Capcom has proved right the rumors that pointed to a major Monster Hunter game coming to PS4 and other platforms, with the announcement of Monster Hunter: World last night during Sony’s E3 2017 conference. Despite not having a number in its title, this new game gives the series a huge makeover, featuring an open-world system in exchange of the previous closed spaces, adding a variety of new gameplay options, and, of course, a major graphic overhaul.
The “World” in the title references to the new unified ecosystem in the game, in which players will navigate seamlessly from one area to the other, with all the elements in the environment such as enemies, objects, or traps, affecting each other. For example, hunters will be able to lead beasts around the area and pit them against other monsters.
Players will be able to embark on hunting missions on their own or with other three players, with the game offering online multiplayer between fans in the West with those in Japan for the first time. Not only that, but Monster Hunter: World will also be the first entry to have a worldwide release.
With this move, Capcom hopes to expand the popularity of the series in Western markets, while Sony is making a strong push for PS4 in Japan, where the series is one of the best selling third party franchises. While Monster Hunter: World is not releasing on Nintendo Switch, the hybrid console will still receive new entries in the future, like the recently confirmed Monster Hunter XX.
Monster Hunter: World will release for PS4 and Xbox One in early 2018. A PC version will follow some time later.
Monster Hunter: World – E3 2017 Announce Trailer
