Yo-Kai Watch (3DS)

I was surprised by how much personality the Yo-kai have—some are genuinely funny to watch. The battle system feels fresh, and recruiting new spirits never gets old. Definitely my most-played 3DS game in months.

The way you can befriend over 600 different Yo-kai by just hanging out and giving them their favorite snacks keeps me coming back for more. It's surprisingly deep for a kids' game, and the quests never feel like a chore.

The "befriending" mechanic where you give Yo-kai their favorite food is surprisingly deep and fun. I’ve spent hours just trying to recruit the cute little fire spirit, and it feels so rewarding when you finally get one. This game is a perfect mix of collecting and exploring.