{{Short description|2014 role-playing video games}} {{About|the Nintendo 3DS games|the second season of the Yo-kai Watch anime series|List of Yo-kai Watch episodes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2015}} {{Infobox video game | title = {{Unbulleted list | Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits | Yo-kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls | Yo-kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters }} | image = Yo-kai Watch 2 Bony Spirits artwork.png | caption = North American packaging artwork for ''Bony Spirits''. The top right says an exclusive medal is included, which is used for the Yo-kai Watch Model Zero toy. | developer = [[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]] | publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|Level-5|WW|Nintendo}} | director = Ken Motomura | producer = [[Akihiro Hino]] | designer = Tatsuya Shinkai| programmer = {{ubl|Yuji Mori|Tetsuo Mori}} | artist = {{ubl|Takuzo Nagano|Miho Tanaka|Nobuyuki Yanai}} | writer = {{ubl|Kohei Azuma|Akihiro Hino|Yoichi Kato}} | composer = Kenichiro Saigo | series = ''[[Yo-kai Watch]]'' | engine = | platforms = [[Nintendo 3DS]] | released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|July 10, 2014}}|'''''Bony Spirits''''' & '''''Fleshy Souls'''''{{Video game release|JP|July 10, 2014|NA|September 30, 2016|AU|October 15, 2016|EU|April 7, 2017<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dayus|first1=Oscar|title=Yo-kai Watch 2 Finally Coming To Europe|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/yo-kai-watch-2-finally-coming-to-europe/1100-6447496/|website=GameSpot|access-date=2 February 2017|date=2017-02-02|archive-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801072150/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yo-kai-watch-2-finally-coming-to-europe/1100-6447496/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}'''''Psychic Specters'''''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|December 13, 2014|NA/EU|September 29, 2017|AU|November 2017}}}} | genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]], [[Auto battler]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] }}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits''''' |妖怪ウォッチ2元祖|Yōkai Wotchi 2 Ganso|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} and {{nihongo foot|'''''Yo-kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls'''''|妖怪ウォッチ2本家|Yōkai Wotchi 2 Honke|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} are a pair of 2014 [[role-playing video game]]s developed and published by [[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]] for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. The games are a sequel to 2013's ''[[Yo-kai Watch (video game)|Yo-kai Watch]]'', and were released in July 2014 in Japan, in North America and Australia in late 2016, and Europe in 2017. Much like their predecessor, the games put players in an [[open world]], befriending and battling various [[Yōkai|Yo-kai]], which are ghosts and apparitions originating in [[Japanese folklore]], that cause mischief in daily life. In the beginning of the story, the memories of the [[protagonist]]s Nathan "Nate" Adams and Katie Forester are erased when their Yo-kai Watches is stolen by two evil Yo-kai, leaving them with no recollection of their past adventures. However, they soon stumble across their Yo-kai butler Whisper and Yo-Kai cat Jibanyan once again, revived their memories and their adventures resume.
Developed in the wake of the first game's rising popularity, ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' became one of the most highly anticipated releases in Japan in 2014. The games were released to positive critical reception and an overwhelmingly successful commercial response, becoming two of the [[List of best-selling Nintendo 3DS video games|best-selling games on the Nintendo 3DS]], boosted by the established popularity of the [[List of Yo-kai Watch episodes|''Yo-kai Watch'' anime series]] and various merchandising efforts. By February 2015, the games had sold 3.1 million copies. A third version of the game, {{nihongo foot|'''''Yo-kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters'''''|妖怪ウォッチ2真打|Yōkai Wotchi 2 Shin'uchi|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}, was released in Japan in December 2014, which added content not present in original versions of the game. By June 2015, the third version had sold over 2.6 million copies. The game was released in English regions as ''Psychic Specters'' on September 29, 2017.
==Gameplay== [[File:Yo-kai_Watch_2_gameplay.jpg|thumb|The battle system in ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' is almost identical to the first game, but with the new "M Skill" and "Poking" abilities.|250px]] Much like its predecessor, ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' is an [[open world]] [[role-playing video game]], where the player controls [[player character]] Nathan Adams or Katie Forester. Players navigate around the [[open world]], using the Nintendo 3DS' [[touchscreen]] to find and befriend various Yo-kai scattered across the [[overworld]]. Players can give enemy Yo-kai a food item that they like before or during battle to have a chance at befriending them after winning the battle. After the battle, any of the enemy Yo-kai may approach the player character and give them its Yo-kai Medal, allowing it to be used in the player's team. A new feature in battles is using the Yo-kai Watch Model Zero to use "G Soultimate" moves, which are more powerful Soultimate moves that consume the Soul meters of all adjacent Yo-kai. The Model Zero also allows the use of “Poking”, which uses the touch screen to find a particular sweetspot on an enemy Yo-kai to increase the likelihood of befriending it. Other sweetspots can be poked to gain extra damage, money, or [[Experience point|experience]]. Yo-kai can also be acquired through the [[Gashapon|Crank-a-kai]] by collecting in-game coins or using Play Coins. Certain Yo-kai are necessary for completing the game's main quest, and some Yo-kai can be acquired through various subquests. Some Yo-kai can evolve into more powerful versions of themselves if they reach a certain level or combine with a particular item or Yo-kai. The Yo-kai are divided amongst eight different classes called “Tribes”, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. There are also Legendary Yo-kai that can only be obtained by collecting a particular set of Yo-kai listed in the Yo-kai Medallium, a compendium of the different Yo-kai the player has encountered or befriended. When the player encounters a Yo-kai, they battle it using six previously befriended Yo-kai. The touchscreen is used during battles to rotate the player's Yo-kai in battle, clear up status effects on the player's Yo-kai, or charge up the Yo-kai's Soultimate abilities. While the original ''Yo-kai Watch'' featured nearly 250 Yo-kai, ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' features nearly 450, including several that were featured as bosses in the original game.
==Synopsis== ===Plot=== While the protagonist is sleeping, two evil Yo-kai steal the Yo-kai Watch and erase their memories of Yo-kai. The next morning, their parents argue over two donut brands: Spirit and Soul Doughnuts. The protagonist went to the Memory Shop, where they re-obtain the Yo-kai Watch and their memories, and reunites with Whisper and Jibanyan. A few days later, the protagonist goes to Springdale Elementary and discovers the [[Gashadokuro]] Yo-kai Gutsy Bones there, whom they defeat. The next day, the protagonist encounters a large cat Yo-kai Meganyan who hypnotizes them into traveling to Harrisville, where their grandmother lives. There, they encounter a dispute between two Yo-kai factions: the Bony Spirits and the Fleshy Souls. The following day, they encounter the large Yo-kai Meganyan again, who turns out to be Hovernyan, a cat flyer Yo-kai from 60 years ago who grew drastically after absorbing soul energy over time. Hovernyan tells them that their grandfather needs their help and transports them 60 years in the past using the Time Stone. Upon arriving in the past, they encounter Wicked Yo-kai as well as their grandfather's younger self. After attempting to meet with him, they come across plans he made for building the Yo-kai Watch, and it is revealed he was its creator. As the protagonist searches for pieces to build the Yo-Kai Watch Model Zero, they also find and free five Classic Yo-kai who were close to their grandparent. The protagonist later meets the evil Yo-kai duo who stole their Yo-kai Watch and memories: Kin and Gin, Wicked Yo-kai with time-manipulating abilities. After defeating Kin and Gin with help from the Classic Yo-kai, their grandfather accepts them as his "sidekick". Upon returning to the present, Jibanyan runs away following an argument with the protagonist. He encounters Kin and Gin, who make him relive his previous life as a cat named Rudy, who died after sacrificing himself to save his owner Amy from getting hit by a truck. Kin and Gin attempt to convince Jibanyan to let Amy die in his place, but he refuses and is returned to the present. Hovernyan reappears and asks the protagonist to return to the past, where a large battle is occurring between the Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls, who have been at war for centuries. The protagonist goes to the battlefield in hopes of ceasing the conflict and ends up fighting on behalf of one of the factions. Upon defeating the general of the opposing side, they are told that the war began over an argument about donut fillings. The protagonist's grandfather arrives and reveals that many of the Yo-kai on the battlefield are actually Wicked Yo-kai in disguise. Kin and Gin arrive, followed by their master, Dame Dedtime, who is the boss of the Wicked Yo-kai. Dedtime sends her servant Unfairy to attack the group, but Yo-kai generals Arachnus and Toadal Dude stop him. The protagonist learns of a Yo-kai named Master Nyada, who has the power to fight the Wicked Yo-kai. After finding him and completing his trials, Nyada gives them a hose which they use to defeat Unfairy for good, after which Arachnus and Toadal Dude call a truce. However, Wicked Yo-kai swarm Springdale as Dedtime begins remaking the future in her image and sends the protagonist to a bad future where Springdale is overrun by Wicked Yo-kai. The protagonist finds a way to return to the past and destroys the machines producing the Dedcloud, subsequently storming Dedtime's base as their grandfather and Hovernyan hold off Kin and Gin. The protagonist tries to take down Dedtime, but she is seemingly immortal as a result of Kin and Gin rewinding time. However, Hovernyan helps her grandfather to used the Yo-kai Watch Model Zero and summons his Classic Yo-kai friends, who help them defeat Kin and Gin. The protagonist battles Dedtime again and is able to defeat her. Enraged by her loss, she transforms into a more powerful form, Dame Demona, but the protagonist, his grandfather and crew defeat her, returning the past and present to normal. Afterwards, the protagonist's grandfather promises to finish the Yo-kai Watch and thanks them for everything they have done. The protagonist, Whisper, and Jibanyan then return to their own time.
===Characters=== {{main|List of Yo-kai Watch characters}}
==Development== The games were developed in the wake of the booming popularity of the ''Yo-kai Watch'' franchise in Japan. Sequels to the original ''Yo-kai Watch'' game were planned from the very beginning, including the plan to split the sequel into two versions, ''Ganso'' and ''Honke''. The decision to create two different versions of the game came about as a marketing strategy to appeal to children, and a response to the development team finding that many children and their parents were playing and sharing one copy of the game with each other, thus, two copies of a game would be a plausible resolution.<ref name="famitsu-interview">{{cite web|last1=Nakamura|first1=Toshi|title=How Yokai Watch Was Engineered To Be A Massive Hit|url=http://kotaku.com/how-yokai-watch-was-engineered-to-be-a-massive-hit-1602863085|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|date=10 July 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124152305/https://kotaku.com/how-yokai-watch-was-engineered-to-be-a-massive-hit-1602863085|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{cquote|When planning the first Yo-kai Watch, I already thought to release the sequel as 2 different versions. Children like having things that other people don't have, so from a marketing perspective, having 2 versions is a good idea. Also, a lot of people play Yo-kai Watch with their parents. Where people would have some hesitation about getting 2 copies of the same game, if you have different versions, it is a lot easier to buy both.|author=Level-5 CEO [[Akihiro Hino]], interview with ''[[Famitsu|Weekly Famitsu]]''<ref name="famitsu-interview"/>}}
==Marketing== [[File:Yo-Kai Watch 2 TVC Screenshot.jpg|thumb|right|A screenshot from the commercial for ''Yo-kai Watch 2'', depicting a crowd of people performing Yo-kai Exercise No. 1. An image of Jibanyan's face appears overhead.]] The ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' games were originally revealed in an April 2014 issue of the Japanese [[manga magazine]] ''[[CoroCoro Comic]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Corriea|first1=Alexa Ray|title=Level-5 announces Youkai Watch 2 for 3DS|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/11/5604592/level-5-youkai-watch-2-3ds-special-editions-japan|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=11 April 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208063400/http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/11/5604592/level-5-youkai-watch-2-3ds-special-editions-japan|url-status=live}}</ref> The announcement notably came shortly before Level-5 announced that the original ''Yo-kai Watch'' had surpassed a milestone of 1 million units shipped.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nintendo 3DS™ Game Yo-Kai Watch Ships Over 1 Million Units|url=http://level5ia.com/news/nintendo-3ds%E2%84%A2-game-yo-kai-watch-ships-over-1-million-units/|website=[[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]]|date=22 April 2014|access-date=11 October 2015|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017175810/http://level5ia.com/news/nintendo-3ds%e2%84%a2-game-yo-kai-watch-ships-over-1-million-units/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The game's premise and release date, along with improvements upon the original ''Yo-kai Watch'', were detailed in the game's original announcement, which also stated that both the ''Ganso'' and ''Honke'' versions of ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' would feature Jibanyan Yo-kai Medal toys exclusive to each game, each unlocking a unique Soultimate move for the Jibanyan the player befriends in the game.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=Yokai Watch 2 announced, due out in Japan on July 10|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/04/yokai-watch-2-announced-due-japan-july-10|website=Gematsu|date=11 April 2014|access-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> The games were released on July 10, 2014, both as a physical copy and as a [[Digital distribution in video games|digital download]] on the [[Nintendo eShop]]. A version of the [[Nintendo 3DS#Larger model|Nintendo 3DS XL]], featuring the series' [[mascot]] character [[List of Yo-kai Watch characters#Main characters|Jibanyan]] pictured on the front and the back of the console, was also released concurrently. However, it did not come bundled with either of the ''Yo-kai Watch'' games and was sold separately. The limited edition of the console instead came bundled with the six [[Nintendo 3DS#Augmented reality|AR cards]] and a data card featuring the Golnyan Yo-kai, which can be read by the 3DS and used in-game for ''Yo-kai Watch 2''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sato|title=Yo-Kai Watch Getting A Limited Edition 3DS XL Starring Jibanyan|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/05/19/yo-kai-watch-getting-limited-edition-3ds-xl-starring-jibanyan/|website=Siliconera|date=19 May 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208142909/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/05/19/yo-kai-watch-getting-limited-edition-3ds-xl-starring-jibanyan/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ashcraft|first1=Brian|title=Gaming that looks good inside and out|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2014/06/23/digital/gaming-looks-good-inside/#.ViO2c2vrbNJ|newspaper=[[The Japan Times]]|publisher=Nifco|date=23 June 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=November 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105194448/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2014/06/23/digital/gaming-looks-good-inside/#.ViO2c2vrbNJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike the original game, a demo was not released on the Nintendo eShop prior to the games' release, however, an exclusive [[Nintendo Direct]] presentation was broadcast on June 4, 2014, highlighting the many new features of the games.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gera|first1=Emily|title=This week's Nintendo Direct will focus on ghost taming RPG Youkai Watch 2|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/2/5863707/nintendo-direct-youkai-watch-2-july-4|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=2 July 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208043741/http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/2/5863707/nintendo-direct-youkai-watch-2-july-4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nintendo_direct/20140704/index.html|title=Yokai Watch 2 Direct 2014.7.4|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|date=4 July 2014|access-date=19 October 2015|archive-date=July 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705053254/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nintendo_direct/20140704/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
By the time ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' was released, [[List of Yo-kai Watch episodes|the anime series]], airing on the [[TX Network]] and [[TV Tokyo]] and originally created to promote the first ''Yo-kai Watch'' game, had aired over 25 episodes and had become a major contributor to the franchise's growing popularity and sales.<ref name="famitsu-interview"/> The [[Television advertisement|television commercial]] created to advertise ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' capitalised on the success of the anime series by staging a crowd performing the dance to "Yo-kai Exercise No. 1" by Dream5, the ending theme song for the television series. Under a thousand people were gathered in a shopping mall decorated with ''Yo-kai Watch'' banners and imagery to film three commercials that aired during the month of the games' release in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hannley|first1=Steve|title=Yo-Kai Watch 2 Gets TV Commercial Starring a Thousand People|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/07/04/yo-kai-watch-2-gets-tv-commercial-starring-a-thousand-people/92683/|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=4 July 2014|access-date=18 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=MacGregor|first1=Kyle|title=Level-5's latest RPG has people dancing in the streets|url=http://www.destructoid.com/level-5-s-latest-rpg-has-people-dancing-in-the-streets-278221.phtml|website=[[Destructoid]]|date=16 July 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906113206/http://www.destructoid.com/level-5-s-latest-rpg-has-people-dancing-in-the-streets-278221.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> After the successes of ''Ganso'' and ''Honke'', an additional third version of the game, ''Yo-kai Watch 2: Shinuchi'', was unveiled by Level-5 in October 2014, once again in an issue of the ''CoroCoro Comic'' magazine. Physical releases of the game included a Buchinyan Yo-kai Medal toy, which could be read as a [[QR code]] by the Nintendo 3DS system for use in-game. Digital download versions of the game include an additional "Machonyan" Yo-kai.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sato|title=Yo-Kai Watch 2 Gets A Third Version This December|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/10/10/yo-kai-watch-2-gets-third-version-december/|website=Siliconera|date=10 October 2014|access-date=18 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=Yokai Watch 2: Shinuchi announced|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/10/yokai-watch-2-shinuchi-announced|website=Gematsu|date=10 October 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=December 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204180453/http://gematsu.com/2014/10/yokai-watch-2-shinuchi-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> The game's December 2014 release coincided with the theatrical release of ''[[Yo-kai Watch: Tanjō no Himitsu da Nyan!]]'', a film based on ''Yo-kai Watch 2''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=First look at Yokai Watch 2: Shinuchi|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/10/first-look-yokai-watch-2-shinuchi|website=Gematsu|date=14 October 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113233155/http://gematsu.com/2014/10/first-look-yokai-watch-2-shinuchi|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Ganso'' and ''Honke'' were localized in English and released on September 30, 2016, in the United States as ''Bony Spirits'' and ''Fleshy Souls'', respectively;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/yo-kai_watch_2_bony_spirits_and_fleshy_souls_arrive_in_north_america_on_30th_september |title=Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits & Fleshy Souls Arrive in North America on 30th September |author=Whitehead, Thomas |date=16 May 2016 |work=Nintendo Life |access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref> ''Bony Spirits'' and ''Fleshy Souls'' subsequently were released in Australia on October 15, 2016<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/the-yo-kai-invasion-continues |title=The Yo-kai Invasion Continues! YO-KAI WATCH 2 Launches in Australia and New Zealand on October 15 |publisher=Nintendo of Australia |access-date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501150216/https://www.nintendo.com.au/the-yo-kai-invasion-continues |url-status=dead }}</ref> and in Europe on April 7, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2017/02/02/europe-gets-yo-kai-watch-2-april-7-2017/ |title=Europe Gets Yo-Kai Watch 2 On April 7, 2017 |author=Jenni |date=February 2, 2017 |work=Siliconera |access-date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501150211/https://www.siliconera.com/2017/02/02/europe-gets-yo-kai-watch-2-april-7-2017/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Shin'uchi'' was localized in English as ''Psychic Specters'' and released on September 29, 2017, simultaneously in Europe and the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2017/07/31/yo-kai-watch-2-psychic-specters-heads-westward-september-29/ |title=Yo-kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters Heads West On September 29, Here's A New Trailer |author=Sato |date=July 31, 2017 |work=Siliconera |access-date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501150214/https://www.siliconera.com/2017/07/31/yo-kai-watch-2-psychic-specters-heads-westward-september-29/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to the release of ''Psychic Specters'', the version 2.0 update for ''Bony Spirits'' and ''Fleshy Souls'' was released as the "Oni Evolution" update on September 14, 2017. "Oni Evolution" enabled the older versions to link and trade data with ''Psychic Specters''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2017/09/14/yo-kai-watch-2-oni-evolution-update-released-bony-spirits-fleshy-souls/ |title=Yo-kai Watch 2: Oni Evolution Update Released For Bony Spirits And Fleshy Souls |author=Jenni |date=September 14, 2017 |work=Siliconera |access-date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501143710/https://www.siliconera.com/2017/09/14/yo-kai-watch-2-oni-evolution-update-released-bony-spirits-fleshy-souls/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Merchandise=== Level-5 teamed up with Japanese manufacturers [[Bandai]] and [[Bandai Namco Holdings]] to create various merchandise to further promote the games. Many different lines of toys were manufactured, the most notable of which are models of the Yo-kai Watch itself, which became one of the best-selling and fastest-selling toys in Japan. The watch, which can be used interactively with separately sold Yo-kai medals, was notable for its constant sellout of stock, and difficulty in finding and obtaining. The short supply of the toy had prompted high second-hand sales of the watch through online auction sites such as [[eBay]],<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news|last1=Hawkes|first1=Rebecca|title=Yo-Kai Watch: is this the new Pokémon?|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11096334/Yo-Kai-Watch-is-this-the-new-Pokemon.html|website=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]]|date=15 September 2014|access-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> and also caused retailers such as [[Toys R Us]] to adopt a [[Raffle|raffle ticket]] system to sell the product.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ashcraft|first1=Brian|title=Buying Japan's Most Popular Toy Was Crazy Hard|url=http://kotaku.com/buying-japans-most-popular-toy-was-crazy-hard-1618115548|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|date=8 August 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111017/https://kotaku.com/buying-japans-most-popular-toy-was-crazy-hard-1618115548|url-status=live}}</ref> A partnership between Bandai and with [[fast food restaurant]] chain [[McDonald's]] also saw sets of ''[[Aikatsu!]]'' cards, featuring ''Yo-kai Watch'' characters, being included with the chain's trademark [[Happy Meal]]. The popularity of the ''Aikatsu!'' cards also caused congestion in many McDonald's restaurants across Japan.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dong|first1=Bamboo|title=Yōkai Watch Fans Flock to McDonalds For Special Happy Meal Arcade Cards|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-09-09/yokai-watch-fans-flock-to-mcdonalds-for-special-happy-meal-arcade-cards/.78546|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=10 September 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=September 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911233134/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-09-09/yokai-watch-fans-flock-to-mcdonalds-for-special-happy-meal-arcade-cards/.78546|url-status=live}}</ref> Other merchandise released in the wake of ''Yo-kai Watch 2'' include school utensils and office supplies, [[Stuffed toy|plushies]], tissues, shampoo, bicycles, and even food such as ''Yo-kai Watch'' branded cereal, bread, drinks and [[furikake]], amongst other available products.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ashcraft|first1=Brian|title=Marvel at How Yokai Watch Has Totally Overtaken Japan|url=http://kotaku.com/marvel-at-how-yokai-watch-has-totally-overtaken-japan-1638493731|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|date=24 September 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=November 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105082931/http://kotaku.com/marvel-at-how-yokai-watch-has-totally-overtaken-japan-1638493731|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Orsini|first1=Lauren|title=Parents, Prepare Your Wallets: Yokai Watch Is The New Pokémon|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenorsini/2015/06/25/parents-prepare-your-wallets-yokai-watch-is-the-new-pokemon/|website=[[Forbes]]|date=25 June 2015|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906015128/https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenorsini/2015/06/25/parents-prepare-your-wallets-yokai-watch-is-the-new-pokemon/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Bandai Namco have reported having earned ¥10 billion yen (equivalent to $93 million US dollars) off ''Yo-kai Watch'' toy lines alone, from April to September 2014.<ref name="telegraph"/> Japanese chart and statistics company [[Oricon]] named the ''Yo-kai Watch'' brand the second best selling in 2014, behind [[Disney]]'s ''[[Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Halliday|first1=Luke|title='Yokai Watch' has taken Japan by storm, the nation-wide craze breaks sales records!|url=http://snapthirty.com/2014/11/05/yokai-watch-has-taken-japan-by-storm-the-nation-wide-craze-breaks-sales-records/|website=Snap Thirty|date=5 November 2014|access-date=19 October 2015|archive-date=September 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917063720/http://snapthirty.com/2014/11/05/yokai-watch-has-taken-japan-by-storm-the-nation-wide-craze-breaks-sales-records/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Reception==
===Critical reception=== {{Video game reviews | GR = 43% recommend<ref name="GR">{{cite web|title=Yo-Kai Watch 2 Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls |url=https://opencritic.com/game/3225/yo-kai-watch-2}}</ref> <br>33% recommend(<ref>{{cite web|title=Yo-kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters |url=https://opencritic.com/game/4921/yo-kai-watch-2-psychic-specters}}</ref> | MC = (''Bony Spirits'') 72/100<ref name="MC_BS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/yo-kai-watch-2-bony-spirits/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits for 3DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=August 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251107205239/https://www.metacritic.com/game/yo-kai-watch-2-bony-spirits/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(''Fleshy Souls'') 70/100<ref name="MC_FS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/yo-kai-watch-2-fleshy-souls/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Yo-kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls for 3DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=August 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251107205243/https://www.metacritic.com/game/yo-kai-watch-2-fleshy-souls/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(''Psychic Specters'') 73/100<ref name="MC_PS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/yo-kai-watch-2-psychic-specters/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Yo-kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters for 3DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=September 29, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251107205252/https://www.metacritic.com/game/yo-kai-watch-2-psychic-specters/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |url-status=live }}</ref> | Fam = 9/10, 9/10, 9/10, 9/10<ref name=famitsu-review-1/><br />(''Psychic Specters'') 9/10, 9/10, 9/10, 9/10<ref name=famitsu-review-2/> | GSpot = 5/10 | IGN = 5.5/10 | NLife = 8.6/10<br />(''Psychic Specters'') 9/10 }}
Reviewers from the Japanese [[video game magazine]] ''[[Famitsu]]'' scored both ''Yo-kai Watch 2: Ganso'' and ''Honke'' a 36 out of 40, with all of the four judges of the review giving the game 9 out of 10; identical to ''Famitsu''{{'}}s scores for the original ''[[Yo-kai Watch (video game)|Yo-kai Watch]]''<ref name=famitsu-review-1>{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1334|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/07/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1334|website=Gematsu|date=1 July 2014|access-date=16 October 2015}}</ref> The magazine also gave the same score to ''Yo-kai Watch 2: Shinuchi'' upon its release in December 2014.<ref name=famitsu-review-2>{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1358|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1358|website=Gematsu|date=9 December 2014|access-date=16 October 2015|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422023819/http://gematsu.com/2014/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1358|url-status=live}}</ref>
Western reviews were more mixed, with critics praising the game's charm and inclusion of more Yo-kai, but criticized it for not fixing issues that were present in the original game and the padding present in the game. It currently holds a 72 for ''Bony Spirits'' and a 70 for ''Fleshy Souls'' on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC_BS" /><ref name="MC_FS" />
The reviews for ''Psychic Specters'' on the other hand were slightly more favourable, with it holding a 73 on Metacritic.<ref name="MC_PS" />
==Sequel== {{main|Yo-kai Watch 3}} The sequel to the games, also featuring a dual release with the secondary titles branding [[Yo-kai Watch 3|''Yo-kai Watch 3: Sushi'' and ''Tempura'']], were released in Japan on July 16, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nintendo-insider.com/yo-kai-watch-3-sushi-tempura-set-for-japan/ |title=Yo-kai Watch 3: Sushi & Tempura Announced in Japan |author=Seedhouse, Alex |date=April 13, 2016 |work=Nintendo Insider |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924151943/https://www.nintendo-insider.com/yo-kai-watch-3-sushi-tempura-set-for-japan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A third version of the game, branded ''Yo-kai Watch 3: Sukiyaki'', was released in Japan on December 15, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://gematsu.com/2016/10/yo-kai-watch-3-sukiyaki-debut-trailer-details |title=Yo-kai Watch 3: Sukiyaki debut trailer, details |author=Romano, Sal |date=October 15, 2016 |work=Gematsu |access-date=27 April 2019}}</ref> ''Sukiyaki'' was localized for English speakers without the secondary branding, released in PAL regions on December 7, 2018,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/07/western-yo-kai-watch-3-release-is-like-sukiyaki/ |title=Western Yo-Kai Watch 3 Release Is Like 'Sukiyaki+' |author=Jenni |date=December 7, 2018 |work=Siliconera |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427162742/https://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/07/western-yo-kai-watch-3-release-is-like-sukiyaki/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and in North America on February 8, 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/09/yo-kai_watch_3_is_finally_headed_to_europe_and_north_america_this_winter |title=Yo-Kai Watch 3 Is Finally Headed To Europe And North America This Winter |author=Craddock, Ryan |date=27 September 2018 |work=Nintendo Life |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427162739/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/09/yo-kai_watch_3_is_finally_headed_to_europe_and_north_america_this_winter |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Portal|Video games}} *{{Official website}}
{{Yo-kai Watch}} {{Level-5}} {{JGA GOTY}}
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