Monster Hunter Now's Palicoes will have an ability that could be revolutionary for its genre of mobile gaming. Monster Hunter Now will already have to do a lot of innovative tricks in order to translate the long and intricate gameplay of the Monster Hunter series into a mobile-friendly format. Among the many ideas presented in the game is one that similar games such as Pokemon GO have yet to try despite how useful it could be. If it works, then Monster Hunter GO could end up being a trailblazer in the AR mobile gaming market.
It was something of a surprise when Monster Hunter's mobile spin-off Monster Hunter Now was announced, since the Monster Hunter series is generally associated with long hunts and fierce battles that would seem impractical on a mobile device. However, Pokemon GO is the biggest example to date of how a popular series can expand its reach through a mobile spin-off. Although Monster Hunter is still much more popular in Japan than overseas, Monster Hunter Now still 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.
Palicoes' Paintballs In Monster Hunter Now Are Its Most Potentially Useful Addition
One of the abilities for Palicoes in Monster Hunter Now is paintball, which is loosely adapted from a mechanic from Monster 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 how Monster Hunter Rise's new wirebugs offered 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 of Pokemon GO for 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 Now offers 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 Now developer Niantic seems enthusiastic about the paintball mechanic, and it has good reason to be. While Pokemon GO's raids are being criticized, Monster Hunter Now is 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 in Monster 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 that Monster Hunter Now can thrive in.
The Palicoes' paintballs may turn out to be an underrated detail that helps Monster Hunter Now thrive. It can help players engage in Monster Hunter Now's version of combat even 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 in Monster Hunter Now have 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 in Monster Hunter, and they could be Monster Hunter Now's secret weapon.
Monster Hunter Now releases on mobile devices in September 2023.