One of the best lessons that the nextMonster Huntergame can take fromMonster Hunter Riseis the potential that mythology has for monster inspirations. The most recent game in the series managed to introduce some incredible monsters that can hopefully return in future installments. Many of these monsters' best characteristics can be chalked up toMonster Hunter Rise’s theme that rings true throughout the game. The nextMonster Huntergame can recreate that success by trying a similar idea. The end result could be a game that matchesRise’s quality while looking quite different.
In addition to theMonster Hunterseries' intricate combat mechanics, the monsters are the series' biggest icons. TheMonster Huntergames are built around the gigantic creatures that roam the lands, and how the player has to track and hunt them for whatever purpose the current game’s plot sets them on. InMonster Hunter Rise, the player is going on hunts to defend their village from a prophesied disaster. This task requires the player to do battle with many kinds of monsters, including a few species new toRise, and these new monsters can be perfect inspiration for the next game.
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More Mythologically-Inspired Monsters Would Be Great For The Next Monster Hunter
In a new twist for the series,Monster Hunter Rise’s new monsterswere based on yokai, creatures from Japanese folklore. This design decision led to some of the most interesting monsters to appear yet in the franchise. The inspirations for some monsters were clear, such as the scythe-tailed Izuchi being based on the Kamaitachi, weasels with sickle tails that move with the winds. Another good example is the Aknosom, a bird monster inspired by the Busan, a fire-breathing turkey, but with a crest and wings based on the umbrella monster Karakasa. Taking inspiration from Yokai led to exciting new directions forRise’s newcomers.
After how wellMonster Hunter Rise’s design choices went, theplans for the nextMonster Huntergamecould include inspiration from another mythological source. A lot of great monsters fromMonster Hunter Risewere made with yokai in mind, and there are several other mythologies with their own creatures that could make solid inspiration. Greek mythology could bring creatures such as the brutish one-eyed Cyclops, and the buffalo-like Catoblepas. Chinese mythology also has impressive creatures to offer, such as the impossibly swift and majestic horse Qianlima. These are only a few of the options that a nearly endless amount of legends could provide.
Choosing an art direction for the nextMonster Huntergame can affect more than just the monster designs.Monster Hunter Rise’s Kamura Villageis designed to resemble a Japanese village from the feudal era, with the Kamura weapons also intended to evoke a similar feel. If the nextMonster Hunterchooses another mythology to draw inspiration for monsters, it could do the same for other aspects of the game as well. For example, some research could help to ensure that the hub looks like an old city based on whatever civilization’s mythology was used as inspiration. Much like Kamura village, this would also help establish the new game’s identity.
Creating monsters based on yokai definitely worked inMonster Hunter Rise’s favor, so mythology can provide ideas for the next game as well. Thesuccessor toMonster Hunter Risecan build on the last game’s ideas in its own direction, and it would be sure to introduce its own slate of exciting new monsters for players to encounter. In addition, there would also be the fun of players having the chance to recognize what mythical creatures inspired the latest monster they discovered. AfterMonster Hunter Rise’s yokai-themed monsters turned out so well, the nextMonster Huntercould thrive with a new mythological inspiration.
Monster Hunter Riseis available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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