Inception of a Legend
In 2004, whispers of an impending gaming phenomenon reached my ears. The buzz surrounded a Japanese-exclusive PlayStation 2 title from Capcom, where players would track and battle colossal kaiju in epic encounters. Intrigued, I decided to import the game, and after countless hours of grappling with a daunting language barrier (not to mention the formidable foes), I finally triumphed in my first Monster Hunter experience—setting the stage for a lifelong obsession.
Fast forward two decades, and here I am, seated for an engaging discussion with Ryozo Tsujimoto, the Series Producer behind the franchise that has brought me so much joy (and frustration). When I share my story and present my original PS2 copy, he responds with a mix of delight and bemusement, clearly impressed by my dedication despite the challenges I faced as a new player.
Excitement for Monster Hunter Wilds
Having recently participated in the beta version of Monster Hunter Wilds, I express my enthusiasm to Tsujimoto-san—despite some minor hiccups typical of beta tests, I am already sold on the game. Our conversation meanders through the elements of Wilds that excite him and his team, and I can’t help but probe deeper into this new chapter of the Monster Hunter saga.
For those eager to dive straight into the game, I’ll provide a rundown of the best available prices before we delve into the intricacies of the latest installment.
The Best Prices for Monster Hunter Wilds
If you’re ready to embark on your Monster Hunter journey, here’s a look at the most competitive prices on the market:
Physical Copies:
– Amazon: $99 for PS5 and Xbox
– Big W: $99
– JB Hi-Fi: $109 (Standard) | $119 (Steelbook)
– MightyApe: $89 (Standard) | $109 (Steelbook)
Digital Versions:
– PS Store: $114.95 (Standard) | $144.95 (Deluxe) | $179.95 (Premium Deluxe)
– Xbox Store: $114.95 (Standard) | $144.95 (Deluxe) | $179.95 (Premium Deluxe)
– Steam: $104.95 (Standard) | $134.95 (Deluxe) | $164.95 (Premium Deluxe)
Insights from the Interview
As our conversation begins, I compliment Tsujimoto and his marketing team on their decision to provide substantial lore in the recent documentary, “Welcome to Monster Hunter.” I also cheekily point out that I never expected to see Hollywood actress Daisy Ridley involved in a Monster Hunter project.
“We recognize that while we have a devoted player base, there’s potential to attract even more gamers,” he explains. “Our goal was to create an introduction to the Monster Hunter universe for both veterans and newcomers alike. And Daisy Ridley was simply the best choice to convey the essence of our world.”
I agree, suggesting that Sir David Attenborough could have added an interesting touch as well. Tsujimoto seems to appreciate the idea.
The Balance of Nature: A New Perspective
One intriguing aspect of the documentary is the portrayal of Hunters as responsible conservationists maintaining balance in their world—an idea that feels somewhat foreign to my experience of stripping carcasses for profit. Tsujimoto acknowledges this perspective, emphasizing that hunting in the Monster Hunter universe serves a vital role in maintaining ecological balance rather than mere greed.
“I understand the skepticism regarding Hunters as conservationists,” he admits. “It’s about fulfilling a necessity in their world, and hunting is an essential aspect of that balance.”
I express my curiosity about how this theme will unfold in Wilds, especially given that the team has touted it as having “the most immersive story in the series yet.” However, I am aware that he may not disclose too many details as we approach the game’s launch on February 28.
Technological Advancements and Gameplay Enhancements
Shifting the focus to the titular wilds, I ask Tsujimoto about the challenges and innovations that come with creating a more expansive environment filled with diverse monsters. He responds enthusiastically, highlighting the technological advancements that have significantly improved the game.
“We’ve made considerable strides in AI technology, allowing individual monsters within herds to behave autonomously,” he explains. “In previous titles, herds were controlled as a single entity. Now, each monster showcases unique behaviors, adding depth and realism to our world.”
I agree that this enhancement is impressive. Watching these creatures interact in their environment evokes a sense of wonder reminiscent of classic dinosaur movies, showcasing just how far the franchise has come since its early days on the PS2.
Reflecting on the Evolution of Monster Hunter
As we discuss the game’s multi-platform availability and cross-play capabilities, I ask Tsujimoto about his thoughts on the franchise’s evolution from a niche title to a global sensation, having sold over 100 million units. He reflects on the challenges of online play for the original PS2 version, which required additional hardware just to connect to the internet.
“Back then, we were aware of the hurdles, but we envisioned a future where online connectivity would be integral to gaming,” he shares. “We drew upon our experiences with early online titles to pave the way for what Monster Hunter has become today.”
This forward-thinking mindset resonates with me, especially considering how many gamers in Australia were limited in their access to online play back in 2004. Monster Hunter has undoubtedly paved the way for future multiplayer experiences.
Conclusion: A Promising Future
As our interview wraps up, Tsujimoto graciously signs my original copy of Monster Hunter, leaving me with a reminder of the franchise’s incredible journey. We discuss some of the key improvements in Wilds that fans should be excited about, many of which are covered in our preview content.
With its innovative gameplay, captivating story, and a rich history behind it, Monster Hunter Wilds promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for both new and veteran players alike.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates as we anticipate the launch of this much-anticipated title!
