Nintendo will publish the original Yo-kai Watch in the United States, Europe, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, the company announced.
The game centers on a young boy who gets a special watch that lets him befriend and help mischievous Yo-kai and later summon them to fight other Yo-kai. Players can overcome challenges and help various characters solve everyday problems with the help of these Yo-kai, which resemble anything from inanimate objects to mythical creatures.
The publisher clarifies that, while “youkai” translates to “ghost” or “spector,” Yo-kai “are not ghosts, monsters, or creatures.” Rather, “Yo-kai are, quite simply, Yo-kai. They cannot be seen by the human eye, but they are everywhere. Whether born from the soul of a deceased human, or an everyday object discovering its higher purpose, their personalities are distinctly humanlike.”
The game originally launched in Japan in July 2013. It’s since seen the release of a three-version sequel. And just this morning, developer Level-5 announced Yo-kai Watch 3, Yo-kai Watch Busters, and Yo-kai Sangokushi.
A release date was not announced.