Nintendo and Capcom have teamed up for a new line of Amiibo based on the upcoming Monster Hunter Stories, which will release on 3DS in Japan on October 8th.  There are three figures set to release, two versions of the One-Eyed Rathalos figure, one with a female rider and one male, and another based on Nabiru, the game’s cartoony cat companion.  These figures are set to release on October 8th alongside the game and Capcom stated that more amiibo are planned for later this year.

Each of these figures will unlock a special monster when scanned into the game.  The One-Eyed Rathalos figures will cost around 1800 yen each (about $16 US) and Nabiru will be about 1200 yen (around $10).  So far no US release date has been confirmed for Monster Hunter Stories, so it’s unsure whether the amiibo will make their way to the states.  Capcom also released a new trailer for the game showing off the game’s gameplay and story.

Monster Hunter Stories is a spin-off of the mega popular (especially in Japan) Monster Hunter series.  Although the Monster Hunter series focuses on multiplayer, Monster Hunter Stories is more of a story driven adventure RPG set in the Monster Hunter universe.  The game will have the familiar combat of the series, possibly simplified for a younger audience, as well as a more bright and cartoony art style.

For those who don’t know, Monster Hunter is huge in Japan, and many people buy handhelds just to play Monster Hunter.  Since the 3DS is the current “Monster Hunter Machine,” Monster Hunter has become one of  Nintendo’s most successful third-party franchises on the handheld.  Monster Hunter Stories is one of the first spin-off games that differs a lot from the series standard formula, and here’s hoping the game and its Amiibo will be just as successful.