Niantic and Capcom announce a new mobile AR game calledMonster Hunter Now, which aims to provide a “here and now hunting experience” based on the popular franchise. Beta registration begins on April 18, with select participants able to partake in a closed beta beginning on April 25. The game will then launch in September 2023 on the App Store and Google Play, with the title being distributed byPokemon GOdeveloper Nianticand licensed by the Japanese giant Capcom.
There’s a lot to unpack here, but the two companies described the game as a “mix of communication and action” and an “action game in which anyone can participate.” Both companies spoke at a recent webinar (attended by Game Rant) regarding the difficulties in simplifying the belovedMonster Huntercombatfor a mobile game, but said such a challenge was fun. There were trade-offs to be made, with some classic features being lost but new, innovative ones being made to “keep the essence” of its tried and true combat with “simple, authentic gameplay.”
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When players take on classicMonster Huntermonsters like Rathalosor the Great Jagras in their habitats, their maximum battle length will be capped out at 75 seconds. What’s more, they can do so in battles with up to four players. A new feature included inMonster Hunter Nowis the ability to hit a monster with a Paintball, which will allow fans to bring some monsters home with them and do battle there, alone or with friends. In fact,Monster Hunter Nowplayers are accompanied by a companion Palico, which can throw Paintballs for players even when they are not actively playing. Players will be able to enjoy the game in either vertical or landscape mode, a decision Niantic explained being due to how differently someone would play when on the move or when in the comfort of their home.
Monster Hunter Nowplayers will also be able to gather materials and resources to craft equipment, though the two companies stopped short of detailing how expansive this element was. Knowing theMonster Hunterfranchise though, players should be able to craft to their heart’s content. Character customization is also an important feature, but the companies talked about it even less. Notably though, both promised that there are plenty of unique features for this game, set to be revealed during the closed beta and in the future.
Of course, two big elements of any mobile game are post-launch support and monetization. While the two companies weren’t yet ready to confirm every monster players can encounter in the closed beta, they did say fans can expect new weapons and monsters to be added as post-launch support. For the closed beta, it should also be noted that only the Great Sword, the Sword and Shield, andMonster Hunter’s Light Bowgunwill be available. Monetization-wise, Monster Hunter Now is described as a “free to start, free to play game” that offers a balanced experience for free players, noting that spending money only enhances the experience.
