Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deeper Dive into Hunter and Nature
The Monster Hunter franchise, renowned for its epic monster hunts, is shifting its focus in Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds). Capcom aims to highlight the intricate relationship between hunters, nature, and the monsters themselves, moving beyond simple extermination.
Redefining the Hunter's Role
MH Wilds will delve into the symbiotic relationship between humans, nature, and the monstrous inhabitants of its world. Game director Yuya Tokuda explains, "The relationship between people, nature, and monsters, and what exactly is a hunter's role in a world like that…We wanted to illustrate that not just through the gameplay, but a very deep story."
This emphasis on narrative is reflected in increased dialogue and character development. Players will experience a more nuanced protagonist, interacting with a diverse cast of characters holding varying perspectives on monster hunting. Tokuda uses the examples of Nata and Olivia, highlighting their contrasting backgrounds and approaches to the challenges they face. "There are many people with different perspectives living all together. And we also wanted to illustrate how the hunter would feel in a world like that."
Gameplay Remains Uncompromised
This narrative expansion doesn't come at the cost of the core gameplay loop. Tokuda assures players that those preferring a focus on hunting can still do so without extensive engagement with the story. "There may be players who prefer to skip all that and just go keep on hunting the next monster—that's possible too. The volume of the text that's available in the game will not affect the number of monsters available, so we can satisfy everybody."
This represents a significant evolution for the series, moving beyond the traditionally silent protagonists. However, the core hunting experience remains central to the game's design. For a deeper understanding of the series' overarching themes, explore Game8's article on the true meaning of Monster Hunter.
