The Monster Hunter franchise, renowned for its epic monster hunts, is shifting its narrative focus. Capcom aims to highlight the intricate relationship between hunters and the natural world, a core theme in the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds.
Redefining the Hunter's Role: A Deeper Dive into Nature's Embrace
Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds) will explore the symbiotic relationship between humanity, nature, and monsters. Game director Yuya Tokuda explains, "The relationship between people, nature, and monsters, and a hunter's role within that... We wanted to illustrate this not just through gameplay, but with a rich, deep story. Many future plans align with this concept, and we believe Wilds successfully conveys our vision." (PC Gamer interview).
This enhanced narrative will feature expanded dialogue, allowing for more expressive hunter characters. Tokuda highlights the diverse perspectives within the game's world, using Nata and Olivia as examples of characters with contrasting backgrounds and approaches to monster encounters. "Many people with different viewpoints coexist. We wanted to show how a hunter would feel in such a world—their thoughts and feelings. Everyone is unique, so we integrated these elements into Monster Hunter Wilds."
This departure from the series' traditionally silent protagonists and limited dialogue options is a significant change. However, combat enthusiasts can rest assured; this narrative expansion won't compromise the core gameplay.
Tokuda assures players, "Players who prefer to skip dialogue and hunt are welcome to do so. The amount of text won't affect the number of monsters; we aim to satisfy everyone." This is just the beginning; the director hints at future plans further exploring the central theme of the bond between humanity and nature.
For a deeper understanding of Monster Hunter's thematic depth, explore Game8's insightful article on the series' core message.
