Niantic reveals Pokemon GO-like Monster Hunter Now for mobile

(It’s Monster Hunter GO, essentially)

Developer Niantic and publisher Capcom have lifted the lid on a brand new mobile title set within the latter’s popular fantasy series, Monster Hunter — Currently in development for iOS and Android platforms, Monster Hunter Now is an augmented reality title that will allow fans to go searching for beasties when out and about in the real world.

“Monster Hunter Now is a new and unprecedented Monster Hunter game that entices players to go out with their Palico and encounter incredible monsters in the real world,” said producer Ryozo Tsujimoto in the announcement. “Niantic’s AR technology delivers a ‘here and right now’ hunting experience, something that can be played casually, while honoring the gameplay and hunting action that only Monster Hunter can offer. Let’s get out into the real world and enjoy hunting!”

In case you haven’t put it together, Monster Hunter Now is, essentially, a Monster Hunter-themed variant on Niantic’s incredibly popular critter catcher Pokemon GO! which captured hearts and minds while making major headlines back in 2016. Much like that title, Niantic’s new venture will see players tracking beasts in the real world, while taking part in specifically located gatherings and events.

This time around, however, you will not have to battle the monsters there and then. Should you come across a beastie to hunt, then you can “mark” the monster with a device known as “Paintball”, and then simply do battle with the creature once you’re on your commute home/the toilet. You can hunt alone or with friends, as you race to tackle the rarest specimens in a mission to, well, make them rarer still, I guess.

Whether Monster Hunter Now has quite the incendiary, and frankly insane, cultural impact of Pokemon GO! remains to be seen — and is perhaps a little less likely — but for franchise fans, it’s certainly going to be an interesting way to interact with your favorite series while out and about. If you’re interested, then sign-ups are available now on the official website, with the game expected to launch in September of this year.