'Yo-Kai Watch' News & Updates: Is This Game A Worthy Rival To 'Pokemon'? Sales, Story & Gameplay Analysis

Many fans and analysts believe that "Yo-Kai Watch" is a worthy rival to "Pokemon." However, there have already been many video games in the past touted to be contenders to the throne of "Pokemon," but all of them have failed. What exactly makes "Yo-Kai Watch" different from the other monster battling games?

Sales Of "Yo-Kai Watch"

"With its sequel outselling Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire in Japan in 2014, we might just be witnessing the rise of the next big thing in acceptable kawaii animal combat," The Guardian explained. The latest game of the series -- "Yo-Kai Watch Sangokushi" -- spent many weeks as the number one game in Japan this year, according to MCV.

Yo-kai Watch is out now in Europe! https://t.co/ZaiHOAmDzU Let the adventure begin! #yokaiwatch #yokaiwatcheurope pic.twitter.com/zyJrT4huEK

— Watch of Yokai (@watchofyoukai) April 29, 2016

Concept Of "Yo-Kai Watch"

Like "Pokemon," "Yo-Kai Watch" also involves capturing cute monsters, giving them names, providing them with items for upgrades and making them fight for you. What separates "Yo-Kai Watch" from "Pokemon" is the former's use of actual Japanese mythology which makes its fictional world more relatable for the gamers.

"Yokai folklore is packed with quirky and interesting ways of explaining the universe and all the weird stuff that happens in it, and now you're in charge of making these mischievous sprites do battle," the Guardian shared. Some of the popular characters in "Yo-Kai Watch" include Jibanyan (a cat that got run over by a truck), Cheeksqueek (creature that releases farts out of its face) and Wazzat (a disturbing hat with lips).

Level-5 And Square Enix Announce Collaborations For Yo-Kai Watch 3 – Chocobonyan… https://t.co/IMh4iWsK1Z pic.twitter.com/liSaQjkUhq — My Nintendo News (@MyNintendoNews) April 29, 2016

Gameplay Of "Yo-Kai Watch"

One common criticism about "Yo-Kai Watch" is its battle gameplay. The common complaint from fans is that the "Yo-Kai" monsters fight and do battle without the gamers' intervention.

Many fans enjoy role-playing games that require the gamers to directly or indirectly control the battles. "Yo-Kai Watch" does not fully provide this experience especially at the start of the game.

Despite this criticism, only a few people can deny that "Yo-Kai Watch" is as charming and fun as "Pokemon" in many ways. Improving its battle gameplay for "Yo-Kai Watch 3" could elevate the RPG series to new heights.