Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate brings back the Old Desert area, some familiar monsters from the series’ past, and adds a few entirely new features to the game as well. In an interview with Dengeki, producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and director Kaname Fujioka talk about some of the new and old features we’ll be seeing in the upcoming game.
So far, the Monster Hunter series has seen several Desert maps, but the one we’ll be seeing is the Old Desert as a remade map in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. Dengeki asks why they decided to go with the Old Desert instead of the newer one or Sandy Plains.
“While creating the Desert in past games of the series, there were some things we never got to finish up. With the terrain in Monster Hunter 4, there’s much more we can do now, so ‘how about we remake one of the areas of the first generation?’ was something we talked about,” explains Fujioka.
“Afterwards, we decided that the Old Desert, the one that brings back the best memories of all the desert areas, would be the one we’d remake,” he continues. “Also, Monster Hunter 4 didn’t have any desert-type fields, so we couldn’t really bring out any monsters that live in those areas, and that’s another one of our reasons for adding a desert map.”
Dengeki points out that we got to see some differences in the trailer that showed off the Old Desert, like some of the plants as shown above. They ask if the area’s structure will see a big change.
“The areas that we’re changing are seeing quite the change,” responds Fujioka. “At the beginning, we wanted to add dune-like landforms in the Desert, but we couldn’t make stages with deep slopes, so we weren’t able to make it into a proper dune. However, this time we can go all out with the slopes, so I believe the impression you’ll get from the dune will be different.”
Next, Dengeki asks if the returning monsters’ ecosystem and motions will also be changing just as much.
“The characteristics of the monsters won’t change that much, but they won’t be exactly the same, either,” says Fujioka. “Of course they’ll correspond to the topography, and will have more ways they’ll approach players, so I believe the feeling [of fighting against them] will change. Please look forward to seeing them in motion.”
On that note, Dengeki mentions that it’s been a while since we’ve seen the return of the Daimyo Hermitaur.
“The reaction regarding that was much greater than we expected, and even I was surprised by that,” exclaims Fujioka with a laugh. “There are also a lot of female Hunters that like the Daimyo Hermitaur series [weapons and armor]. It’s a monster that we put a lot of work into, and I believe that those who used to like them in the past will have a lot of fun.”
Next, Dengeki asks if what kind of work they’re putting into the action of current weapons in the game.
“Well, we’re makning adjustments. We’re not completely reviewing all the weapons, but the ones we felt were greatly lacking, are receiving more elements,” answers Fujioka. “Fundamentally speaking, we’re using Monster Hunter 4 as the base, and thoroughly looking at things and thinking ‘this should’ve been more like that,’ or ‘we should expand on this part,’ and such.”
“While this isn’t related to the action, we’re adding further expansions to Insect Glaive and Charge Axe,” adds Tsujimoto.
Dengeki asks if there are any changes being made to the online multiplayer for Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
“There are some parts that are being made to be easier to play than the previous game,” replies Tsujimoto.
“After hearing various feedback from fans, things that we felt are needed or functions that should be changed, are elements that we’re doing what we can to work on,” Fujioka chimes in.
Finally, as is common in Japanese interviews, a message for fans from both members of the development staff.
Fujioka: “As I’ve previously mentioned, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is something we’re making while putting all our feelings of gratitude towards the people who played Monster Hunter 4. Personally, I feel that it has already become something that shows plenty of that.”
“I believe it’s a game that can be enjoyed much longer with more ways to play than Monster Hunter 4, so please look forward to it. We’ve put all kinds of work into it, and there are elements that will bring back memories along with new ones, and much more. Please keep an eye out for more.”
Tsujimoto: “I believe that we were able to make something with content that will bring satisfaction. It won’t be long until we begin working on the game’s finishing touches, and all the staff members are putting everything they’ve got into it. We’re doing our best so we can deliver it to all of you guys in its best form, so please look forward to it.”
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate will be released in North America and Europe in early 2015 for Nintendo 3DS.
Published: Jul 22, 2014 05:30 pm