It's rare for buzz and hype to build around a game that veers too closely to "Pokemon," but "Yo-Kai Watch" may have done the impossible.
On Nov. 6, "Yo-Kai Watch" was released in North America following its Japanese release. Even before its launch stateside, the comparison between it and Pokemon caused some to dismiss it. But recent reviews prove otherwise.
"'Yo-Kai Watch' certainly shares a lot with Pokémon, but its world plays with Japanese folklore in a charming, unique way that sets it apart," wrote IGN contributor Kallie Plagge. "More importantly, now I can actually see it succeeding in the West, in part because it explains its world (and what yo-kai are) so well."
Everywhere you look, publications have set upon comparing it to Pokemon, and rightfully so. After reportedly selling four million units in Japan, the comparison has been used to marketers' advantage as it spreads across the globe.
"This will be the next big boys' brand, essentially the next Pokémon," said EMEA associate brand manager Waell Oueslati according to MCVUK. "We have very high expectations for the market and for the UK. We hope to rival the success of Pokemon in the games market. We are certainly bigger than Pokemon in Japan."
So far, reviews have been favorable for "Yo-Kai Watch" as well, with Metacritic giving it a weighted scored of 77.
But perhaps the most damning evidence of the game's imminent success is the testimonials of Pokemon fans abandoning ship, despite the franchise recently announcing spin-off titles like "Picross," "Pokemon GO" and "Pokken Tournament."
"I'm actually enjoying 'Yo-Kai Watch' way more than Pokemon," commented DefensiveSharpedo on PokeJungle. "There's so much to do and I still haven't seen half the Yo-Kai."
Will you be next?
