Niantic and Capcom are teaming up for a brand new mobile game, Monster Hunter Now. The iOS and Android title, developed by Pokemon Go Niantic will arrive later this year currently slated for September. Registrations for open-beta are already open.
Niantic describes the game as “a real-world hunting action RPG,” as with Niantic’s Pokemon Go gameplay, Monster Hunter Now will use real world location data and augmented reality for players to explore and hunt for monsters. What differs in Monster Hunter Now is how battles play out. Going into a monster battle becomes an action RPG where players tap and swipe away onscreen using their selected weapon of choice, be it the Sword and Shield, Great Sword, Light Bowgun and many more. Battling monsters will look reminiscent of the console gameplay with dodging, jumping and slashing down, breaking off monster parts, and being kicked back from a monster’s attack. There’s also a time limit of 75 seconds for every battle, unlike the longer ones that can take near 20 minutes that Monster Hunter is known for. Players can also choose to play in both portrait or landscape mode for battles.
Another feature integral to the Monster Hunter games that’ll be coming to the mobile spinoff is multiplayer battles. Hunters can team up to take on larger monsters while out exploring. There’s also a “paintball” mechanic where you can mark a monster you encountered earlier out and about, and then be able to fight it either solo or with teammates once you’re home.
Monster Hunter Now also will have a similar upgrade system like the mainline titles, where the rewards you earn from battles in resources will help you upgrade gear to take on tougher monsters. And of course, your Palico sidekick will be joining your hunter, which can help out in the “paintball” mode. For instance when you’re not actively playing, your Palico may tag a monster for you to encounter later and fight.
So if you’ve been eager to finally fight a Great Jagras, Rathalos or many other iconic monsters from the franchise on your phone wherever you are, you’ll only have to wait until September for Monster Hunter Now. Until then, there’s the open beta and registration. The registration is open now and the beta begins April 25.