When exploring opportunities to bring beloved universes anywhere, it appears that developer Niantic has perfected the formula for this. Ever since the initial release of Pokémon Go back in 2016, developers & publishers all around strive to explore mobile, augmented reality projects for its treasured IPs. Shortly after, we saw this with Dragon Quest Walk in Japan as well as Harry Potter: Wizards Unite also.
Additionally, Niantic is also occupied with other similar experiences as well for other franchises. Last year, another arrangement with Nintendo rolled out Pikmin Bloom with direct cooperation with creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Even more, Niantic also announced a new partnership with Marvel Comic for Marvel World of Heroes as well most recently.
Now this week, Niantic & Capcom announce a new collaboration to deliver a Monster Hunter experience – Monster Hunter Now. You can watch the teaser trailer in the video below:
“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,” Niantic CEO John Hanke writes.
The overview for the game reads: “Monster Hunter Now is designed for everyone to enjoy at their own pace, whether you are a long-time Monster Hunter player, someone who hasn’t played for a while, or even a newcomer to the series. You can also play when and where you want.”
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!
Ryozo Tsujimoto, Monster Hunter Series Producer
“For instance, in Monster Hunter Now, there’s an item called the Paintball. By using a Paintball on a monster that you encounter, you can bring the monster back home and hunt it alone or with someone else. And even when you’re walking around without playing the game, your companion can mark any monsters you pass by with the Paintball, so you can enjoy hunting them even after returning home.”
It continues, “Built on Niantic’s Lightship platform, Monster Hunter Now uses industry-leading location-based technology and AR that overlays the real world with fantastical and fierce creatures.” You can sign-up for the closed beta test by heading here.
What has you most excited for Monster Hunter Now?
Monster Hunter Now is coming sometime in September 2023 to Android & iOS.
Source: Niantic