Announced at E3 2017, the Monster Hunter World has delighted millions of fans of this franchise around the world. In recent years, the game series Monster Hunter came out mostly on the consoles of the Japanese company Nintendo. The release of new games on platforms like the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows, to attract the franchise to a mass audience. During the exhibition “IgroMir 2017” we played the latest build of Monster Hunter: World and interviewed Klaas Walter – PR-Manager of the European branch of the publishing house Capcom.
Hi-News.ru: the name of the game, which featured the word World, it becomes clear that for the first time in the series, Monster Hunter players will be in a completely seamless open world. How difficult the developers had to move away from the classical concept and to erase the boundaries between locations?
Klaas Walter: Despite the fact that we drifted away from the original concept, we still adhered to the schematics of the world with separate locations. In fact it is a separate card, which include jungles, deserts, grasslands, swamps and so on. And between these locations players can move freely. This, of course, without annoying loading screens.
Hi-News.ru: New game presents us ScoutFlies insects, can lead the hunter to the prey or valuable items. To encourage these insects to help you an infinite number of times, or they will have a limited number of uses?
Klaas Walter: These insects are with you constantly. While you can train them. Fly-trackers are able to detect the smell of monsters that you hunt. And the better and more often you train them, the better they do their job. You can use them infinite number of times. They will be better and better to point you to the location of the monsters. By the way, the graphic effects of these flies will improve as they flow. And Yes, by the way, about the graphics: the game will run in full 4K on PlayStation 4 Pro.
Hi-News.ru: the trailer from the show TGS 2017, we showed the seals palika of the new game. During the battle they rode on a small screen. What other new abilities the palika we will see in the next game? Will players be able to do quests for the palika as it was in Monster Hunter Generations?
Klaas Walter: the palika will fight together with you – Yes. They will heal your character if necessary. They will also be able to tame small animals, such as those reptiles you mentioned. It should not be forgotten that in the course of your travels you will meet many NPC-palika, which is quite possible to attach to his detachment. Unfortunately, the quests in the palika in our new game will be unavailable.
Hi-News.ru: does the release of Monster Hunter: World on PS4, Xbox One and PC, Capcom has decided to refuse to release exclusive games for Nintendo and go to the multi-platform strategy? Or Nintendo, will receive exclusive game series?
Klaas Walter: I wouldn’t say that other platforms won’t get games from us. For example, the Nintendo console Switch will soon get Monster Hunter XX (enhanced remake of Monster Hunter Generations). So that the release of Monster Hunter World does not mean that the series suddenly became exclusive of any of the consoles.
Hi-News.ru: improvement of the quality of graphics probably increased the production costs of the game. As far as developers were more difficult to work on the creation of this game?
Klaas Walter: When we were working with a Nintendo 3DS, the player had to think out of the lot. So the graphics were simple. So the development of a new game for modern platforms have taken away a lot of time and effort. In fact, we can’t wait for the release of this game, as I invested a huge amount of effort. And honestly, I have no idea as increased costs when compared with costs of previous games. Personally, I no no amount called.
Hi-News.ru: could you tell us more about co-op? As far as I know, together to pass the game can four players. Maybe you will let us in on any secrets?
Klaas Walter: the idea of our game is that you no longer need to be torn between the single player and co-op quests. Want to do any quest – you can get it either alone or with friends. At any point in the quest you will be able to make a decision: whether to perform it in conjunction with other players or complete the quest alone. Here you have complete freedom. And we are very proud that we managed to implement it fully.
Hi-News.ru: what are the locations of the new game? Can you compare the sizes of the available players territories with the previous games?
Klaas Walter: I Think that I can’t discuss all the game locations. Just because they had still not been completed. But I am sure that the world new games is quite large. We have 12 different locations, each of which can be explored at your leisure. On the map you can also see the main base, or “Central hub”, where players rest and prepare for subsequent battles with monsters. Still the map is littered with many small hunting camps that players will be able to make a quick move. It is very convenient, given the impressive size of the world.
Hi-News.ru: could you name your favorite monster in the new game? And if not difficult, explain your choice.
Klaas Walter: I honestly love all the monsters in Monster Hunter: World. Just because they are all very different. In the game we have implemented a unique ecosystem, where coexist harmoniously as fascinating creatures and terrifying monsters. In the heart of the game series Monster Hunter has always been a thorough preparation for further battle with another monster. In fact, I have not yet seen all the monsters that will be presented in the game, as it was not completed. So, maybe I will choose a favorite later.
Hi-News.ru: How long will the story campaign of the new game?
Klaas Walter: I don’t think we have specific numbers on this. You know, the game is very big. And take it too. With friends or to cope with all the monsters alone. This will depend on the duration of the campaign. In addition, the development process is still not complete, so we do not yet have final data about its duration.
Hi-News.ru: How much in-game purchases will affect gameplay? Would it not be a strong imbalance between players who honestly pumped their characters, and those who prefer to do it for the money?
Klaas Walter: Our game about how important it is to work in a team and not to fight against each other. There will not be PVP-mode. The people will fight exclusively shoulder to shoulder, trying to defeat giant monsters. Each team member will be interested in the fact that his comrades were equipped by the last word. After all, this will depend on the outcome of the upcoming battle. Therefore, no imbalance between players is not quite accurate.
Hi-News.ru: Will the game be translated into Russian language for the Russian audience? We all are waiting for!
Klaas Walter: I haven’t seen the full list of languages on which the localized game. But I do know that this list is very impressive. Therefore, among the languages might be Russian.
Hi-News.ru: whether will Return in the new game underwater adventures, which was first introduced in Monster Hunter Tri in 2009?
Klaas Walter: we will Have different water locations like lakes. But to fight under water players will not be able. You will be able to enter the water, swim in water, but, unfortunately, nothing more.
Hi-News.ru: do you have plans to release Monster Hunter: World for Nintendo console Switch? Or do you plan to focus exclusively on an enhanced version of Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter XX)?
Klaas Walter: At the moment these plans are definitely not. Just now we have a goal to finish the game for the PlayStation 4, Xbox and for PC. But I can’t exclude that possibility. Just as long as we are so far in the future, try not to look. What happens after the game’s release – we cannot tell.
Hi-News.ru: is There a possibility to see a spin-off series for virtual reality helmet for the PlayStation VR?
Klaas Walter: Oh, that would be just great! But specifically in this moment we have nothing to show you. We can only hope that one day something like this would happen, and just wait patiently.
We remind you that the game will go on sale January 26, 2018, simultaneously in Japan, USA and Europe.
#. | Interview with the developers of Monster Hunter video games: World
Sergey Grey