Celebrating 20 Years of Monster Hunter Series By Exploring the History and Essence of Hunting Through Its Systems
Reflecting on the Charm of the Monster Hunter Series with CG Art!
“The immensely popular Monster Hunter series has undergone astonishing evolution. Alongside powerful CG art of the large monsters, the editorial team behind ‘Monster Hunter Super Encyclopedia’ explains the background of its popularity.”
With a total of 100 million copies sold as of March 2024, the Monster Hunter series has pioneered the hunting action genre and has become a beloved title worldwide. The highly anticipated new installment, Monster Hunter Wilds, is set for release in 2025. As attention turns to this upcoming release, let’s trace the series’ evolution, focusing primarily on its game systems.
The first installment, Monster Hunter, released in 2004, had already established the foundation of what would become a continuous hunting action series. It’s remarkable to note the significant features that set this game apart.
That is the fact that the game’s primary focus is thoroughly on “confronting large monsters.”
In games across eras and genres, a common flow involves defeating waves of enemies along the way and then facing a final boss. However, Monster Hunter was groundbreaking in that it allowed players to challenge large monsters even if they didn’t necessarily defeat the smaller ones that appeared.
This allowed players to engage deeply with fierce battles against formidable large monsters such as Rathalos, enjoying robust action while experiencing the monsters’ allure firsthand.
In 2005, the series released Monster Hunter G, which introduced high-difficulty quests known as “G-Rank” and “subspecies monsters” that differed in appearance and behavior from the standard ones. Monster Hunter 2 (Dos), released in 2006, added the mystical and powerful “Elder Dragons” and new weapon types including the Great Sword.
With each new release in the series, new systems are introduced, deepening the world and expanding gameplay. Notably, “Monster Hunter 3 (Tri)” introduced underwater hunting, creating a new dimension of three-dimensional battles with monsters previously unseen.
Additionally, the introduction of terrain elevation and jump actions in “Monster Hunter 4” had a significant impact on subsequent series titles.
Recently, “Monster Hunter: World,” which played a significant role in the series’ global success, introduced the “Slinger” system, allowing players to use their surroundings to perform various actions.
The latest title, “Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak,” features the “Felyne System,” allowing NPCs to join hunts. Throughout its evolution, Monster Hunter has continually embraced new systems with each installment. Each new system has been well-received, influencing subsequent titles and contributing to the series’ ongoing growth.
The Monster Hunter series has introduced various systems over the years. However, its essence has remained unchanged since the first installment: confronting large monsters. Although the series is known for its engaging multiplayer experiences, the sense of achievement from overcoming challenging quests alone is something many hunters have likely experienced.
Despite adjustments and additions aimed at enhancing the user experience and making the game more accessible, the series has never implemented tuning that makes it easy to hunt monsters. This unwavering core is what keeps Monster Hunter continuously appealing. As we look forward to the upcoming release of Monster Hunter Wilds, we can expect it to uphold this enduring appeal.
The book “Monster Hunter Super Encyclopedia” includes detailed information on the various systems and hunting environments from each title in the series. It also features QR codes allowing viewers to watch the opening movies of all 17 titles.
Additionally, the book includes QR codes with detailed data and roars of 229 large monsters, offering fans multiple ways to enjoy the series. Reflecting on past titles and looking forward to the release of the latest installment could be a great way to engage with the series.
Monster Hunter Super Encyclopedia” is now on sale! ( Click here for details of the book)
Since the release of “Monster Hunter” in March 2004, the series has been supported by enthusiastic gamers captivated by its stunning graphics and innovative gameplay. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, a comprehensive book covering the entire series and featuring detailed information on large monsters is now available. Titled “Monster Hunter Super Encyclopedia,” this essential book not only provides an overview of the series’ story and world but also includes data on 229 large monsters. Additionally, QR codes allow you to enjoy the roars of the main monsters. Don’t miss out—grab your copy today!
Text: TV Magazine Editorial Department
Japan’s first TV magazine for children, first published in November 1971, it was created together with Masked Rider.
Article information and details of the supplement are available on YouTube’s “TV Magazine Official Video Channel. Among Kodansha’s magazines for young children, children, boys, and girls, it has the longest history after “Nakayoshi,” “Tanoshii Kindergarten,” “Weekly Shonen Magazine,” and “Bessatsu Friend.
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