Capcom has announced its next Monster Hunter title, but it’s not what you think. Monster Hunter Now is a mobile title developed with Niantic of Pokemon GO fame. It’s coming to iOS and Android in September, with closed beta sign-ups currently available.
Like Pokemon GO, Monster Hunter Now is about encountering monsters in the real world, thanks to augmented reality. As series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto explains, “Monster Hunter Now is a new and unprecedented Monster Hunter game that entices players to go out with their Palico and encounter incredible monsters in the real world.
“Niantic’s AR technology delivers a ‘here and right now’ hunting experience, something that can be played casually, while honoring the game play and hunting action that only Monster Hunter can offer. Let’s get out into the real world and enjoy hunting!”
John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic, added, “Monster Hunter Now will be the ultimate experience for anyone who has dreamed of facing off against epic monsters and battling them with friends. Filled with fantastical creatures, engrossing hunting and opportunities for teamwork, with the best possible graphics on mobile devices, Monster Hunter Now is the perfect franchise to bring into the real world.”
You can play solo or team up with others, inviting friends to play and take down monsters. One interesting mechanic is the Paintball. Tag a monster, and you can take it home to hunt. Companions can also mark monsters with Paintballs as you pass by, even if you’re not playing, so you don’t need to check your screen.
Stay tuned for more details on Monster Hunter Now in the coming months. In the meantime, Capcom will unveil the next free Title Update for Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak on April 19th. The expansion also launches on April 28th for Xbox and PlayStation.
