Today has brought news of yet another RPG title on the way with the newly announced Apprentice Witch and Fluffy Friends (translation via GoNintendo); it's due for release on 23rd April in Japan on the 3DS. The game is published by Nippon Columbia and the first screenshots drew many comparisons to Yo-Kai Watch, from its overall art style to the combat system. The images show several different witches traversing dungeons, training and battling against various cute creatures.
Yo-Kai Watch, from esteemed Japanese developer Level-5, was released in 2013 in Japan only for the 3DS. The game focused on a young boy who found a mysterious device called the Yo-Kai Watch that allowed him to see and befriend creatures called Yokai. It clearly took inspiration from the Pokémon series, but despite this it does have its own approach and has became a best seller, spawning its own anime and a sequel in 2014.
This is not the first time a series has taken inspiration from an existing one, but this appears to be a game meant to take advantage of the Yo-Kai fever that is currently sweeping over Japan. Yo-Kai Watch was one of the best selling games in Japan for 2014, surpassing even Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
What do you think about Apprentice Witch and Fluffy friends? Should well-proven mechanics be utilized in other games? Are you still waiting for Yo-Kai Watch to leave Japan, as is promised for this year? Let us know.
[source 4gamer.net, via neogaf.com, gonintendo.com]
Comments 18
The creatures on the cover art seem to be inspired by Pokemon too. Do I see a Pikachu, Glaceon, and Marill o. O?
I don't think this will have as much of an impact like YW did. However, it does look interesting and sure it'll have some fans.
Just gotta watch how this turns out, but will anybody have the time to do a comparison of the games when it's released?
......although, that sounds time consuming!
I hope the us get japan only games
or they make the new 3ds/3ds replacement region free with a online shop like the e shop where you can buy games that are japan only. And virtual console games that are locked up in other regions that the US dose not get.
The art style looks pretty nice, I may look out for this if it ever gets localized.
The monster designs are appealing honestly. Doubt it'll be a hit or anything though.
@Porky A tad, yes. The top-right creature definitely looks like a plant-based Diancie. The color choices and design for the bottom creature is extremely close to Pikachu/Sylveon.
I'm interested. I kinda like this, with the art style and the little monsters which are always seen as cute like KH:DDD. It's super cute and adorable. I'm rather scared that I just said that now. Better hope it's my fabulous level rising.
Although I've seen news of about it in abundance, I'm kind of unfamiliar with how the Yokai Watch series actually plays. That said, if it's a formula that works, I see nothing wrong with other developers making game like it. I keep on wishing for there to be more games in the vein of Power Stone or Super Smash Bros all the time.
As for this particular game, 'Apprentice Witch and Fluffy Friends'... well, if it wasn't obvious enough from my avatar, I like witches. On an art style basis, I also love the 'Fluffy Friends' have been designed, clearly resembling cuddly toys to the point where you can even see the stitching. The blue cat and the plant creature look particularly adorable, and in terms of art style alone, this game does garner my interest more so than Yokai Watch. In any case, If future gameplay footage interests me and this game gets a worldwide release, I may check this one out.
It's a lot more cutesy than Yo-Kai Watch, but not in a bad way, I guess. If the design variety fits, I'm all for it!
I like the monster designs on the cover.
Whenever something goes successfully, never missing those who "take advantage" of that success, XD, Anyway, I like that desing of the game, if maybe this game arrive to west (very doubtful, the truth), I will buy it, jiji, XD
It's like the saccharine, cavity-inducing version of Pokémon and/or Yo-Kai. Wow. O_O
I... I really like it...
Depending on gameplay and content, I would totally play that. Then again, this has zero chance to come to Europe IMO.
Most of these appear to be ultra-cutesy variations of Pokémon. I see...
And the other two look like they'd fit right in with the cast of Animal Crossing.
I'd buy it. Art looks nice.
Yo-kai Watch for tween girls.
Think that says it all.
It reminds me a lot of Fantasy Life (also Level 5). It might be good, who knows.
I like the artstyle, but I probably wouldn't get it even if it released here. Still have too many games to catch up on.
I'm interested in any and all RPG's that get ported. So if Yokai Watch and Witches furry friends make it over I will be excited. Otherwise just frustrated. BTW has anyone started a petition yet for Dragon Quest X? Its going to be a real shame if that doesn't at least get ported to 3DS. It should get ported for both Wii-U and 3DS. I just have this feeling that Square might be jumping ship on consoles in the near future. Gosh I hope not!
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