Yo-Kai Watch
Third-Party 3DS Series Perfect for the Switch
Yo-Kai watch is probably one of the more successful Pokemon-like experiences ever made, letting you interact with and capture friendly spirits named Yo-Kai, which you can then use to battle and solve puzzles. The series is made by the RPG masters at Level-5, and even though it’s for a younger audience, there’s always been plenty of charm and fun to be found. Where the real appeal of Yo-Kai Watch lies is in its wacky characters and story. Yo-Kai often have tragic or strange tales attached to them, like Jibanyan who has lingered near the intersection he was run over at, forever waiting to overcome the truck that killed him. Strong writing helps bring these characters to life, while the battle system plays out like a more interactive version of Pokemon.
Here in North America we’ve only gotten Yo-Kai Watch and Yo-Kai Watch 2, while a third game and a number of spinoffs have released in Japan. The series’ popularity certainly isn’t what it was a couple years ago, but a big new entry on Switch could be just what Yo-Kai watch needs. Give Switch owners a full fledged role-playing experience to jump into, filled with a brand new story and fresh Yo-Kai. Again, the minigames scatted throughout these games would be a sure fit for the Joy-Cons, and you could even include some fun multiplayer modes that can be played locally or by linking tablets.
