Holy Horror Mansion- The Case For and Against It as a "New Concept" for Yokai Watch.

Hard to believe it's been 10 years since I first talked about this, yet; here we are. As development continues on this and other Level-5 properties (even as some of them are reaching Duke Nukem Forever/Beyond Good and Evil 2 levels of development Hell), I thought I might do my full thoughts in my own way. Here is a presumptive look at Holy Horror Mansion; presenting the case for and against it as a "new concept" for Yokai Watch.

Let's start with the case for the game. Though I will touch on my concerns of their "biggest IP ever" ambitions in a bit, I'm going to do my best to be as fair as I can. The premise bears some similarity to Yokai Watch; there are factors that do have potential. As a longtime advocate of user generated content, the "Ghost Craft" mechanic intrigues me the most.

On a wider level, the concept of exploring haunted locales is a sound one. From Luigi's Mansion to Resident Evil to even Fatal Frame; the means for doing so in games is endless. The idea that even a lavish high rise can be a vessel for horror is sound. If they pull this off, I think the game could succeed.

Of course, there are admittedly far more factors working against the game. Though there is an obvious flaw that has been addressed before and we shall touch on again in a moment; I thought I would address other major factors working against the game first.

So, here's the issue that's become an increasing problem over the past decade: Level-5 having numerous failed attempts to appeal to audiences in the West. Though it certainly isn't impossible for a developer to grow its audience over time (with both Atlus and RGG Studio having great success this way), Level-5 has continually tried to bypass this step and jump right to the instant success part. 

However, Level-5 has continually misunderstood the market they're aiming at. Personally, trying to homogenize the Japanese elements into something more broad was a major issue I took with the EN localization of Yo-Kai Watch; and attempting to double down on that broad "creepy and kooky" design is my main concern. To me, the Level-5 titles that appealed most to me as a Westerner were the ones that just made an interesting game and went from there. My personal favorites, the Ni No Kuni games; are functionally playable Studio Ghibli films (they were even directly involved with the first game and heavily influenced the second). The Professor Layton franchise (which itself is finally getting a new game) combined mystery adventuring with unique puzzles to great effect. I've also heard good things about Rogue Galaxy and the Dark Cloud games, might check those out on my PS Plus sometime.

On the other side of the coin, their obsession with trying to make all their games part of some transmedia franchise has honestly done more harm than good to their brand than anything. Inazuma Eleven is in a "make or break" moment with their newest main game. Maybe DECA Police will work, maybe it won't (have a liking for detective games and stories lately). Dragon Quest was never fully theirs in the first place. Megaton Musashi is still around for now, but who knows how long that will last. The Snack World tried to cash in on the success of Adventure Time; but apart from competition and the pandemic, it largely failed because Adventure Time itself had long since evolved past focusing on wacky catchphrases and shenanigans. Honestly hope Ushiro can work since it's being revived.

Yet, even with the developer rarely achieving more than cult status; they remain persistent in trying to give the West the "next big thing." Still, the game itself has hurdles to clear outside corporate drama. As has been mentioned before, the usage of AI art assets didn't sit well with their existing fanbase or detractors of these apps. I still maintain that if I am to pick up the game, these assets need to be gone.

Outside that blotch on the record (one of several that have tarnished Level-5's once-sterling reputation), there's also significant challenges for the game itself to succeed. Each passing year, it gets tougher to break through in an increasingly competitive market. Even with others trying to spin the game's concept as "managed risk," I would like to point out that aspect of the company has had a less-than-stellar track record in that area. To be more brutally honest, Level-5 hasn't been right about how to appeal to Westerners in the last 10 years. As previously mentioned, the fatal flaw has been trying to brute force their way in rather than building a relationship with their potential audience. Though early releases from Yakuza and Shin Megami Tensei as well as their respective spinoff titles didn't do gangbusters; they had enough of a cult following overseas and at home to grow more popular. This, combined with uniformly positive critical reception helped both RGG and Atlus grow both franchises over time. It's their obsession with multimedia franchises over the last decade or so that's been a problem, which should make a decent transition to my next point.

Talking about this company for a full decade as of this writing, it isn't just Yo-Kai Watch that Holy Horror Mansion has to prove itself for as a "new concept." In their increasing obsession with franchising their games, they've alienated a sizable chunk of their core audience and embraced a whole Jeopardy category's worth of industry pitfalls they once stayed out of. Aside from the AI art assets, there's been cryptocurrency-laden mobile spinoffs; loot box gacha mechanics and multiple (imitates Jimquisition) "live services" out the backdoor. That last one has been in rather critical condition lately. So, there's an uphill battle on this front especially.

Courtesy: Level-5

With all that in mind, it still remains to be seen how Holy Horror Mansion will fare as a "new concept" for Yokai Watch. Looking back a full decade, it's honestly staggering how it's gone from being a phenomenon to a footnote in pop culture history. Though I would not have said all the things I did if I had known what would transpire since then, I still am not a huge fan of the anime and have no need to address any of the subsequent adaptations. Nor do I need to address nameless parties who only see that and Attack on Titan as the only two series worth mentioning even as the latter is more or less over.

I can only imagine their reaction of the two crossing over in the PuniPuni puzzle mobile game spinoff.

That aside, it's inherently clear that there is lots of pressure for this to work; let alone succeed. Level-5 has also had issues with their other titles, with Keiji Inafune having quit the company in midst of the new Fantasy Life experiencing issues. He was brought on after the company bought out Comcept, but I have to wonder if their business practices spread to Level-5. 

All the same, I do not think that this plan to make this their biggest ever is a good idea. Trying to sell the predecessor as the next big thing didn't work out. Trying to sell this as the biggest ever before it even ships will make anything less a disappointment. I know people in this business aren't known for having realistic expectations (especially nowadays); but that doesn't sound like a good idea. Level-5 has also had a major problem getting things released in recent years; which suggests there are problems with scope, staffing and resource management.

Given how volatile the market has been in recent years (to say nothing of outside factors); I am seriously concerned for the company's future. Every scenario from being bought out by someone else to financial ruin is now on the table. I know the former scenario would potentially mean ceding creative control to someone else; but that would be minuscule compared to the loss of the studio itself.

I may have argued in years' past that Yokai Watch was beyond saving; but I don't think Level-5 as a whole is. In the off chance someone from the company sees this, I believe they should not try to shotgun Holy Horror Mansion into the next big thing. Just release it "when it's done," and let people make their own judgment. Also, get rid of the AI assets in the final game- obvious ethical landmines aside; results of integrating the generative tech into games have been decidedly mixed. Every potential decent use has been outnumbered by people treating glorified open beta tests as official launches, like that time they tried to charge $700 for a juicer.

Here is the overall bottom line- while I am not against the idea of Holy Horror Mansion as a "new concept" for Yokai Watch; I am concerned about how the game is being framed and what impact the game will have on Level-5 as a company, generative AI elements notwithstanding. Depending on what developments come next, I will likely address the game further as more details are revealed. As for the rest of Level-5, they've let slip there might be more delays. I do kind of understand making PS4 SKUs for their games as the console has been quite resilient nearly five years after the PS5 launched, but it's getting stuff out at all that's a concern I and others have at this stage. That will be all for now, and I will see you in April- take care.

Pokémon Horizons- Two Years Later

(Note: This has been written before the debut of the most recent episodes in Japan, and any potential leaks will not be addressed unless necessary for educational purposes only.)

Hey everyone- since today marks two years since the debut of Pokémon Horizons; I thought I would check in with it again to see where it stands as the latest story arc is winding down and to see what might be next.

From left- Perrin and Hisuian Growlithe, Briar, Carmine and Sinistcha.

As usual, let’s start with what works first. The animation and battles are highlights, and Rayquaza Rising is no exception. I especially like how the encounter with Kleavor remixed the boss warden battle from Legends Arceus. Even with the deviations from the games (which I will mention in a bit); the inclusion of Perrin from the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is welcome. This last one is just a personal deal, but they’ve thankfully mostly relegated Liko’s inner monologues to the “previously on” recaps.

That’s not to say that I don’t still have concerns about what lies ahead. I’ve argued before if HZ hasn’t sold you by now; it’s unlikely it ever will. Neglecting the recent information that’s been buzzing around; I still can’t compliment anything about this anime without bringing up significant caveats. For every character that’s well-represented like Briar, there’s others like Carmine who lack the qualities in the games that made them so memorable. It’s not even clear whether or not the events of the DLC chapters took place; as her brother Kieran isn’t shown or even mentioned by her. I wouldn't be against a storyline at Blueberry Academy that features him, but I’m not holding my breath for it. At this point, I just would prefer if they wrapped it up soon; since continuing this past Generation IX isn’t really feasible.

As for what will happen after this arc is over, I cannot say for certain. Supposed leaks aside, I honestly hope what I’m hearing about the Generation X anime going back to basics is true. It is feasible we’ll get a web OVA for Legends Z-A; but beyond that, I just haven’t been able to step away from seeing HZ as a flawed (if necessary) experiment. 

Though a time skip personally wouldn’t solve my issues with the show (if anything, I can see just as many issues of its own arising); “Pokémon Horizons” has cleared many hurdles even if there are more lying ahead. Depending on the outcome of the finale, I have no plans to cover the current arc or the next before they release in the EN dub. That is all for now, take care.

Further thoughts on Pokémon Legends Z-A (Switch).

I know it hasn't been long since the Pokémon Presents, but the update on information was honestly so exciting for me I just had to keep going. So, here are further thoughts on the upcoming Pokémon Legends Z-A.

I'm mainly going to be addressing details I didn't before, though I will expand upon ones I have when relevant. For the sake of argument, I will lead with the new active battle system. This is one of the aspects that intrigues me the most, as it both builds on what was done in Legends Arceus and takes influence from other titles in the space. I'm especially noticing the influence of the SMT/Persona games, which I am pleased to see.

Though I will have to think about which starter I will choose, it's been confirmed that over 126 monsters from previous games will be returning to the game. I still maintain that I am eager to see how the "Wild Zones" and traversal apply to the city.

While story details remain scarce at this stage, something tells me Quasartico might have more going on with the "redevelopment program" for Lumiose City than they're letting on. It will be interesting to see how Jett and Vinnie fare as antagonists if that's what ends up happening. 

As for how the game relates to the upcoming Switch 2, I imagine it should work fine as it was announced to be for the "Switch family." Plus, the developers have a long history of making the most out of existing hardware before moving onto the next console. I personally don't plan on doing a full upgrade to a Switch 2 till Generation X releases, whenever that will be.

I will be following the development of this game and bring you any new information as it becomes available. Though there is currently no release date beyond later this year, I do intend to place my preorder from the Pokémon Center website once I have a concrete release date (as it will likely be after moving). That is all for now, take care.

#PokémonPresents 2/27/25 Reaction+ Thoughts.

Hello everyone- we’ve made it through another month; and with that, a new Pokémon Presents to mark 29 years of the franchise and what’s next. Here are my thoughts on what’s been revealed. Both Tsunekazu Ishihara and Takato Utsonomiya are presiding, so let’s begin.

Courtesy: The Pokémon Company

The presentation leads off with the second season of the hit stop-motion series “Pokémon Concierge,” which is coming to Netflix this September. As someone who enjoyed the first season, I am looking forward to going back to this resort.

The Pokémon Go Unova Tour is slated for the weekend of March 1, I am currently enjoying the preview events. There are also new events for both Pokémon Masters EX and Pokémon Cafe Remix, currently in progress. The Pokémon Sleep app will have a Cresselia VS Darkrai event coming soon, on top of the ongoing bonus event. I accidentally pushed the wrong button the morning of the stream, but I got the bonus anyway.

Pokémon UNITE is also introducing an array of new playable characters. The first, Suicune will be live on March 1. The second, Alolan Raichu will be live in April. The third, Alcremie, will be introduced later this year. All the current roster is now free to try for a limited time.

On top of the trading card game introducing a new Mega EX expansion, there’s a new update to the TCG Pocket mobile game. I have not played the latter yet, but I likely will when I next upgrade my device.

There are also a handful of events ongoing in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet; which have vastly improved since launch. On top of mass outbreaks of red, green and blue monsters (commemorating the original JP games); there are codes for Rotom Phone cases of the Scarlet Book in Scarlet (SB00KC0VER) and Violet Book in Violet (VB00KC0VER), respectively.

One pleasant reveal is an upcoming competitive game that acts as a spiritual successor to Pokémon Stadium, Colosseum and Battle Revolution. The game, entitled Pokémon Champions, is being developed by The Pokémon Works under supervision from Game Freak; is being developed for iOS, Android and the “Nintendo Switch family” (which implies the newly-revealed Switch 2 without directly addressing it, suppose we’ll know more in April).

Now comes the part myself and others were waiting for the most- more details on Pokémon Legends Z-A. On top of the leaked starters being accurate (contemplating Tepig or Totodile), I really love the new avatar designs and the traversal having aspects of parkour. A series of “Wild Zones” are how catching monsters outside the main hub of Lumiose City will work. I also appreciate the return of AZ and his Floette (as hotel owners, no less); and the new companions of Urbain and Taunee. I do have to wonder what the true motives of Jett and her partner Vinnie are though. The release window is in late 2025, and I plan to preorder the game once I have a more concrete release date. That is all for now, and I will see you all in March- take care.

Honest Thoughts- Pokémon Horizons Doesn't Need a Movie, The Anime Needs a Reboot.

Hey everyone- with Pokémon Horizons winding down its most recent storyline, I thought it would be a good time to talk about what comes next. Though the cast has expressed interest in a movie; I’m not certain about that for a couple reasons. The first is how the movies have been on hiatus since 2021; and the second is how the “Tera Leak” is suggesting the next one will be another reboot. More to the point, I thought that would be a good time to see how such an idea would fare in an age where anything is open to the concept at any time. Here is why I don't think Pokémon Horizons needs a movie; and instead, the TV anime could use a reboot.

Let’s start with the aforementioned hiatus the movies have been on for a few years. Though Pokémon Secrets of the Jungle (known as Pokémon Coco in Japan) was well-received; it ultimately underperformed financially in its homestead as a result of two major factors- the pandemic, and the juggernaut success of “Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Train.” It even surpassed Makoto Shinkai’s “Your Name” as the most successful Japanese language film ever. The “I Choose You” timeline as a whole was personally a more effective attempt at a character-driven story than HZ; and if/when Project Bauer (codename for the movie reboot) comes to fruition, something along those lines can be done to adapt the games.

This brings me to my next point- the source material. Though the discourse over both this anime and Journeys is ongoing; there is one constant between them. Whenever it adapts the source material, people tend to appreciate the story more than when it deviates from it. 

More than that, though there isn't anything inherently wrong with the story of Horizons; a sizable amount of the audience (Hello.) couldn’t really get into it. For every viewer that sees the “mystery box” as a benefit; there are others that see it as a detriment to the plot (Hello again.). That, and it’s not clear whether the movie would be a side story or canon to HZ. There’s also the fact that so many narrative threads that are reaching their end; especially the central storyline. Realistically, there’s a question about where the anime could even go after this last arc concludes; if anywhere.

With the “Tera Leak” informally confirming that HZ is in the same continuity of the previous anime; there has been persistent talk about how they might formally confirm it. I suppose if I did pitch a movie about HZ, it would be something of a “crisis crossover” to celebrate the vast legacy of the franchise.

Courtesy: The Pokémon Company/ShoPro/TV Tokyo

Barring that, I am very much open to the idea of rebooting the TV series. There are actually plenty of great animated reboots that not only honored their source material; but vastly improved on it. Even I, someone who still watches and enjoys the legacy seasons would love to see what could be done with modern animation techniques. I would keep what worked about previous seasons and leave the rest to tell the story, but that’s just me. One last thing- I would definitely not be above embracing the more out there elements of the source material; something that has been done with multiple recent video game adaptations to great effect.

 

The success of Dragon Ball Daima has proven that you can reimagine a beloved story while still retaining what made it memorable at the start; it is possible. 

In a time where many anime reboots can honor and even surpass their seniors; I think the time is certainly right to reboot this one. I will see you all after the Pokémon Presents, take care. 

Pokémon Horizons' Terastal Debut- The Most Conflicted I've Ever Felt about HZ.

Hello everyone- with this storyline entering the EN dub (a full review will follow once all its episodes are online); I thought it would be aa good idea to address this arc. Though it did do a lot to improve on the issues I had with the previous storylines; there are other areas that could still use improvement. Here are my thoughts on Pokémon Horizons’ Terastal Debut; and why it’s the most conflicted I’ve ever felt about this anime so far.

Let’s start with what works and what’s improved, as usual. The animation is still the strongest aspect; and though others have denied this, the “Tera Leak” suggests that a pivot did happen from their plans to an extent. 

I actually was in favor of using this storyline as a soft reset that not only brought in more aspects from the games; but it also seemed designed to take a sledgehammer to each issue I had with the new leads. Dot viewing social interaction as a waste of time? Iono being paired for one of her challenges had no choice but to crack that barrier open like an egg. Roy acting impulsive and rushing headfirst into scenarios without a plan? Ryme is able to easily read this line of attack and causes him to reevaluate why he’s on his adventure. Liko being hesitant to engage with others, especially in battle? Both mentors and enemies are not exercising restraint with her, which becomes a catalyst for the rest of the story thus far. I also appreciate the inclusion of Nemona; and Penny.

That’s not to say that I still don’t have issues with the story. Call me crazy, but I’m not among those who thinks HZ “fixed” the issues, real or perceived with the previous seasons (JN in particular). I’m among those who maintain they were exacerbated; or at least, manifested in different ways. The short reason is this- a child viewer likely won't care for boring dealings at Friede’s former workplace; and a viewer my age likely won’t be amused by scenes involving a Varoom absconding with a Nidorina costume. The longer reason starts with this- even kids can tell when a story isn’t like its source material; and there are older viewers like me who are not above overlooking Horizons’ flaws.

I mean, it’s odd that this anime still insists on using fan-favorite aspects from the games in such a perfunctory way (Arven not having any lines, the box legendaries of SV being conspicuous by their absence so far) and changing others in ways that didn’t need to be (Grusha being among the most divisive). I will touch on this further in a full review as well as when Rayquaza Rising concludes; but in lots of ways, this anime is doing a bigger disservice to Generation IX than its predecessor did to Generation VIII. I can’t say I’m entirely surprised about plans to wrap it up and go back to basics for the next anime. I will address that idea at a later date in the year; but for now, I think it’s unlikely that HZ will get a movie and more likely that the anime as a whole will get a reboot (like James Gunn is doing with Superman and the DCU).

You might also be wondering why I’m not mentioning ratings in regards to this storyline. It turns out that they actually stopped reporting the numbers nearly a year ago. I know there’s the whole transition to digital streaming; but the HZ anime hasn’t cracked the top 10 list on Netflix in ages. There’s only so much blame to affix to their staggered release schedule, as I did theorize (correctly) that people would direct their attention elsewhere if things continued this way. Other reimagined stories on Netflix alone that have gotten the audience HZ was targeting include originals such as Sonic Prime and Jurassic World: Chaos Theory as well as getting recent hits such as Tales of the TMNT and Star Trek Prodigy.

One last thing to mention is this- despite the creative license taken; this storyline is honestly the adaptation of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that HZ should have been from the start. That has honestly been the bigger adjustment than the changes in “anchor” characters and story structure. The success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has proven that giving people what they want does have its advantages.

Overall, the “Terastal Debut” storyline demonstrates my overall feelings towards Pokémon Horizons- there are elements that really work; but many others that keep it from reaching its full potential. I am not certain whether the next anime will bring back “you know who” or just adapt the games directly (either of which I would support); but I personally don’t see the HZ model being duplicated for future iterations come Generation X. That is all for now, and I’m back to my 33rd birthday week.