Tag: Level-5
News Professor Layton Dev Level-5 Has No Plans For Future Games Outside Of Japan, Says Report
North American operations 'virtually halted'
Level-5, the studio behind titles such as Professor Layton, Ni No Kuni, Yo-Kai Watch and Inazuma Eleven, has 'virtually halted its operations in North America' according to a new report.
News Level-5 Teasing Major Announcement For Yo-Kai Watch Jam: Yo-Kai Academy Y
Update: A demo is releasing on 3rd August
Update (Sat 1st Aug, 2020 13:00 BST): Level-5 has announced it will release a demo for this game on the Japanese Switch eShop on 3rd August. According to Japanese Nintendo the release of a packaged version and western localisation is still undecided. Original article (Fri 31st Jul, 2020 05:00 BST):...
News Level-5 Realises Fans Don't Like Delays, But Does It To Make Its Games Better
The president wants to "properly build up titles"
The developer and publisher behind series like Inazuma Eleven, Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch had a relatively busy year in 2019 – announcing and localising a bunch of games while experiencing some troublesome delays at the same time. In the late
News Ni no Kuni Anime Movie Arrives On Netflix Later This Month
Experience another magical adventure
Last year, Nintendo fans got to experience Level-5's beautiful series, Ni no Kuni, for the first time ever, when Wrath of the White Witch was ported across to the Switch. In our review, we said it was a heartwarming experience and a love letter to the golden era of JRPG. If it has left you hungry to experience...
News Level-5 CEO Reveals New Yo-Kai Watch Game
Based on Yo-Kai Academy Y
Yo-Kai Watch 4 may not have been localised for the Switch yet, but that doesn't mean Level-5 hasn't been busy on other projects. In September the Japanese company revealed it would be bringing the series to the PlayStation 4 and this followed with the announcement of Yo-Kai Watch 4++ in October. If that wasn't already...
Poll Vote For Your Favourite Professor Layton Game
Professor Layton and the Public Vote
With Level-5's celebrated Professor Layton puzzle series due to arrive on Switch imminently with Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy - Deluxe Edition, a port of the 2017 3DS original, what better time to look back at the Layton clan's back catalogue? With two trilogies of games...
News Level-5's Morphing Mech RPG Megaton Musashi Will Be Treated To New Info This December
It's been a long time coming
We'd forgive you if you'd forgotten about it after all this time, but do you remember when Level-5 announced Megaton Musashi back in 2016? Well, it looks like we're finally about to get some new info. Megaton Musashi is a cross-media project which is set to include an RPG for
Video Ever Wondered What An 8-Bit Ni no Kuni Would Look Like?
New trailer gives Level-5's JRPG a retro makeover
With software coming thick and fast to Switch these days, it's never been easier for a game - even a damn fine one - to get lost in the crowd. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch released on Switch way back on 20th September, but we wouldn't be surprised if it passed you by in the rush of great...
News Level-5 Announces Yo-Kai Watch 4++ For Switch
Arrives in Japan this December
If the announcement Yo-Kai Watch 4 would be released on the PlayStation 4 wasn't already enough of a surprise, Level-5 has now revealed Yo-Kai Watch 4++ for both Switch and PS4. According to the official Yo-Kai Watch Twitter account, it launches in Japan on 5th December and adds more content to the existing game such...
Video The Original Yo-Kai Watch Game Coming To Switch Gets A New Trailer
Back to the beginning
Earlier this week we heard how the original Yo-Kai Watch game for Switch would be receiving online battle support, and now Level-5 has uploaded a second trailer for the game to its official YouTube channel. As short as it is, this one provides a much better look at the gameplay and high-definition graphics. It's due out in...
News The Original Yo-Kai Watch Game On Switch Will Support Online Battles
Better than ever
Back in July, Level-5 announced the Switch would be receiving the original Yo-Kai Watch game later this year. While there's been no mention of a local release just yet, Level-5 has been sharing small details about this version via Twitter. The latest reveal is the addition of online battles, this will also cover local battles, so...
News Yo-Kai Watch 4 Will No Longer Be A Nintendo Switch Exclusive
Level-5 confirms PlayStation 4 release
Yo-Kai Watch has had a good run exclusively on Nintendo systems over the years, but it appears the series will soon branch out. Overlooking the odd mobile spin-off, Level-5 has announced Yo-Kai Watch 4 is coming to PlayStation 4 in the near future. The fourth main entry in the Yo-Kai series was the first one...
News Level-5's Snack World Video Game Rated By The ESRB
Snack attack incoming
Got an appetite for more Level-5 games? Well then, be sure to save some room for The Snack World, as a western release appears to be on the way. After a rating for Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl Gold appeared on the Australian Classification Board in April, a classification has now popped up
News Level-5 Releases Debut Trailer For The Original Yo-Kai Watch On Switch
And it looks better than ever
Although the west is still waiting for Yo-Kai Watch 4 to be released locally on the Nintendo Switch, Level-5 has already announced another game from the same series is headed to the system. This time it's a high-definition makeover of the original 3DS game that started it all. Yo-Kai Watch 1 for Nintendo Switch –...
News Level-5 Is Releasing The Original Yo-Kai Watch Game On Nintendo Switch
Back to the beginning
The Yo-Kai Watch games might have only been around for six years, but there are already more than a handful of entries in the series. Most recently, Yo-Kai Watch 4 was released in Japan on the Switch and ended up taking out the top spot in the local video game charts. This also happens to be the first time an entry has been...
News Level-5 Announces Yo-Kai Watch 4 Western Release At The 2019 Anime Expo
No word on a launch date
During a panel at the 2019 Anime Expo, Level-5 announced Yo-Kai Watch 4 for Nintendo Switch would eventually be released in the west (thanks, HDKirin). Although this isn't the most surprising news, it's nice to know the Japanese developer and publisher hasn't forgotten about the fanbase within this region. Unfortunately,...
News Engine Software Handling The Switch Version Of Ni no Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
In cooperation with Bandai Namco
When Bandai Namco officially confirmed Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was coming to the Switch later this year, it also revealed this version of the game would run at 30fps and maintain a 720p resolution in both docked and handheld mode. Adding to the existing information about this upcoming release, it's now...
News Level-5 Is Appearing At Anime Expo For The First Time Ever
"Stay tuned for more details"
Level-5, the Japanese developer and publisher best known for Yo-Kai Watch, Professor Layton and the Inazuma Eleven series has announced it will be appearing at next month's Anime Expo in Los Angeles. It revealed this information over on the Layton series Twitter account and informed followers to "stay tuned for more...
News Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Arrives On Switch This September
Level-5's PS3 classic comes to Nintendo's console
As previously reported, Bandai Namco has now confirmed that Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch will be coming to your favourite handheld hybrid and it's got a release date: 20th September. You can check out the full reveal trailer above. While PS4 and PC will be receiving a 'Remaster' of the ori
News Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch Will Grace The Switch This Fall
Another JRPG masterpiece is on the way
Seems someone at Bandai-Namco is having a very, very bad day since most (if not all) their entire E3 2019 line-up has quickly and steadily leaked online for all to stumble upon. Among such titles is none other than acclaimed 2010 PlayStation 3 exclusive Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch which is gaining a...
News Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl Gold Rated By The Australian Classification Board
A local release is on the way
Last month, we found out Level-5's video game and television series The Snack World was a little bit closer to a western release when the localisation company 3Beep revealed it was working with the Japanese developer and publisher on English translations. In the latest development, a rating has now appeared on the
News Layton’s Mystery Journey For Nintendo Switch Rated By The ESRB
Another sign it’s on the way
Following a rating by the Australian Classification Board in February and a listing on the G4F Localisation website in March, Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy - Deluxe Edition has now been spotte
News Level-5's Snack World Video Game Appears To Be Getting Localised
Snack attack
It looks like Level-5's video game and television series The Snack World is still receiving a western release in the near future, with the help of the localisation company 3Beep. The company's website reveals the following information: 3Beep is working with Level-5 to create the English language versions of the television series and...
News Professor Layton And The Curious Village Appears To Be Making The Switch
One other entry also being localised
Last time we heard about the 2007 DS title Professor Layton and the Curious Village, was when it was discovered the classic story-driven puzzle game by Level-5 was being ported across to Android and iOS. Now, according to a listing on the G4F Localisation website, Professor Layton’s original
Rumour Level-5 Game Delays Linked To Mass "Employee Exodus"
Tough times ahead?
Another day, another rumour. This latest one is somewhat different and arguably more believable, as it's not about a specific game series making its way across to the Nintendo Switch and the source is a Japanese media outlet rather than a random listing by a distributor or retailer. The rumour stems from the delays of Yo-Kai...
News Famitsu Teasing "Possible Revival" For A Cancelled Level-5 Game
What could it be?
The Japan-based developer and publisher Level-5 is best known by Nintendo fans for charming series like Professor Layton, Inazuma Eleven and in more recent times Yo-Kai Watch. Originally established in 1998, the company is now 20-years old. In celebration of Level-5's 20th anniversary, Famitsu is teasing an interview with the...
News The Hybrid Nature Of Switch Is Causing Level-5 Headaches With Its Next Layton Adventure
Better Layton than never?
When you say the name "Level-5" a whole host of games might spring to mind, but for many people the studio will forever be associated with the best-selling Professor Layton series, which began life on the Nintendo DS. The franchise has been exclusive to portable devices ever since, and the latest entry - Layton's...
News Go On A Mystery Journey To Find The Layton Café At E3 This Year
Grab a selfie with Hershel and Katrielle
If you are lucky enough to be attending E3 next week in Los Angeles, then why not take part in a Professor Layton themed mystery adventure, which the lovely folks at LEVEL-5 have prepared in order to celebrate the arrival of Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy later this...
News Level-5 Is Working On At Least One Nintendo Switch Game
Yokai Watch? Layton? Ni no Kuni?
With E3 right round the corner it's fair to speculate about what new titles we'll see at the show, and Level-5 has set chins wagging by confirming that it has at least one Switch game in development. The studio - best known for Ni no Kuni, Professor Layton and the Yo-kai Watch series -...
News Level-5 is Running a Black Friday Sale on the North American 3DS eShop
Up to sixty percent off
'Tis the season yet again for ravenous shoppers of all kinds to brave the hordes in search of great deals on random stuff. Black Friday is just a few days away, and every day the temptations grow stronger as more companies show their hand for the shopping holiday. Granted, there's nothing wrong with staying at home and...
News Level-5 Planning To Support Nintendo Switch But Won't Have Any Games At Launch
"We'll work with it as soon as we figure out how to take advantage of it"
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has confirmed that the studio plans to make games for the Nintendo Switch, but admits that he's still not sure how to make the most of the console's unique setup. Level-5 has been a staunch supporter of Nintendo systems in the past, creating the...
News Level-5 CEO on Producing Successful Cross-Media Projects
Yo-Kai Watch wasn't just a fluke
Level-5 is a company that has become increasingly more relevant and prolific over the years, as it's procedurally added more and more successful franchises to its portfolio. If you notice, most of the company's current projects exist in multiple forms, with cartoons, games, toys, and more all contributing to the...
News Level-5 Confirms New Inazuma Eleven Outing And NFC "Eleven Band" Accessory
Could be NX-bound
During Level-5 Vision 2016 the esteemed Japanese studio showed the trailer for the anime pilot episode of Inazuma Eleven Ares, the next entry in the popular soccer-based RPG franchise. The title takes place after the events of the very first Inazuma Eleven game. Three main protagonists are included this time around - Ryouhei...
News Level-5 Shows More of The Snack World and Unveils Cross-Media Strategy
Heading to 3DS in Japan in July 2017
With Yo-kai Watch established as a major cross-media money-spinner for Level-5 - with its TV show, toys, video games and assorted merchandise - the company is plotting its next major project that'll employ a similar strategy. We've known about The Snack World for a little while, but the recent Level-5 Vision 2016...
News Megaton Musashi Boasts Giant Morphing Mechs And Cunning Cross-Media Marketing
Pacific Rim for kids?
Level-5 has lifted the lid on its next "cross media" property, Megaton Musashi. Set in a universe where aliens have decimated 90 percent of the human population, this new venture will take the same approach as Level-5's other multimedia projects. There will be a 3DS game, smartphone title, anime show and plenty of merchandise,...
News Level-5 Announces Lady Layton, Coming To Nintendo 3DS In 2017
Also coming to smartphones
Level-5 has confirmed the next title in the Professor Layton series, Lady Layton. The game will be coming to 3DS and smartphones in 2017, and looks set to continue the puzzle-solving tradition of the original Layton outings. The trailer above shows off a lot of animated content and a little of the smartphone game, which...
News Level-5 Trademark Filings in Europe Suggest Future Projects
Lady Layton, eh?
About a month ago, we reported on the news that a new, mainstream Professor Layton game would be revealed on 27th July. Ever since, nothing else has surfaced surrounding the future title, but with Level-5's annual Vision event just days away, some new information has recently come to light. The company recently filed some...
News New Professor Layton Title to be Revealed on 27th July
A real one, not that weird Layton 7 game...
Level-5 is currently gearing up for its Vision 2016 event on 27th July, during which it'll show off new titles that are on the way. It'll be worth following closely, too, based on details shared by CEO Akihiro Hino in a preview stream. He confirmed that a new Inazuma Eleven game will be shown, which is...
News The CEO of Level-5 Had a Hand in Dragon Quest IX Appearing on the DS
Who would've thought?
The Professor Layton series made its grand entrance on the Nintendo DS and quickly made a name for itself as one of the great franchises on the portable. Of course, the widespread sales success of the DS likely had a hand in propelling the series to popularity, so there was something of a mutually beneficial relationship...
News The Yo-Kai Watch Franchise Has Now Shipped Over 10 Million Copies
Will it take off outside Japan?
Yo-Kai Watch from Level-5 is a series that, despite having its own identity and style, undoubted has its eyes fixed on Pokémon. A hit that originally took off when the anime series gained viewership - game sales spiked once the TV show got into its stride in Japan - it's been relentlessly expanded. In Japan there are...
News We'll Be Seeing More Of Level-5's 3DS Title The Snack World This Month
Anime will debut alongside Yo-Kai Watch the Movie 2 in Japan
At its media event this year, Level-5 lifted the lid on its latest cross-media extravaganza, The Snack World. The property is hitting a wide range of sectors - including smartphones, TV, comics and toys - but Nintendo fans will be interested to learn that it's coming to the 3DS as well...
News CoroCoro Reveals Yo-Kai Watch Dance: Just Dance Special Version For Wii U
A Level-5 & Ubisoft collaboration
After selling millions and becoming a cultural phenomenon in Japan, it has been revealed the popular Yo-Kai Watch series will receive a Just Dance spin-off. The latest issue of Japan’s CoroCoro Magazine explains Yo-Kai Watch Dance: Just Dance Special Version is on the way to the Wii U courtesy of a surprising...
News Akihiro Hino on Why Fantasy Life 2 is Not Coming to the 3DS
Excuses, excuses...
A few days ago, Level-5 announced they had made the decision to publish Fantasy Life 2 on smartphones, bypassing the 3DS (and all dedicated gaming consoles, for that matter) entirely. It seemed a strange choice given that its prequel was not a smartphone game, though an argument could be made that the smartphone market offers a...
Game expected to arrive in 2016
We already knew that Yo-Kai Watch was coming to the west thanks to Hasbro's deal to create toys for the popular Japanese cross-over franchise, but it wasn't until today - and Level-5's Japanese Vision 2015 conference - that a publisher (Nintendo) and solid release window (2016) came to light. Nintend
News The Snack World Is Level-5's Next Cross-Media Project, And It's Coming To Nintendo 3DS
Toys use NFC to interact with the game
As if announcing three new Yo-Kai Watch titles wasn't enough, Level-5 has today revealed its next big "cross-media" venture, The Snack World. A multimedia effort which will see Level-5 collaborate with Takara Tomy, TV Tokyo and CoroCoro Comics, The Snack World will cover movies, manga, toys and video games...
News Level-5 Announces Yo-Kai Watch 3 For Nintendo 3DS, Action Takes Place In USA
Third time's a charm
Level-5 has just revealed the third entry in its best-selling Yo-Kai Watch series, due to launch on the Nintendo 3DS. Yo-Kai Watch 3 will take place in North America, in keeping with the storyline of the ongoing anime series. A new character is introduced called Inaho Misora, who has her own Yo-kai named USApyon. Level-5 has...
News Level-5 Confirms Yo-kai Watch Crossover With Koei Tecmo's Three Kingdoms
Platforms still unclear
In an eye-raising development from the Level-5 Vision 2015 event in Japan, the company has confirmed yet another spin-off release for the Yo-kai Watch series, in addition to the 3DS-bound Yo-kai Watch Busters. Yo-kai Watch: Three Kingdoms has been announced as a collaboration with Koei Tecmo. Three Kingdoms is a series...
News Yo-Kai Watch Busters Hitting 3DS This Year, Main Franchise Coming To The West In 2016
Busting makes me feel good
Level-5's Vision 2015 event is happening right now, and the company's CEO Akihiro Hino has just announced a new entry in its popular Yo-Kai Watch franchise. Yo-Kai Watch Busters is an 3DS action title based on a mini-game featured in Yo-Kai Watch 2. The title will come in two versions - Red Cat Troupe and White Dog Unit -...
News Fantasy Life 2 Is Skipping 3DS In Favour Of Smartphones
Phone home
Level-5 has just revealed that the sequel to the 3DS title Fantasy Life is coming to smartphones, ignoring Nintendo's handheld entirely. Fantasy Life 2: Two Moons And The Village of God will contain all the usual character-building RPG goodness - with a focus on exploring different "lives" or jobs - but the catch this time around is that...
News Yo-kai Watch Localisation Creeps Closer With Anime Confirmation for Europe
The Level-5 franchise that's a phenomenon in Japan
Level-5 has enjoyed plenty of success as a company, with brands such as Professor Layton and Inazuma Eleven, but Yo-kai Watch has been on another level entirely. Just recently the company announced that the IP has sold over seven million games on the 3DS, 200 million Yo-kai medal toys, 10 million...
