Starfield

In the sprawling world of video games, it's hard to imagine two titles as distinct as Yokai Watch and the highly anticipated Starfield, developed by Bethesda Game Studios. At first glance, the idea of comparing a children-oriented game featuring quirky spirits based on Japanese folklore to a next-generation, open-world, space RPG might seem like comparing apples and oranges. Yet, despite their overt differences, these two titles share some surprisingly similar themes and gameplay mechanics. For the purpose of this article, we'll delve into various elements such as story-telling, exploration, customization, and combat. Let's take this unique journey together, shall we? And for those seeking in-depth information about Bethesda's upcoming title, don't forget to check out the Starfield Wiki.

Introduction

Yokai Watch and the upcoming sci-fi RPG Starfield may not seem like similar games at first glance. But a deeper look shows they both share a focus on collecting mysterious creatures and exploring expansive, open worlds. This article will compare and contrast these two monster-collecting RPG franchises.

Overview of Yokai Watch

Yokai Watch is a lighthearted monster-collecting RPG developed by Level-5. Players take on the role of a child who obtains a mystical watch enabling them to see and befriend Yokai - supernatural folklore creatures from Japan. The games feature large regions like Springdale and Harrisville to explore. Players can recruit over 500 unique Yokai by battling them, with leveling up your creatures being a core part of gameplay.

Overview of Starfield

As described on the Starfield Wiki, Starfield is a gritty, realistic sci-fi RPG in development by Bethesda Game Studios. Players will voyage across over 1,000 planets and freely explore space while discovering alien lifeforms. You can customize your character and recruit companions. Key gameplay involves space combat and ship customization.

Shared Focus on Collecting Creatures

While Yokai Watch features befriending folklore creatures and Starfield has players discovering realistic aliens, both games emphasize collecting all the unique beings in their worlds. Learning about their behaviors and abilities seems central to the experience. Fans who enjoy discovering and collecting new creatures will find appeal in both franchises.

Different Settings and Tones

However, Starfield is set in a serious, futuristic sci-fi universe while Yokai Watch takes place in a whimsical, fantastical version of the real world. Their tones, aesthetics, and settings are very different. Yokai Watch exudes lightheartedness and humor while Starfield promises gritty realism.

Contrasting Gameplay Approaches

Additionally, the real-time combat of Starfield is more action-oriented compared to the turn-based battles of Yokai Watch. Starfield also offers more customization options for developing your character. The franchises have markedly different gameplay despite their shared creature collecting elements.

Story-telling: Your Own Narrative

One of the most captivating aspects of Yokai Watch is the story it weaves around its young characters and the eponymous Yokai creatures. While seemingly aimed at a younger audience, the plot has enough depth to engage players of all ages.

In contrast, Starfield aims to captivate audiences with its grand narrative based in the year 2330, involving humanity's expansion beyond the solar system. As per its official description, in Starfield "the most important story is the one you tell with your character." This puts a strong emphasis on player agency, akin to how choices in Yokai Watch affect the storyline, although likely in a much more expansive way.

Exploration: Boundaries and Beyond

Yokai Watch offers a lush, suburban Japanese town for players to explore, filled with secrets, collectibles, and of course, Yokai to befriend. It's a limited but rich world.

Starfield, on the other hand, is taking exploration to an astronomical level. The game boasts more than 1000 planets to venture through, each with its own cities, bases, and landscapes. This sense of scale is certainly one of Starfield's most ambitious features and makes Yokai Watch's world look small in comparison.

Customization: Personal Touch

Both Yokai Watch and Starfield allow a degree of customization. In Yokai Watch, players can collect different kinds of Yokai and customize their watch to suit their combat preferences. Starfield seems to offer an even deeper level of customization, letting players modify their ship's systems, including weapons and shields, as well as allowing them to choose their character's background and traits.

Combat: More Than Meets the Eye

Yokai Watch employs a unique combat system that is both turn-based and real-time, requiring players to engage in mini-games to maximize their Yokai's abilities. Starfield promises a "refined combat system" with various weapons and modifications. The game also introduces combat in zero-G environments, adding a new layer of complexity and chaos.