Ever since mobile developer Niantic released the global sensationPokemon GOin 2016, it has become increasingly busy with a variety of projects. Within the following years games likeHarry Potter: Wizards Unite,Pikmin Bloom,andNBA All-Worldalso hit mobile storefronts, and the developer is preparing for a huge new collab with Capcom onMonster Hunter Now. The idea of translatingMonster Hunter’s slower, epic combat into a casual mobile experience is odd, but there is a clear overlap inNiantic’s focus on cooperative multiplayer experiences.
When taking on a game likePokemon GOorPikmin Bloom, players have intrinsic goals to accomplish alone: catching every Pokemon, or collecting every Pikmin decor, respectively. Yet each game’s systems are built around making those pursuits easier - and more fun - while playing together.Pokemon GOinfamously let players choose between one of three teams to tackle Gyms and Raids together, whereasPikmin Bloom’s flower-planting mechanic that increases growth ratesis more potent in a group.Monster Hunter Nowwill similarly encourage players to come together, echoing one of Capcom’s driving ethos from the mainMonster Hunterseries.
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How Niantic can Capture Monster Hunter’s Multiplayer Elements
Details aboutMonster Hunter Noware slim, as Niantic and Capcom just announced the game last week with a closed beta test set to begin on April 25. Given it won’t officially launch until September 2023, there is room for major aspects of the mobile game to change. However, the main venue for multiplayer is clear: hunting monsters.
Downloading the app will give players access to a whole new world overlaying their neighborhood, one where monsters like Great Jagras, Pukei-Pukei, andRathalosroam the streets amid resource nodes for ore, bones, and plants.Monster Hunter Now’s first teaser trailer depicts multiple hunters together as they face monsters with varying armor sets and weapons - able to orient the screen horizontally to better display that action. Up to four players can take part in each hunt, with battles lasting no more than 75 seconds, and the upcoming beta will highlight Great Sword, Sword and Shield, and Light Bowgun.
MainlineMonster Huntergames similarly let players take to Gathering Hubs with a team of up-to four friends using unique weapons and armor. At least some of the strategy inherent to this system will carry over withMonster Hunter Now, as that same teaser trailer shows sharp weapons can be used to cut off monster tails. It remains to be seen whether Niantic will adapt all14 of the mainlineMonster Hunterweapon types(or even exclusive ones likeFrontier’s Tonfa). However, givenPokemon GO’s treatment of type advantages, it at least seems likely thatMonster Hunter Nowwill allow players to synergize weapons with elemental affinities or status effects.
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This teamwork in combat will be the main reason forMonster Hunter Nowplayers to go on long walks together, akin to how parties typically group up for hunts. It will no doubt be faster and easier to take on creatures in a player’s backyard together, leading to quicker rewards for everyone. However, Niantic should also ensure it captures other aspects of Capcom’s multiplayer framework.
Gathering Hubs aren’t simple menu screens for a reason; players can spend some time together eating, setting up their gear, and sometimes playing little games before heading out on a hunt. By using meal tickets or specific ingredients, players can offer benefits to their allies, which is somethingMonster Hunter Nowcould carry over withenvironmental items akin toPokemon GO’s incense. Mini-games like arm wrestling at the flying airship Hunters Hub inMonster Hunter Generations Ultimatecould similarly be introduced as interactions between nearby players, allowing for brief stat boosts when hunting alongside that individual. Regardless, Niantic has a very logical progression from Monster Hunter’s massive multiplayer emphasis to take advantage of.
Monster Hunter Nowreleases on mobile devices in September 2023.
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