Monster Hunter Now - Why I like it so much

Monster Hunter Now, Niantic's latest foray into the world of augmented reality mobile gaming, introduces the Monster Hunter franchise to the real world. Initially met with confusion, this fusion of the beloved Monster Hunter series with AR mobile gameplay has pleasantly surprised many, including me. In this review, we'll dive into the details, gameplay, and whether it's worth your time.

The Monster Hunting Experience

Unlike Pokémon Go, where you catch creatures, Monster Hunter Now is all about hunting and gathering. You'll track, hunt, and battle various monsters, and then use their materials to craft powerful weapons and armor. While this might sound like a challenging concept to adapt into an AR game, Niantic has done an impressive job.

The Basics of Gameplay

The gameplay in Monster Hunter Now is surprisingly close to the main series games, considering the differences in platform. The combat, which is where the heart of Monster Hunter lies, feels satisfying. You tap to attack and swipe to dodge, and while the combat seems quite different on the surface, it manages to capture the essence of the series well.

Monster Tracking and Paintballs

One of the clever mechanics in Monster Hunter Now is the use of "paintballs." Instead of forcing you into an immediate battle, you can "paintball" a monster when you see it, and then later choose when and where to engage in the battle. This feature makes it much more convenient to engage with the game without the fear of missing out.

Microtransactions and Monetization

As with many free-to-play mobile games, there are microtransactions in Monster Hunter Now. You can purchase gems with real money, which can then be exchanged for various in-game items. However, the game hasn't pushed the need for these purchases aggressively, and many players won't feel the urge to buy them. There is room for improvement, but so far, it hasn't disrupted the gameplay.

Graphics and AR Mode

The game's graphics are decent, with the real world superimposed habitats and creatures looking fairly good. The AR mode, while a fun gimmick, doesn't offer much practical functionality, and its usage might be limited. While there are a few blemishes, the game's visuals are acceptable for the genre.

Multiplayer Features

At the time of the review, the game offers local multiplayer options, meaning you need to be physically near the people you want to play with. While it's a nice concept, rural players might find it challenging to participate in group hunts. Hopefully, online multiplayer will be added in the future.

Monster Hunter Now presents a surprisingly engaging AR experience for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. If you enjoyed Pokémon Go, you'll likely appreciate this bite-sized hunting adventure. While it's not a full-scale Monster Hunter experience, it's a fun companion for your daily commutes or walks. It's worth giving it a try, especially because it's free.

I didn't expect to enjoy Monster Hunter Now as much as I did, and this review was a one-time deal.

Until next time, happy hunting, and take care! Goodbye!

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