Level-5 CEO on why Yo-kai Watch has been a big hit in Japan, series’ origins
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 21 Comments
Yo-kai Watch has been a phenomenal success in Japan. The games and merchandise have sold incredibly well, and the series even has its own anime.
Why has Yo-kai Watch become such a hit in Japan? That question is something Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino tackled in an interview with Game Informer. He told the site:
“The reason behind the success of Yo-kai Watch, not only as the game title but as the entire franchise, I would say is the strong link between the different pieces of our franchise, centered around what we call Yo-kai Medals [which] contributed a lot. Kids in Japan ran to the store after seeing the Yo-kai Medals used in the TV series, which can not only be enjoyed as collectible toys, but are also interactive with the video game, the arcade game, and can be utilized in many more ways.”
Hino also commented on how Yo-kai Watch’s concept came about. Regarding this, he said:
“I wanted create an IP that is universal and long-lasting, while providing something new and highly relatable to kids today. Yo-kai are spooky beings which often appear in Japanese folklore, mostly related to either humans or objects we were once attached to. Though they are somewhat monster-like, I realized they had never been featured in video games. From there, I started thinking about some of the main characters, and the concept of Jibanyan – a pretty cat Yo-kai who got hit by a truck – came into my mind. In order to write a story which can be relatable to kids, we conducted robust kids research to understand them. We tried hard to capture what they are most concerned about – it was interesting to find concerns which I can relate to my childhood days, and the ones which were unique to kids today. Setting-wise, it was natural to have it take place in real world. Springdale is an ordinary town with characters who use modern devices and live normal lives, just as we all are now – which is why it is so relatable to today’s kids.”
More: Akihiro Hino, interview, Yo-kai Watch
Moco Moco Friends trailer, portion of the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Foundation
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Videos | 2 Comments
Aksys Games has prepared a new trailer for Moco Moco Friends. Take a look at the video below.
Along with the trailer, Aksys also posted some interesting news regarding charity. For every Moco Moco Friends game sold, the company will donate a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish Foundation.
More: Aksys Games, Moco Moco Friends
Zelda: Tri Force Heroes has an unused Great Fairy costume
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Videos | 0 comments
Fans digging through the files and code in The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes have come across an outfit reminiscent of Great Fairies from A Link Between Worlds. Based on Link’s face, it may have been an in-progress model back when the developers transformed Link from A Link Between Worlds into the final art style in Tri Force Heroes. Also, it’s worth mentioning that the outfit has an unused icon which looks similar to Queen of Hearts.
Monster Hunter X – Jump collaborations, videos
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Videos | 0 comments
It was recently announced that Monster Hunter X would be teaming up with Fairy Tail for a collaboration. In this week’s issue of Jump, there’s even more news about partnerships.
Monster Hunter X will feature a Jump Pirate costume and gunlance. Additionally, old Jump collaboration gear will be returning. New collaboration gear will be announced each issue for three consecutive weeks.
In other Monster Hunter X news, Capcom published three more videos pertaining to the game. You can find those below.
More: Capcom, Japan, Monster Hunter X
New 3DS themes in North America: Mega Mewtwo and BREAK Evolution, SEGA’s Mark III
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 2 Comments
Nintendo didn’t mention it in its digital downloads report today, but a couple of new 3DS themes have been added in North America. System owners can now purchase Pokemon: Mega Mewtwo and BREAK Evolution as well as the Mark III Theme from SEGA. Each one costs $1.99.
More: 3DS themes
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon pre-load live on the North America eShop, free theme
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 0 comments
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon can now be pre-loaded from the North American 3DS eShop. To do so, you’ll need 1848MB of free space on your SD card.
Those who purchase Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon digitally will be entitled to a free 3DS theme. This offer lasts through December 6.
The Adventure of Valkyrie with Xiaomu footage (from Project X Zone 2’s Japanese limited edition)
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Videos | 4 Comments
With the “Original Game Sound” edition of Project X Zone 2 in Japan, Bandai Namco is including The Adventure of Valkyrie: The Legend of the Time Key with Xiaomu. This downloadable bonus game is a special edition of the NES title originally released in 1986, now with added playable character Xiamou. Check out some footage below.
More: Bandai Namco, Japan, Project X Zone 2
Even more compatible amiibo for New Style Boutique 2 revealed
Posted on 9 years ago by Matt(@OnePunchMaz) in 3DS, News | 3 Comments
Nintendo is definitely going all out with their amiibo support for New Style Boutique 2: Fashion Forward as they have revealed even more compatible amiibo, with nearly every amiibo of a female character unlocking a piece of clothing in the game.
Scanning the Sheik amiibo unlocks the Sheikah Scarf, scanning Rosalina gives you the Starry Dress and Samus unlocks the Galactic Visor.
New Style Boutique 2: Fashion Forward will be released in Europe on November 20th. A North American release date has not yet been announced.
Hyrule Warriors Legends – Tetra trailer
Posted on 9 years ago by Matt(@OnePunchMaz) in 3DS, Videos | 7 Comments
Koei Tecmo have published the latest character trailer for Hyrule Warriors Legends. This one focuses on Tetra, the pirate princess. It shows off her various moves and combos in addition to a new location and some new enemies. What are your thoughts on it?
[Review] Yo-kai Watch
Posted on 9 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, Reviews | 8 Comments
System: 3DS
Release date: November 6, 2015
Developer: Level-5
Publisher Nintendo
Author: Dennis
Few games in the last few years have excelled at making me feel truly lost in their world. When these types of experiences come about, they can make you forget who you are, your age, status, and more due to the fact that you’re so invested in them your mind completely clears. Yo-kai Watch manages to accomplish this and delivers an unbelievable experience that excels in everything it has to offer, from its graphics, gameplay, story, mechanics, as well as an art form a lot of games don’t bother utilizing anymore: humor.
