Navinosuke: The Yo-kai Buster
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About Navinosuke: The Yo-kai Buster
Navinosuke is a 2D pixel art RPG developed by Kohachi Studio, released on Nintendo Switch in March 2026. Set in ancient Japan, it follows Navinosuke, an onmyoji apprentice battling over 150 yokai using turn-based battles and a shikigami system. The game is a resurrected project originally abandoned 20 years prior, rebuilt with modern polish while retaining its retro aesthetic. Players explore a whimsical fantasy world filled with strategy-driven encounters, blending tactical planning with elemental weaknesses and monster interactions. Its single-player focus and pixelated charm aim to appeal to fans of traditional JRPGs and yokai lore.
Gameplay
Navinosuke’s gameplay revolves around turn-based auto battles where players assign moves to shikigami summons, each with unique abilities and elemental traits. Sessions involve navigating a hand-drawn world map, solving environmental puzzles, and battling yokai in pre-set scenarios. The shikigami system lets you equip up to four summons, balancing offense, defense, and utility. Combat emphasizes chaining skills for critical hits and exploiting type advantages, though battles lack player input beyond pre-battle setup. Exploration is methodical, with hidden items and yokai encounters driving progress. Controls are simple but sometimes clunky, prioritizing accessibility over precision. The game’s focus on tactical planning over action may frustrate those seeking fast-paced combat.
What Players Think
PlayPile community ratings for Navinosuke average 4.1/5, with 62% completing the base story. Average playtime is 23 hours, though 34% report hitting a 15-hour plateau. The game is praised for its art style and shikigami mechanics but criticized for repetitive battles. One user notes “it feels like a museum exhibit of RPGs from the 2010s.” Completion rates drop sharply after the third act, where optional side quests overextend without meaningful rewards. Critics on major platforms give it 83/100, calling it “a nostalgic throwback with modern polish but limited innovation.” The 120 achievements (65% completion on average) focus on collectibles and combat challenges, adding replay value for completionists.
PlayPile's Take
Navinosuke is best for players nostalgic for early-2010s JRPGs or fans of yokai lore. Its shikigami system and pixel art are strong, but battles and pacing feel dated. At $39.99, it offers moderate value for its 25-hour average runtime, though the $50 price tag for a single-player RPG feels inflated. If you enjoy deep elemental strategy and don’t mind slower pacing, it’s a worthwhile buy. Skip if you prefer dynamic combat or modern RPG innovations. The game’s charm is undeniable, but its execution leans more on reverence than reinvention.
Game Modes
Single player
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