Monster Hunter Now’s Palicoes will have an ability that could be revolutionary for its genre of mobile gaming.Monster Hunter Nowwill already have to do a lot of innovative tricks in order to translate the long and intricate gameplay of theMonster Hunterseries into a mobile-friendly format. Among the many ideas presented in the game is one that similar games such asPokemon GOhave yet to try despite how useful it could be. If it works, thenMonster Hunter GOcould end up being a trailblazer in the AR mobile gaming market.
It was something of a surprise whenMonster Hunter’s mobile spin-offMonster Hunter Nowwas announced, since theMonster Hunterseries is generally associated with long hunts and fierce battles that would seem impractical on a mobile device. However,Pokemon GOis the biggest example to date of how a popular series can expand its reach through a mobile spin-off. AlthoughMonster Hunteris still much more popular in Japan than overseas,Monster Hunter Nowstill has a strong chance to succeed and rival other AR games in quality. One of the game’s unique features may be able to play a role in that ascent.
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Palicoes' Paintballs In Monster Hunter Now Are Its Most Potentially Useful Addition
One of the abilities for Palicoes inMonster Hunter Nowis paintball, which is loosely adapted from amechanic fromMonster Hunter’s past. By using paintballs, Palicoes will mark monsters for the player without interrupting them. When a monster is marked with a paintball, the player will be able to fight them later, as though they were following a trail back to the monster’s location. There’s even an option for the Palico to do this with the app closed. Through the paintball mechanic, players would be able to passively collect opportunities to battle while walking around, then perform the battles themselves when they have time, making the game more convenient.
The paintball mechanic marks a shift for typical AR gameplay, similar to howMonster Hunter Rise’s new wirebugsoffered new features in gameplay. Most of the time, AR games require the player’s attention lest they accidentally walk past something worthwhile. For example, if a player takes their eyes off ofPokemon GOfor too long, they could miss out on a rare Pokemon or a Pokestop that could offer some items. By letting players essentially bank monster encounters for later,Monster hunter Nowoffers a more user-friendly option. With Palico paintballs, having to take time away from the game won’t make the player miss out.
Monster Hunter Nowdeveloper Niantic seems enthusiastic about the paintball mechanic, and it has good reason to be. WhilePokemon GO’s raids are being criticized,Monster Hunter Nowis offering a new idea that could give it a leg up against the competition. Letting players take on hunts at their leisure could prove to be a strong selling point inMonster Hunter Now’s favor, as people who are very busy during the day could appreciate how paintball rewards them for being out and about without demanding their attention in the moment. That may be a niche thatMonster Hunter Nowcan thrive in.
The Palicoes' paintballs may turn out to be an underrated detail that helpsMonster Hunter Nowthrive. It can help players engage inMonster Hunter Now’s version of combateven if they aren’t on the game constantly, which is an issue that a lot of mobile games have, especially in the AR genre. Paintballs inMonster Hunter Nowhave the potential to make the game one of the most playable AR titles on the market, and other games may be interested in replicating its effects. Palicoes have always been faithful allies inMonster Hunter, and they could beMonster Hunter Now’s secret weapon.
Monster Hunter Nowreleases on mobile devices in September 2023.
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