Who doesn’t love a 4chan rumour? Despite the generally dreadful track record of the infamous message board, legit leaks do sometimes crop up on the site, so you can’t always disregard them outright. And this chatter about Monster Hunter 5 has been heating up of late, so we’re going to drop a quick piece on it all the same.
So what’s the ‘TL;DR’ summary of events? A poster who correctly revealed that Monster Hunter XX would be announced for the Switch – didn’t take a genius that one, did it? – claims that Sony has secured some form of exclusivity of Monster Hunter 5, though this won’t preclude Portable branded entries from appearing on Nintendo’s machine.
The rumour is that the fifth entry in the famous animal slaughtering series will be quite unlike previous instalments, incorporating a large open world and focusing on the Western market. Apparently the game will be a little more accessible than its predecessors, removing timers and making the action much easier to understand.
The insinuation is that a Monster Hunter 5 Portable will further the brand’s established format on the Nintendo Switch, while the PS4 title will target the tastes of Europe and North America. To be fair, Capcom has suggested that it wants the series to do better in the West, but whether this is the right way to go about it remains to be seen.
And that’s if the rumour is real to begin with. There are some inconsistencies in the original post that lead us to believe it’s fan fiction; the rumour monger claims that Sony paid through the nose to get an exclusive Monster Hunter title in order to improve its position in Japan, but then almost immediately goes on to talk about the Western focus.
While the PlayStation maker has not given up on its home nation by any stretch, its priorities lie elsewhere, so we’re not entirely convinced it would be willing to stump up for a game specifically designed to improve its standing in Japan – especially when that game also sounds like it’s been built with other territories in mind.
So could Monster Hunter come to the PS4? Well, as we’ve written many times, Capcom’s finally going to have to upgrade those 3DS assets, so unless Nintendo has a big money hat in place once again, we could see the series finally coming to PS4 at some point – as well as PC and potentially Xbox. But is this specific rumour accurate? Our money’s on no for now.
[source neogaf.com]
Comments 51
I'd love a MH that's prettier, more accessible, and playable with a Dualshock 4. I've never been able to get into the 3DS entries, the first few hours put me to sleep, plus staring down at a tiny screen with PS1 graphics makes my eyes hurt.
Man I miss MH on the home console , 3U was the last one until the Switch version. Im honestly tired of playing MH tied to a portable device in which I constantly need to charge . I just want to sit down relax and play 10 hours straight as I do most games on the weekend .
@RedMageLanakyn That's one of few bad things about the series, the beginning hours are so slow and are a chore to get through especially if your a MH vet.
Still seems bizzare that there is no Vita version of MH in Japan. It has dual sticks and many similar games play well.
...Yeah, problem is, a big current-gen Monster Hunter would have an incredibly small profit margin compared to the probably very big one they achieved by focusing on low-end systems like the PSP and the 3DS. That and the fact that the PS4 has only sold ~5 million units over in the franchise's biggest territory doesn't exactly spell money for Capcom.
Just don't dumb down the difficulty. Removing the timers for a hunt already seems questionable. I'm open for changes though!
@TeslaChippie This rumour seems to suggest they'd be banking on the West, but it's a big gamble. And you're accurate about the cost of assets, though now the Switch is here they're going to have to invest in that area anyway.
@RedMageLanakyn "I'd love a MH that's prettier, more accessible, and playable with a Dualshock 4".
I'll get some stick for this but honestly, Toukiden 2 fills that role quite nicely. It's definitely more accessible, and looks lovely on PS4. It's more of a traditional RPG in a lot of ways, though. Still, if you like killing big monsters with weapons crafted from dead things, then you can't go wrong.
I would be excited as all hell if this came to PS4, I've been wanting to play a Monster Hunter game for years on PlayStation.
@ShogunRok I also need to eventually pick that game up, I played the demo for it awhile back and enjoyed every bit of it. (The first one just to clarify, don't know if the second game has a demo )
Yeah, I'd be pumped.
@ShogunRok I've been meaning to try out Toukiden 2, also heard good things about God Eater as well. Are they considered MH lites basically, kind of like how lords of the fallen was a souls lite but still good fun?
"The rumour is that the fifth entry in the famous animal slaughtering series will be quite unlike previous instalments, incorporating a large open world and focusing on the Western market."
If this part is true then PS4 makes sense. My only question would be whether Sony would want to sign it on as an exclusive (even timed) after the wasted money on SF V. A marketing deal I could see for sure, Sony has been big on those this gen and it's a strategy that has paid off. Either way, there is an audience for Monster Hunter on PlayStation just like there's an audience for Resident Evil on Nintendo. Capcom needs to make both these things happen at E3.
Hope this rumor is BS. Capcom is generations behind where Toukiden 2 is. Even God Eater is cooler. And both Koei Tecmo AND Bandai Namco have long-since woken up to the fact that people want these experiences on consoles, because they've already brought their monster hunter titles to PS4. And Steam.
Like, if you want this experience, you have better options available people. Stop sleeping on games like Toukiden 2, people who like these types of games.
Too many gamers are lazy consumers. Support more choices, not less. Monster Hunter can stick to Nintendo all it wants; its slower, more boring, lacks major features from, and is less visually interesting than literally all of the other "monster hunters" out there... except for maybe that one PC title, Dauntless. That one looks bland af.
@RedMageLanakyn Both Toukiden and God Eater are good games. Though they are not as "fantastic" everyone says they are. For once, the multiplayer isn't very active compared to MH's online activity. And the game relies a bit too much on button smashing. As much as I like Toukiden 2, it still has that same old Koei Tecmo combat that I really get tired off. While for God Eater's just doesn't have a lot of impact in combat. Especially when Rage Burst is basically "Kratos' Spartan Rage", making most fights a bit less challenging (and the fact that you can only bring one blood art sucks). Both games are atleast more story driven than MH. Though in my opinion, Soul Sacrifice Delta is the only MH clone that has a good story that is not cliched. There are still a few nitpicks I have with both games (like the bland areas in God Eater and the bland reskins in TK2) but overrall both are still fun games. I still prefer Monster Hunter, mostly because it combines both strategy and action. Sure it can be sometimes slow but looking at the cool additions they added for Double X, I think that might change.
@oatmealwarrior92 This. As much as I like the MH games, it would have been better if they made the starting quests optional. This was my main gripe with MH4's beginning.
If this is true it's the best news I got since the Ys VIII release date.
Well, as long as I get a traditional MH experience on a portable device, I'm fine with them experimenting. It might actually be quite fun if they give you a robust system for tracking down monsters in the open world.
@TruthfulVoice Yet the other hunting games available on Playstation platforms don't have anywhere close to the amount of depth of your average MH title. Moreover, MH games are not "slow," they're just not button-mashy. Combat is a lot like Dark Souls, actually: very deliberate, but exhilarating when you know what you're doing.
Games like God Eater and Toukiden are decent, but ultimately forgettable experiences.
@Ralizah I disagree. Toukiden, God Eater and Soul sacrifice are all such unique games in the franchise and from each other, they stand out in my brain more. I literally can't tell any of the MH games apart anymore.
I would love to see Monster Hunter come to the PS4 as long as it doesn't stop is appearing on the Switch. I am absolutely obsessed with my Switch.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Monster Hunter born on PlayStation? Welcome home I guess.
Could never get into MH on handheld. It's just too slow, that's not what I look for in portable gaming. Big screen is a different story entirely. I'm sure I'll enjoy it, but honestly if it really is a timed exclusive I'm REALLY looking forward to perusing the IGN comment section .
I do think there is a audience for this in the west on PlayStation. I think in general, gamers have become more diverse.
NiOh did 1 million in 2 weeks worldwide- given the right promotion I'd expect a timed exclusive MH game to double that.
I enjoyed the MH games ever since I played MH3 on Wii. I'm currently playing the 3DS games. If a MH game comes to PS4 or even Xbox One I would definitely play it.
@Tsurii it's not snowflakes it's just people that are interested in monster hunter wanting to play it. I mean it's no different then every game announcement article with no switch version which there are tons having people port begging in the comment section and acting like every game ever would be perfect for switch treating it like portable gaming is some new,amazing thing.
@Enuo can't wait for ys 8. Not long to go now!
Day 1 purchase for me if Monster Hunter 5 is released on PS4. However, I've got a pinch of salt at the ready.
I don't mind playing most games on handheld but would much prefer to have Monster Hunter on a big screen with a better controller so this would be good news if true.
Monster Hunter is made for the Switch. It gives the chance for big screen play in the West and portability in Japan.
The step up in Switch's power compared to the 3DS will see the quality rise anyway.
Really want this to be true. Enjoyed the older version on the Vita.
That talk about making it more accessible sounds interesting. There are small improvements they could do to make the game better. Losing a quest from running out of time is frustrating, so I wouldn't mind them removing the clock. Also, grinding a particular monster many times until you get the rare drop needed to craft the weapon you want isn't that fun, so tweaking this would be great.
However, if the combat is simplified too much to make it more accessible, then that could put me off the next game.
I'll just play FFXII for my monster hunting kicks.
The plot thickens...
The only reason I have a 3DS is to keep up with Monster Hunter. I played it from the first entry on PS2 and there was always something about it's atmosphere and character that makes it unlike any other game. I have GE and GE2, and had Toukiden and although they are great games with hugely deeper storylines they don't have the charm of MH. I've been hoping to see the franchise done justice on current consoles. The switch version of XX looks like a HD port of the DS title. I can only dream of how beautiful it would look on a PS4. If this does have merit I'd like to see it on the Xbox one, cross platform play included. It could help to introduce the franchise to the west, more popularity then the more revenue will be made, and more chance of future releases.
I wouldn't give this rumour any credit if there had not been an interview with a capcom guy who said that the west was untapped for MH on consoles. With the millions of units sold there is a good market for this. Atlus, xseed, Koei Tecmo and Bandai Namco all translate and bring games to the west, it's time capcom give us a console version again!
If there is a series that needs new assets / a new graphic engine, it's MH. Would love for them to bring the whole hunting craze to the west.
This would be awesome.
@oatmealwarrior92 "Im honestly tired of playing MH tied to a portable device in which I constantly need to charge . I just want to sit down relax and play 10 hours straight as I do most games on the weekend "
You are aware you can play the 3DS while the AC Adapter is plugged in, right?
@RedMageLanakyn Hmmm, kind of. Toukiden and God Eater were clearly created in order to get a slice of that Monster Hunter pie, but they still have their key differences. Like I say, Toukiden has a proper story with characters and party members, making it feel like a lot more like a Japanese RPG with monster hunting at its core.
God Eater is kind of the same, but it's much more "anime".
@Matt_Berial The second game has a demo too, I believe. The key difference between the first and second is that the latter has open environments that you can explore. On a mechanical level it's better than the first as well.
I reckon give it a shot if you're a fan of action RPGs.
"The rumour is that the fifth entry in the famous animal slaughtering series will be quite unlike previous instalments, incorporating a large open world and focusing on the Western market. Apparently the game will be a little more accessible than its predecessors, removing timers and making the action much easier to understand."
So, it isn't a Monster Hunter game then. It is a watered down imitation. Why not just make that with a new IP attached?
@SoulsBourne128 @ShogunRok Thanks for the info, I'll keep all of that in mind and give them a try at some point.
Just do it Capcom! They could make extra dosh from dlc mounts or we could pay for skins if we're too lazy! But never play to win! Overwatch, LOL and even elderscrolls do DLC in a gamer friendly way I think. Pay to hunt uber rare monsters!!! The gfx and sound would be amazing on PS4!!! Linked co-op with friends or grandsons. Multiple islands or areas... monster Hunter league. Maybe a league each 3 month season to see which player or team hunts and kills a selection of monsters in 3 bouts. The team with the best average wins loot!!!
@Ralizah I agree with this. As much as I LOVE Toukiden and God Eater, I still see Monster Hunter as the best in the genre. Sure it's slow, and it's not a game for everyone, but it still has the most depth out of them all, and at least it doesn't focus on button-smashing your way in the game like in Toukiden. Plus I usually prefer the weapons and armors in MH compared to Toukiden's "Warriors" armor sets.
However, that doesn't mean that the other hunting RPGs are not memorable. Toukiden has its Mitama system, God Eater with its bullet customization, and Soul Sacrifice with the magic-based combat. Even the weaker ones like Ragnarok Odyssey and Freedom Wars has some unique elements.
Personally, I hope Monster Hunter remains a Nintendo exclusive. The way I see it, it's good for gamers as a whole that Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo continue to produce their own consoles, and Monster Hunter is one of the main reasons that Nintendo can keep producing consoles.
@Matt_Berial Second one has a demo.
@Sinton Nintendo has a lot of great games MH is the game that i think of when someone says Nintendo. That is Metriod, Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong.
MH is my favorite game series of all time, so ya I've got a few cents to share. I would give this a try but I'm not too thrilled at the thought of casualizing the series. Timers are crucial in ensuring hunts don't last forever, and often times the challenge comes from killing the monster before time runs out. Some of the best hunts I've had were down to the wire- killed a Glavenus way more powerful for me at the time with less than a minute remaining. Such a rush! And open world sounds cool, but I'd have to see it in action because not every game benefits from being open world. Hunting a fleeing monster would be nearly impossible, for starters. Then there's the combat and crafting, and what would become of that.
It can bare the MH5 moniker, but if it's changing up the game's formula while they continue the core series elsewhere, then in truth it's a spinoff in all but name. As long as the core series continues on Switch in HD with better textures (I love the 3DS entries but, I shouted for joy at the announcement of MHXX on Switch) I'm a happy hunter.
@dark_knightmare2
I don't think anyone thinks gaming portable is something new, but it is amazing when you can actually play in HD with real controllers, and swap right back to the TV in an instant without save transfer tools or additional hardware. I would love to see as many games make it to Switch as possible- for that very reason alone. If they don't it's not the end of the world- that's why I own multiple platforms after all, and Switch has plenty of its own amazing games regardless, but there is definitely legitimacy to wanting games ported onto the platform.
Not sure about this either. Capcom is too lazy and greedy to risk the only IP they deem Nintendo gamers worthy of. And I highly doubt their best selling games in the West match the Japanese sales of MH games.
Making optional changes like timers would be nice, though. Or tying rare parts to harder, more challenging quests instead of grinding the same monster and hoping for the best.
Just make Freedom Wars 2, the first one was the best monster hunting game ever made.
@ShogunRok I definitely will.
@Flaming_Kaiser Alright thanks, now when I get the chance going to try it out.
I'd be surprised if this was true, but also pretty damn excited. No way I'd bother picking up Monster Hunter XX on Switch if this does happen, though. Either way, this would be my first MH game so the idea of a more accessible version sounds perfect.
one word: IMPOSSIBLE
This is some shitty pre-E3 fake rumours for sure.
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