If you don’t know what Yo-Kai Watch is, there’s a good chance that you’ll know by the end of the year. Yo-Kai Watch is a game and anime series that has done enormously well in Japan, with many people comparing it Pokemon both conceptually and by how well it’s done with younger audiences.
Basically Yo-Kai are little creatures that are invisible to most people. Some are super cute, some are a little creepy, and they all like to cause trouble. You can use the Yo-Kai watch to befriend and call upon these creatures to do battle with other Yo-Kai should the need arise. It does sound a bit like Pokemon , but the Yo-Kai are mostly based upon the common concerns and worries that kids have growing up, and are inspired by mythical creatures of Japanese lore, so a basic intimacy with that lore goes a long way in giving these creatures life and substance as interpretations of those mythic beasts and daemons, depending on the context. It’s definitely a game for kids, but adults can get something out of it too.
Speaking of kids, if you’re wondering what to get yours for Christmas, Nintendo is offering a Yo-Kai Watch and Nintendo 2DS bundle for only $99. The bundle will be available on November 6, which is the same day the game releases. It’s sold over 8 million copies in Japan, so it’s worth looking into.