo-Kai Watch features a solid blueprint for the future of this already ongoing franchise.
  11. Nintendo Life
    Nov 10, 2015
    70
    This is definitely a game that you should play if you're attracted to the concept, but there are caveats to bear in mind before hunting down spirits on your 3DS.
  12. GamesRadar+
    Nov 9, 2015
    70
    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.
  13. The Daily Dot
    Nov 6, 2015
    70
    Ultimately the appeal of Yo-Kai Watch will depend heavily on you as a gamer. If you’re interested in a light JRPG with a twist on standard turn-based mechanics, you will find Yo-Kai Watch to be a delight. If you’re looking for something deeper, you might want to stick with Pokémon.
  14. Game Rant
    Nov 5, 2015
    70
    Yo-Kai Watch is filled with charm, monsters to befriend, unique battle mechanics, and gameplay that keeps players engaged. Still, the title is filled with redundancies.
  15. The Escapist
    Nov 4, 2015
    70
    Yo-Kai Watch is a good variation on the monster collection genre of RPGs that will definitely please fans and earn a few new fans, but has just enough tiresome elements to keep it from being great.
  16. GameSpot
    Nov 4, 2015
    70
    It's a neat twist on the creature-collecting game with a lot of heart.
  17. JeuxActu
    May 16, 2016
    65
    Yo-Kai Watch wants to make it simple, but it's far too simple for anyone, even for the kids Level-5 want to attract. The game hence becomes boring and hardly justify the gap of difficulty between bosses and random fights. A shame, with its great graphics and interesting concept, it could have been really addictive.
  18. GamesBeat
    Nov 4, 2015
    65
    It certainly isn’t up to Pokémon’s level: while exploring is fun, combat is a passive, frustrating slog that keeps it from being as enjoyable as it should be. Perhaps younger players will find more appeal in the fighting, but in terms of being strong enough to carry a global brand, the core game of Yo-Kai Watch still needs improvement.
  19. Telegraph
    Jul 25, 2016
    60
    It is still zippy and enjoyable enough -with touchscreen mini-games for purifying and Soultimates- but strikes an awkward middle-ground where combat isn’t involved enough for more experienced players, but is chaotic enough with its machinations to befuddle newcomers.
  20. Edge Magazine
    Jul 5, 2016
    60
    Thanks to a thoughtful, witty localisation, Yo-Kai Watch proves to be a kids' game that's capable of winning over adult players, too. [July 2016, p.123]
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  21. games(TM)
    May 23, 2016
    60
    The detailed town is fun to explore, the dialogue is witty and consistently funny, and the Yo-Kai designs are wonderful (not to mention brilliantly animated). There are just too many occasions where you’ll feel like a spectator and, yes, wish you were playing Pokémon instead.
  22. Guardian
    Apr 29, 2016
    60
    The cute monster battling fun is extremely familiar, but Yo-Kai watch has plenty of its own charm.
  23. Metro GameCentral
    Apr 21, 2016
    60
    A charming and well-made role-playing adventure, but despite how much it might resemble Pokémon it has nothing like the depth of Nintendo’s games.
  24. RPGamer
    Jan 3, 2016
    60
    Yo-Kai Watch's main story can easily be completed in under twenty hours, though there's quite the meaty postgame for those who are enamored with the gameplay.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best 3DS Game of 2015
7
#7 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2015
2
#2 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 210 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 158 out of 210
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 210
  3. Negative: 22 out of 210
  1. DORK
    Nov 8, 2015
    10
    This game is not Pokemon. Thank goodness. The similarities are very few, and this doesn't make or break the game at all. Comparing the twoThis game is not Pokemon. Thank goodness. The similarities are very few, and this doesn't make or break the game at all. Comparing the two is pointless, why not give this great game a fair review. Yo-Kai Watch is a fun and very imaginative creation. I find myself growing more and more addicted to the battle system and trying to find as many Yo-Kai as I can. There's tons of ways to do it too; plenty of quests that might give, or force you to befriend a Yo-Kai, a gambling system in the woods that lets you have up to possibly three a day, a streetpass motel, and probably more. I'm about 8 hours in, I'm not a rush and get it finished type of player. I like details, and Yo-Kai Watch has plenty of little tidbits to make you smile.

    I keep reading reviews about how un-"complex" this game is or how "child-like" it is, and I don't really see that. When I play, I see a witty little girl, who for all I know could be 19 living with her strict parents who don't let her out at night, and she happens to see things others can't. While playing, I saw a domesticated pet Yo-Kai that was turned to ice in the pond, was it a pet that got lost, died and turned to ice in the pond? Maybe. My point, use your imagination guys! And when has whether a game is complex or not ever been a grading criteria? Especially in America, come on, really? The last game I've played, and it's the complete opposite, was the Witcher 3, and I'm pretty sure Yo-Kai Watch is more "complicated" as far as mechanics, battling, befriending, collecting, etc as opposed to button mashing and quest searching. I'm not a hater, I love both games.

    Yo-Kai Watch is addicting, imaginative, cute, and good ol fun. I say try out the game for yourselves! I truly hope some of these mediocre reviews don't spoil the second game from coming to America.    … Full Review »
  2. gibran19
    Nov 8, 2015
    10
    Cute and charming. If you don't understand the charm in yo-kai watch the inevitable has happened, you lost your inner child. This game is notCute and charming. If you don't understand the charm in yo-kai watch the inevitable has happened, you lost your inner child. This game is not pretentious, is just a likeable game for kids or anybody who wants to feel like a kid again… Full Review »
  3. Bitrip
    Nov 7, 2015
    10
    Yo-kai Watch is an open-world mission-based RPG that will have you smiling again and again. Production values here are quite high and you'llYo-kai Watch is an open-world mission-based RPG that will have you smiling again and again. Production values here are quite high and you'll quickly notice as the voiceovers, graphics, and cutscenes are all immaculate. The game is very episodic as each day more or less consists of a main quest, though you are free to do as you please throughout. Don't compare the game to Pokemon or you'll be disappointed, it's truly a game of it's own pedigree...and that's exactly where its strong points come into play: aside from the storyline quests, everything is optional! Dungeons are optional, battles are 90% optional, fishing and bug-catching is optional, talking to NPCs is optional, side-quests are optional...are you starting to see a pattern? Another nice thing the game does is reward you for what you like doing the most. You don't only have to battle Yo-kai to gain experience for your party, you can actually get a large chunk of xp from completing favors and requests from locals.

    I am really enjoying the game so far, I love the real-world setting and the characters are all very charming. The only reason I feel people are confused about some things is because everyone is drawing comparisons from Pokemon. If you are going to compare a game compare Digimon World 2 or 3 because those have far more similarities with Yo-kai Watch than Pokemon does.    … Full Review »
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