The Curious Case of Modern Level-5: The Good, The Bad and the AI

(Disclaimer- Do not contact anyone mentioned in this post or send them harassing messages, and keep any potential comments constructive. Thank you.)

Hello everyone- it’s been a while. Been busy lately with life, health and the new Wolverine game. Rest assured, there is plenty to address here, so let’s get to it.

Earlier this month, during the fall Nintendo Direct; a myriad of games were announced. Among them (my top picks are Metroid Ravenous, Kirby and the World Beyond, a native port of GOTG Encore, Switch 2 editions for Pikmin 4 and Hyrule Warriors; and especially the Ocarina of Time remake as the centerpiece of the Zelda Direct), there were updates from Level-5. While the announcements in question were initially well-received, the further details from their own Level-5 Vision soured fans’ mood considerably. Now that some time has passed, I thought I would go over it all from my perspective. Here is a look at the curious case of modern Level-5.

It started innocuous enough, with the update on Professor Layton and the New World of Steam being largely well-received ahead of its winter release. Moreover, the announcement that followed was an even bigger surprise- though some were not sure, the choice they went with at least made basic sense. It was a full remake of Yo-kai Watch 2 on Switch 2; which will also see release on PS5 and PC via Steam. This version will contain aspects from all previous releases alongside a host of new content. The Japanese name for this version is “Hado,” meaning “new and shiny.” The wordplay was even worked into the English name, “Haunted Domain.” For the sake of argument, and since it is going to be in HD, I’m going to call it Yo-Kai Watch 2 HD from this point onward.

Though the news was received fairly positively at first, it didn’t take long for people to wonder if it was too good to be true. Sure enough, the Level-5 Vision that followed made this a classic “monkey’s paw” wish. Though the presentation was given the title “Dreams,” as I segue into this portion, it turned into more of a PR nightmare. 

DLSS5 On (Left), DLSS5 Off (Right)

On top of more details about the titles I just mentioned, the presentation featured updates related to the upcoming DECA Police and Holy Horror Mansion; both games I think have potential. There are even remakes of both Snack World and the original Professor Layton and a new Inazumua Eleven game coming. Still, the overall enthusiasm was dampened by the flagrant use of AI generated content; with an avatar of Akihiro Hino being the most egregious. 

One of Hino’s aims is to reportedly offset the time to develop each title. However, the increased complexity of modern hardware; combined with several games facing delays (with some not having release dates at all) don’t support that conclusion.

Not exactly the words that come to mind based on the reception so far.

After facing criticism for the decision (this being the latest in a number of AI experiments for the company), they attempted to address the matter with the following statement on their X/Twitter account.

Courtesy: Level-5/Akihiro Hino

Though the tweet did attempt to explain and apologize for the situation, the deflective wording used did not endear Hino to many. Even in Japan, which has a less visible amount of detractors of AI than in the West; it was the subject of further criticism and ridicule. Even with the assurances given (and the games’ releasing on Steam requiring them to disclose the usage and percentage of AI), fans would not back down. As it became clear that the issue would not go away (hardly the first video game company this year to face heat for unpopular decisions), Hino issued a second statement that was posted on their website and social feeds. 

Courtesy: Level-5

Despite the issue continuing to cast a shadow over everything Level-5 is currently working on; this statement was at least better-received. While Hino has been relatively open about his desire to get into AI agents, the affair has become the latest and most prominent blemish on Level-5’s reputation. I still think that both DECA Police and Holy Horror Mansion look interesting, but this response to the presentation has made me reluctant to pick up anything from them at launch. Given how this company was once seen as a bastion of quality, it’s highly disheartening to see that sold out for a few data tokens. 

If they can keep their usage out of the final games (those involved in the upcoming Crazy Taxi revival have maintained it was only used in early concepts), then it might be possible to turn things around. All the same, I will always prefer the imperfections of a human touch over the plastic sheen of a chat prompt. Having something that I can enjoy despite a subjective flaw is a far greater value to me than having ChatGPT trying to objectively pander to my desires. Consequently, I have no personal ill will towards Hino or any of the developers at Level-5; and if their upcoming games do find success as anime cross-media brands, I will be sure to let you know. That is all for now. Happy Autumnal equinox to those observing, take care.

Pokémon XP+ World Championship Animation Reveals and More.

Here we are- another August and another gathering of fans come and gone. With the next year’s gathering taking place next year in Singapore; I thought I would address a couple of reveals from this year’s Pokémon World Championships and Pokémon XP. Both are intriguing to me, and even as I am trying to get more done; my fandom makes me duty-bound to address them. Plus, I also have something else to share afterwards; so let’s begin.

Let’s start with the biggest surprise- after a hiatus of roughly six or seven years; a new Pokémon anime film is set to debut in 2027. Moreover, the rumors I heard circulating about being based on the bestselling trading card game were true: the project is called Pokémon Wildcard! 

Courtesy: The Pokémon Company/Cloverworks

Honestly a fitting title, and though I am unfamiliar with the output of Cloverworks, I have heard good things about their work and the crew assigned to the movie. While I do not know what to expect from the as of yet unnamed lead, I do like him having Mimikyu as a partner and the design of his sweater. Best of all, I am glad they’re clearly establishing this as a new branch in this fictional universe.

On that subject, we have updates on The Misadventures of Pichu and Sirfetch’d from Aardman Animation (Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, et al). On top of the stop-motion being as expressive as ever (can totally see why Pichu and his teeth are getting memed); it has also been announced that alongside a host of legacy content that the show will air on both Disney XD and stream on Disney Plus when it debuts in 2027 (adding yet another one of my hyperfixations to the app).

Courtesy: The Pokémon Company/Aardman/Buena Vista

Now comes the part where I once again will be taking a small break in the beginning of September. As you may have guessed, that means I will not be able to make my planned goal for reviewing HZ arcs from Terastal Debut onwards. I will be instead finishing the review and putting it out at a later date that has yet to be determined. This also applies to everything else I’ve had in my backlog a while. That is all for now, take care.

PS: Go see Coyote VS Acme, it really is that good.

Pokémon Pokopia- Bubbly Basin (Switch 2) Thoughts

Hey everyone- now that it’s live and I’ve been playing it for the last few days; I give you my thoughts on the Bubbly Basin expansion for the highly-acclaimed Switch 2 bestseller Pokémon Pokopia.

Courtesy: The Pokémon Company/Koei Tecmo

In order to start this chapter, you will need to have progressed to the Bleak Beach area and learned how to Surf from Lapras. From there, you will learn how to use Dive after feeding Manaphy what they requested. After that, your underwater journey begins.

As someone who has logged well over 300 hours into the base game, this first chapter is a strong addition to the world of one of the franchise’s best titles and one of the games I’ve engaged with most on the Switch 2 (along with Z-A and Mario Kart World- also really enjoying Splatoon Raiders so far). A whole slew of new Pokémon and treasures are just waiting to be found. Moreover, with a wide range of cosmetics to unlock and underwater habitats to build, it’s something I can spend lots of time with in the days ahead.

Visually, this expansion is a lush aquatic paradise. The color scheme is pleasant without being overbearing; and I once again appreciate the simple graphical joy of seeing Totodile jump excitedly in an ever-increasing push towards realism. The music introduced in this chapter is another delight- I will have to see where I can find that arrangement of the Cerulean City music.

If you have played the base game as much as I have, this expansion is already paying for itself. I eagerly look forward to what the next two chapters contain (the second will be live later this year, the third will release in early 2027). With this, I will be visiting my father in California from August 14 to August 24; and I will be back with you all after that. Take care. 

PS- Go see Spider-Man: Brand New Day if you haven't already, it really is that good.

Star Wars Visions Presents: The Ninth Jedi (2026) Thoughts

Have to say- I was expecting a third episode; but a whole spinoff about this story is even better. Now that all eight episodes are live on Disney Plus, I give you all my thoughts on Star Wars Visions Presents- The Ninth Jedi!

Courtesy: Lucasfilm Limited/Production IG

One of my favorite aspects of the saga has been its ability to re-imagine concepts across decades of fiction; and this is no exception. The journey that Kara takes to not only master the Force but also reconcile her own past does have echoes of what came before; yet still presented in unique and interesting ways. I especially enjoy the concept of the silver lightsaber blade color being the latest idea from the old “Legends” EU to be brought into the new canon (the setting being a millennium after the events of The Rise of Skywalker does allow for plenty of flexibility there). I won’t say how, but it does fit what I read about the meanings of different lightsaber blade colors.

The animation from Production IG is quite impressive. I can tell that the cast and crew that Kenji Kamiyama assembled have immense love for the material and are more than equipped to tell their own take on the story. I also enjoy how the show, much like other animated spinoffs before it still treats their audience with respect no matter their age. Think works such as the Avatar-verse or the ‘90s Batman animated series and you aren’t far off in terms of tone and presentation. Though it does have some convenient plot points early on, it really takes off in the second half; so stick with it.

As the saga is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year in 2027, I heartily recommend this anime to fans of all ages; and I look forward to what comes next from the Visions banner. That is all for now. May the Force be with you all.

Pokémon Horizons: Wonder Voyage (JP) First Impressions+ More

Hey everyone- I did say I would be back in early August; so here’s something to ease back into writing. It’s also one of a few things I’m prepping before I see my father later this month. So, now that I have seen the first eight episodes of this arc; here are my first impressions on Pokémon Horizons’ “Wonder Voyage.” I will also include a few tidbits of other future plans, so let’s begin.

Though my main concern was obviously trying to prolong this anime’s run another year to deal with Generation X releasing in 2027 (as it’s quite clear the finale to Rise Again played a lot like the intended ending of HZ), it’s actually a decent if unremarkable diversion in all fairness. Have heard a number of fans comparing it to Orange Islands and DA, though at least in those cases we had a clearer idea of how the show connected to the video games they helped promote.

On that subject, while I do like the idea of a 1-hour Pokopia special (Have logged over 300 hours into the game and opted into the expansion- tell you more about it after Bubbly Basin is live); the inclusion of aspects from other spinoffs has been a mixed bag personally. Same with the main games- Honestly would have preferred giving Z-A and UNITE their own OVA events as opposed to sticking them into HZ. The animation is fine for the most part, but there were moments where I think there were fewer slideshows in the Indigo Plateau.

With that in mind, as the Indigo League is debuting on Disney Plus and returning to Disney XD this week; debate continues about what will be done for the inevitable anime based on Winds and Waves. Out of the recurring proposals (return of legacy characters, more straightforward storytelling, an outright hard reboot), the idea of the HZ cast returning is less likely with each passing day. Especially in regards to Navi- Hot take, but I actually don’t think she’ll be back for Generation X. The character and her VA seem nice enough, but she’s also in high demand for both voiceovers and her singing career. That, and there’s been a few gaps in episode scheduling (why I finally decided to start this arc and address it now).

As for myself- I remain interested in continuing to write; even though I concede I will likely be taking another shift in direction come September. Remnants of what came before shall remain (as they often do), but I will try to shake things up the best I can even as my main hyper fixations haven’t changed too much over time. That will be all for now, and I will see you all again soon. Take care.

Hiatus Announcement 7/26/26.

As of this posting, I am putting my blog on a brief hiatus-  I will resume posting in early August. Anyone who needs me until then, my PSN is SteveBandicot92 and my Switch 2 FC is  SW-0778-0744-8100. That will be all for now.

Check-in + Update 7-19-26.

Hey everyone- been busy with life and recovery from being sick late last month; not to mention the heatwave and Pokopia. Rest assured, I am still working on a few projects I've been meaning to for a while- just need a bit longer to finish them.

I did finally finish season 2 of Dan Da Dan, and I will do a write-up on that as it gets closer to Halloween. Season 3 coming next year also will give me time to reread the manga (looking forward to seeing Okarun's "World Cup Game Ball" animated especially). Finally starting Whole Cake Island in One Piece. Also looking forward to more Sakamoto Days and Cyberpunk Edgerunners (on my second 2077 playthrough on the "corpo" lifepath with the free PS5 upgrade- and thank CDPR for being pro-physical).

Regarding my full review of the next arc of Horizons,  the outline for the "Terastal Debut" is complete. I will do my best to get that out before long, as I will need to resume watching the EN dub for "Rayquaza Rising" onwards. I also will not be accepting spoilers for the ongoing "Wonder Voyage" arc for the foreseeable future. I will consider doing a retro review on Fire Red and Leaf Green in the near future; and there have been cryptic hints about the fan favorite Pokémon Colosseum coming to Gamecube Classics on Switch 2 soon as well.

I will keep you informed of anything else as I can. I hope you all have been keeping hydrated, and I will see you all again soon- take care.

PS: Go see The Odyssey, it really is that good.