Niantic has created an empire always exploiting the same brilliant idea: using a global mapping service to insert game elements into reality, basically the basic principle of augmented reality applied to video games. Following the global success of Pokémon GO, evidently driven by the power of the Japanese brand, the same formula has been applied to other intellectual properties, very often without being able to find the right solution, but in rare cases, as we also see in this Monster Hunter Review Now, managing instead to build an interesting mechanic. Maybe it's because, in the end, Monster Hunter and Pokémon have several aspects in common, which can be assimilated to exploration and discovery as main elements of the experience and, therefore, perfect to translate into a game that requires exploring the world. real to move forward.
The principle is always the same: walking to find creatures, only in this case it involves hunting them quite violently, instead of capturing them with more or less painless methods.
The basic mechanism of the Monster Hunter series remains unchanged, except that the characteristics of the role-playing game are simplified to make room for a basic action that still maintains some typical elements linked above all to the progression and management of weapons and armor. Also in this case, the game presents a scenario built on real maps managed by the Lightship VPS system together with Google Maps, within which monsters and resources to collect are distributed, often in correspondence with actually existing points of interest. Everything as we have already seen in Pokémon GO and the like, but surprisingly well integrated with the world of Monster Hunter, in a spin-off that is especially fun.
portable hunting
The structure of Monster Hunter Now reduces that of classic Monster Hunter to a minimum, which leads to substantial differences in gameplay. game. While in standard chapters the fights are long, tactical and sometimes exhausting, with players remaining immersed in combat for up to several minutes, in Monster Hunter Now everything happens in the space of a few seconds, a little over a minute at most. the most challenging challenges. It's a style that adapts perfectly to mobile use, but Monster Hunter experts beware: this is a crude simplification of the complex combat mechanics to which you are accustomed. Once a monster has been identified on the nearby map, just one touch is enough to enter battle: with a shot behind the character, just touch the enemy to launch blows, while with lateral blows we can dodge it. That's it: the combat strategy doesn't go much beyond dodging at the right moment (when the creature flashes red to indicate the next attack) and attacking quickly and sequentially in time windows when its guard is down, with a very basic mechanics. but capable of giving some satisfaction, also thanks to some quite spectacular graphics and animations.
Beyond this inevitable compromise, the game continues to surprise with its ability to remain faithful to the original spirit, in a much more effective way than is usually the case in geolocation-based Niantic titles. He the elaboration of, the conquest of weapons and armor and their improvement are the elements closest to the original spirit of Monster Hunter and here they are also of fundamental importance.
As you progress towards more powerful and challenging monsters, these game components increase in relevance, because such a simplified combat can only rely primarily on the level of the equipment and its characteristics as parameters to evaluate the chances of success. The hunter's skill is somewhat weakened by this reduction in battle, but at least some of the typical strategic preparation for battle remains.
Monsters in augmented reality
On the technical side, Monster Hunter Now is truly remarkable. Now that mobile gaming is poised to achieve impressive results, as we've seen with the announcement of some "console-level" games for iPhone, the situation is evolving rapidly, but this is probably the game. graphically best produced so far by Niantic, probably also thanks to the fruitful collaboration with Capcom. It is also worth noting that it is capable of working without major problems even on less powerful devices (but taking into account the enormous energy consumption), which makes it potentially suitable for a large number of users.
There is no shortage of opportunities to see creatures in augmented reality, a true tradition for Niantic productions as well as an element that is part of the very concept behind these experiences. The technology is what we know and in this case it also works correctly, although the 3D graphics are so convincing that in reality they are widely preferred to the classic flickering "holographic" projections, also thanks to the construction of different biomes. that contribute to varying the scenarios and game situations. Also notable in this case is the amount of data inserted into the maps used, which exploit numerous real places of interest to locate special areas in which to obtain resources or especially memorable confrontations.
Conclusions
Tested version Android, iPad 61.0 digital delivery app store, Google Play Price Free Holygamerz.com 7.5 Readers (4) 7.7 your voteMonster Hunter Now is clearly a huge simplification of the standard mechanics, but the "Niantic treatment" works surprisingly well here. While the classic series requires a great deal of skill on the part of the player, with combat skills representing a fundamental element of the game, Monster Hunter Now relies mostly on simple mechanics based on correct timing and basic inputs, but the closeness to the original spirit. remains notable. Beyond the excellent graphics, which immerse us perfectly in the typical atmospheres of Monster Hunter, the progression mechanism through conquering, modifying and improving new equipment is probably the feature that unites this particular mobile experience with a series that can considered "hardcore". therefore a bit opposite. The super-simplified gameplay can bore the most demanding player, but it is striking to see how the typical formula of Niantic titles adapts perfectly to this series, resulting in a pleasant and almost addictive title to play in small daily doses.
PRO
- Monster Hunter's mechanics fit well with Niantic's gameplay
- Character and equipment management demonstrate considerable depth.
- Very good graphics and music.
AGAINST
- The super-simplified combat is a far cry from the original gameplay.
- It can get monotonous quickly, but future support needs to be considered.
