One of Capcom’s most reliable franchises throughout its many years operation has been the massively popular (in Japan) fantasy themed multiplayer action roleplaying Monster Hunterseries, an IP so influential that it is not only considered the standard by which all other entries in this genre are judged but is still among the most anticipated and played of all of them. The forthcoming entry in the series, Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter X (Cross) in Japan), is slated for launch on the Nintendo 3DS in the west sometime later this year,
With Monster Hunter Generations, which includes many of the monsters and gear from previous entries (most notably Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate), they’re changing up the gameplay more than ever with the introduction of the four styles, each of which will allow the player to utilize the weapons with one of four different move sets based on how they decide to mix and match. With Weapon Arts, players will be able to perform a variety of special abilities, such as big damage spikes, party buffs and healing. More than ever before in this series, it appears that Monster Hunter Generations will encourage well balanced teams for the best chance of success.
In a blog at Capcom-Unity, details were given on the different styles and how they will function:
Aerial Style: “Death from Above” – This style gives every weapon class a short jump, called Aerial Dodge. By connecting this jump with a monster, another player or even a Barrel Bomb L, the player vaults him/herself into the air and can follow that up with devastating Jumping Attacks.
While aerial hit can lead to mounting a monster, also keep in mind this third movement dimension can be used to evade certain grounded attacks and avoid disrupting nearby teammates.
Adept Style: “Deft Punisher” – With this style equipped, hunters gain Insta-Moves that require precise timing. If your weapon has a heavy shield (Lance, Gunlance, Charge Blade in Sword Mode) your Insta-Move is an Insta-Block: a quick swing of the shield that, if connects with an incoming attack, gives an opportunity for an immediate follow-up attack. Those sporting any of the other weapon types (or Charge Blade in Axe Mode) gain an Insta-Evade, which features a good number of i-frames and can either set up a powerful follow-up attack or be used to be out of harm’s way.
Guild Style: “Well-honed Tradition” – This style will feel most familiar to those that played Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, so if you’re looking to test your skills with your favorite weapon, or just and all-around solid set up, Guild Style is for you.
Striker Style: “Versatile Powerhouse” – In order to truly understand this Hunting Style, one must also understand the all-new Hunter Arts. These special moves build up as you hit monsters and can be unleashed with a single tap on the touch screen panel.
To see the styles in action, take a look at the official trailer!
The preview really hypes up the new gameplay, providing players with just a tantalizing peek at what Monster Hunter Generations is going to offer. And with the option to master four different styles with different attacks and abilities, this game is going to be keeping a lot of people busy for a long time.
Monster Hunter Generations is coming to North America and Europe sometime this summer for the Nintendo 3DS. As we learn more, we’ll be sure to let you know!
