Mobile adaptation of PC game Monster Hunter launched
If you are an avid gamer, you must be familiar with the PC game series Monster Hunter. This Japanese fantasy themed, action role-playing video game first released on PlayStation 2 in 2004 and was later adapted for the desktop experience. Since then, it has been quite popular among online gamers. In fact, its latest release Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak has been quite a rage since last year.
Now, the American game developer Niantic, popularly known as the Pokemon Go (2016) creator (also made games such as Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Pikmin Bloom) has announced that its upcoming project will be developing a mobile augmented reality (AR) adaptation of the Monster Hunter series. As per initial sources, the game once unveiled will be available on both Android devices as well as iPhones. The initiative will be in collaboration with Capcom, another Japanese video game manufacturer. This was recently declared during an interview with Gamesindustry.biz.
All set to launch in late 2023, the game will be called Monster Hunter Now (described as “real-world hunting action RPG” by both the makers) and is expected to be as successful as Pokemon Go. In fact, sources reveal that Niantic has joined hands with Capcpm to ensure that they do not fail yet again, much like their Harry Potter and Pikmin games. However, they are hopeful of the success as they believe the Monster Hunter series is similar to the Pokemon Go. Wondering how? Well, for starters, they are both about collecting with friends and playing as a team, while making new acquaintances. In fact, they believe that the earlier success of Monster Hunter for the past 19 years also has to do with the same wholesome experience. Maybe, it was the concept of hunting down majestic monsters roaming around the neighbourhood that made it so compelling in the real-world setup.
In addition, it has also been revealed that the mobile AR version of the game has been under construction for almost four years now and was conceived in 2018, around the same time Capcom’s mega-hit PC game series Monster Hunter World was launched worldwide. In fact, it was such a sensation that it was soon followed up with the sequels Monster Hunter Rise in 2019 and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak in 2022.
While the game is yet to be officially take off, seasoned gamers can opt for the trial beta version that will be out on 25th April. Out of those who have signed up for this opportunity, only the lucky 10000 will be approved.
Interestingly, the game will be free but will include in-app purchases for in-depth experience.