Topic: Yokai Watch 4 - Thoughts (probable spoilers)

OK, so I`m playing through the Japanese version and I`m really wondering what other people (whom have had a chance to play) think of it?

This is my first Yokai Watch game, though I have seen a number of reviews for previous titles, so I`ve got an idea as to what the supposed strengths and weaknesses are. Here is my take, as a new entrant to the series.

Gameplay: firstly, I really like the exploration in this game. So far, after about 20-25 hours of play time, I`ve been in the two time periods plus a mysterious third world, and there is just about enough to explore in the towns to be fun yet not overbearing.

As a resident in Japan, I really like how the average town here is represented. It really does, or would, give the feeling to a young kid or teenager that such a story could happen in whatever unknown town they`re living in.

The attention to details is pretty staggering too. I know this game isn`t the most graphically intense title on the Switch, let alone out there in general, but it really is great to see that they`ve put so much effort into some of the smaller details i.e. playground objects, the different houses, gardens, shops, etc.

And the characters are all full of life too, it goes without saying.

Combat: this has been the biggest criticism I can see having been levelled at the previous titles, and Level 5 have definitely taken it into consideration this time round.

The battles are more hands on, like FF12 or one of those Tales of... titles. The only issue is that so much is happening at once, what with it usually being 4 v 4, that it`s hard to tell what`s going on. It isn`t a very deep combat scheme, and you only need to switch your brain on during the boss battles, but they get you involved.

Music: wonderful! Several tunes have been stuck in my head for the past two-plus weeks.

Story (without major spoilers): I like the idea that the main character goes 30 years into the future (this is advertised and happens almost immediately, so isn`t a plot twist of any sort). I also find the daughter, Natsume, to be a more interesting character than Keta.

However, I can`t say I find the characters in this game too interesting. To be fair, the story has only had its two major intriguing plot elements kick in (I`ve just returned to present time), but I get the feeling the characters aren`t going to have Persona 4 levels of depth given to them.

Speaking of which, this is what Yokai Watch 4 reminds me most of, for some reason. Like baby`s first Persona title. I`m sure those whom have played that get what I mean though.

Overrall, I`m pleasantly surprised with this game. It has kept me hooked on for longer than I thought and, who knows, I might actually play this one to the end.

Anyone else care to share their thoughts, if any?

How's the perfomance by the way? I hear that it's... not super good so I'm curious if it has become better over the months.

Granted I can't talk about gameplay and everything since I haven't played it (Not good enough in Japanese yet to play a game fully in Japanese)

That is a good point that I should have mentioned. Admittedly, the game runs at 30fps (my guess), but there are frequent times when it drops to much lower than that, and it`s quite noticeable. At least to begin with.
As time has gone by, I have gotten used to and forgotten about it but, yeah, I was quite shocked at first with the frame dips. It shouldn`t happen in a game like this. And there hasn`t been a patch that I can see to have rectified it. It will likely stay in this state when it`s released in the west. And I`m sure reviews will point it out.

Aahhh, Gotcha. I hoped it'll be better seems not then... ;_;

Glad you are having fun though, I'm waiting for this game to hopefully go much lower before I'll buy it.

Well, like I said, you soon get used to it.

I'm not sure how much I would rate the value of the game. I have played about 25 hours and I'm not sure if I'm even half way yet. It seems like the main story has only just kicked in. However, my reading ability is laxing, so I guess for the native reader of any language, I would be about 15 hours into the game.

I've gotten my monies worth. And unlike Pokemon Let's Go and Doraemon: Nobita's Farm, I've continued to stick with it and been excited to jump back in so, for what it's worth, I reckon it's better than those games.