Monster Hunter is one of the most successful Capcom franchises, but his journey from Japanese RPG action niche to the sensation of the world is not instant. This series has developed very large since its debut, with each new title perfecting the core hunting mechanics and expanding the appeal of the game. Let’s dive into history Monster Hunter And see how it becomes a giant as it is today.
The Beginning (2004)
Franchise began in 2004 with release Monster Hunter in Playstation 2. Together Car model maker And Evil plague populationIt is one of the three games designed to take advantage of PS2 internet capabilities.
This introduces the current-Ikon Loop Gameplay: players hunting large monsters in the world of prehistoric fantasy, harvesting materials, better equipment, and repeat. Unlike traditional RPGs, This game is not focused on character leveling; Instead, it relies on players to increase their weapons and armor by gathering materials. But its heavy dependence on the online co-op first, and the control feels clumsy compared to other action RPGs.
Apart from this challenge, this game gets a special fanbase in Japan. However, because of his steep learning curve, he struggled to get an attraction outside of Japan. However, Capcom sees the potential and released an expanded version, Monster Hunter gwhich sets precedents for the upgraded edition in the future.
Portable Revolution: Domination of PSP and Nintendo (2005-2015)
The rise of franchises that actually came with a shift to the mobile console. Capcom increases the formula with Monster Hunter 2 (2006), but the Portable Playstation version – Monster Hunter Freedom (2005) and its sequel – popularized franchises in Japan. Multipemainan Ad Hoc mode allows group four to hunt together locally, making it a social experience that is very suitable for Japanese game habits and leads to PSPs that are sold out and meetings of players in parks and cafes.
Want to expand the franchise globally, Capcom moved to the Nintendo platform, launching Monster Hunter Tri at WII in 2009 and then brought Monster Hunter 4 And Monster Hunter Generations to Nintendo 3DS. The 3DS version is the first to see a significant western interest thanks to a better increase in accessibility and online games, leading Capcom to invest more in localization and marketing outside of Japan.
A new world: The Global Breakthrough (2018 – present)
Capcom knows that for this series really developed throughout the world, he must embrace the hardware of modern games. Enter Monster Hunter: World (2018), which was launched on Playstation 4, Xbox One, and then on a PC. With a smooth open environment, slim mechanics, amazing graphics, and strong online co-op, World Being a big blow, selling more than 21 million copies. It became Capcom’s best -selling game of all time and introduced millions of new players to the franchise, finally making it a household name around the world.
Build this momentum, Monster Hunter Rise (2021) was launched at the Nintendo Switch and then on a PC, combining accessibility World With a quick action from the title of the handheld. Showing new traversal mechanics such as The Wirebug and faster combat forces, Rise is another big hit, further strengthening the franchise site in the modern game landscape. Expansion, SunbreakEncouraging total game sales to be more than 15 million.
Spin-off and expand the universe
Outside the main series, franchises also explore spin-offs. Monster Hunter Stories (2016) and the sequel, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021), taking a turn -based RPG approach, attracts a wider audience. Other spin-offs, like Monster Hunter Frontier (MMO), Monster Hunter Exploresand collaboration with games like Final Fantasy And The Witcher 3has made the franchise remain fresh and varied.
Future: Monster Hunter Wilds and Beyond
With release Monster Hunter Wilds In February 2025, franchises will continue to encourage boundaries with new technology and gameplay innovations. This game will be the first main line entry built for Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, promising a deeper hunting experience than before.
Crossover in the game
This series has many crossover events with capcom franchises and other main titles.
- Female hunters are characters that can be played Marvel vs. Capcom: InfiniteNext to the stage mixture Monster HunterVal Habar with black PantherI employ.
- Iconic monsters like Rathalos and Tigrex appear Metal Gear Solid: Peace WalkerWhile Rathalos also made a guest appearance Final Fantasy XIV, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Dragalia is lostAnd Arknights.
- Monster Hunter: World The crossover event displayed with Resident Evil, Mega Man, Assassin’s faith recognitionAnd The Witcher.
Anime adaptation
- Monhun Nikki Girigiri Airma Air Mura Airū Kiki IPPATSU (2010) and the sequel offers a comedy short film featuring gaming cat friends, The Felynes.
- Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On (2016) is a long long anime based on a spin-off game Monster Hunter Stories. This follows a young driver who is bound by monsters, their friendly monsters hatch from eggs. This story focuses on the lute protagonist and friends when they fight with a developing threat called Dark Blight, which damages monsters.
Manga and comics
- Monster Hunter Storm (2008-2009), made by Hiro Mashima (Fairy tail), following Shiki, a hunter who aspires high, in the search to find the legendary myo Galuna.
- The world is unitedCrossover comic from Archie Comics, including elements from Monster Hunter beside Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Manand other Capcom/Sega franchises.
Live-action film
That Monster Hunter Film (2020), directed by Paul WS Anderson, brought a big creature to the big screen with a Hollywood action twist. The film stars Milla Jovovich as Artemis, the leader of the UN task force transported to a world full of giant monsters. In collaboration with skilled local hunters (played by Tony Jaa), they struggle to survive and prevent the creatures from attacking the earth.
While the film receives a variety of reviews, especially from game fans, the film is praised for monster design and the order of action. Apart from the Box Office challenge, he introduced a franchise to a wider audience and left space for potential sequels.
💡 Tip: If you are interested in video games, see our blog about the peak and the biggest failure!
Animated film
Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild (2021) is a 3D animated film released on Netflix. This is a prequel that focuses on the game. This story follows Aiden, a young and ambitious hunter who departed to protect his village from an older dragon. This film explores the dangers of the world of games and their responsibilities that face their colossal threats.
