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.”
Nintendo may have addressed a number of Super Mario Maker glitches with yesterday’s update, but it also introduced a new one. Players are now using checkpoints to take advantage of another bug of sorts. Take a look at the video below for the full rundown.
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.
Collectible Badge Center’s weekly update has gone live. Today’s additions include retro Zelda and Metroid badges, plus ones for Animal Crossing (autumn) and Neko Mario Time. Nintendo has also provided users with two free goes.
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.
The Play Nintendo YouTube page has kicked off a new Yoshi’s Woolly World “Adventure Guide”. The first episode, published today, can be seen below.
USGamer recently caught up with Super Mario Maker producer Takashi Tezuka and co-directors Yosuke Oshino and Yoshikazu Yamashita. Much of the discussion focused on the game’s brand new update. Topics include how the checkpoint system came about, whether or not we’ll see other updates in the future, and the possibility of extending the “Maker” idea to other series/concepts.
Head past the break for a roundup of these interview excerpts. You can also read up on the full talk here.
It seems that review copies of Xenoblade Chronicles X is starting to make its out to members of the media. That means we know what the final English disc art looks like, which we’ve attached above.
Thanks to uPadWatcher for the tip.
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.
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.
