The Monster Hunter franchise, renowned for its epic monster hunts, is shifting its focus. Capcom aims to highlight the series' core message: the intricate relationship between hunters and the natural world. Discover what awaits in Monster Hunter Wilds!
Redefining the Hunter's Role: A Deeper Dive into Humanity and Nature
Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds) emphasizes the interconnectedness of nature, humanity, and monsters. Capcom is striving to showcase this theme prominently, enriching the player character's personality in the process. Game director Yuya Tokuda explains, "The relationship between people, nature, and monsters, and a hunter's role within that... We wanted to illustrate this not just through gameplay, but also a deep, engaging story. Many future plans align with this concept, and we believe MH Wilds successfully conveys our vision."
Enhanced dialogue plays a crucial role in this evolution, allowing players to imbue their hunter with a distinct personality. Tokuda notes the diverse perspectives of the world's inhabitants, citing Nata and Olivia as examples of characters with contrasting backgrounds and approaches to monster conflicts. "Many individuals with diverse viewpoints coexist. We wanted to show how a hunter would feel and think in such a world—the nuances of individual experience. This is why we've added these elements to MH Wilds."
This marks a departure from the series' traditionally silent protagonists and limited dialogue options. However, players who prefer a silent hunter and focus on combat need not worry.
Tokuda assures players, "Those who prefer to skip dialogue and hunt monsters can still do so. The amount of text won't affect the number of monsters, ensuring satisfaction for everyone." This is just the beginning; the director hints at future developments further exploring the core theme of the bond between humanity and nature.
For a deeper understanding of Monster Hunter's underlying themes and narrative, explore Game8's insightful article on the true essence of Monster Hunter.