Rather than having endless arguments over this in every thread tangentially related to Monster Hunter, and having mods step in to shut them down, I was hoping that we would be able to calmly and maturely discuss the old Monster Hunter 4chan rumors that have been dominating the conversation.
A few hours before the original announcement of Monster Hunter XX on 3DS, this was posted on 4chan:
Note that there was no precedent for what a Monster Hunter X expansion might be called, so nailing the Cross-Cross name is what got the rumor attention in the first place. After the announcement, the same user (verified by tripcode) posted these follow ups:
Recently another bullet point on there came true, with Monster Hunter XX being "rushed" to Switch (you can debate whether they meant system or software launch) allegedly to prepare for a Monster Hunter Portable 5.
It's very important here to ACTUALLY READ what is said in the original posts because for all the console wars that have been fought over this rumor, there is really nothing for anyone to be upset about in here (except maybe those invested in Capcom having competent management but that ship has long sailed). As an aside, it does paint the picture of a Capcom that has no idea what the fuck it's doing, which is the part I find most convincing.
The main points that are relevant to gamers are that according to the rumor, Sony has paid for a console exclusive Monster Hunter 5 that changes up the traditional gameplay in some fairly dramatic ways; "streamlined" combat, QTEs, less gathering and prep, and an open world. Capcom allegedly signed on to this because they saw an opportunity for growth in the west via the PS4 userbase and presumably saw Japan as a market in decline. If true, PS4 owners can look forward to a pretty looking Monster Hunter with 5 in the title.
Now why should Switch owners not feel NTR'd? Because the same rumor also states that Capcom got cold feet when they realized that they were risking their reliable Japanese audience to chase western riches. They allegedly decided to hedge by supporting Switch as well, except with the Sony contract already signed, they couldn't call the game Monster Hunter 5. So if you believe the first PS4 part of the rumor, you must also believe that Monster Hunter Portable 5 is coming to Switch, by the main Monster Hunter team, iterating on the traditional gameplay.
Everyone in this scenario gets something. Monster Hunter 5 gets its fair chance to blow up in the west, and Monster Hunter Portable 5 will undoubtedly remain the juggernaut the series has always been on handhelds in Japan. The only reason anyone should be upset is if they don't understand the history of the series or if they feel the need to deprive other platform owners of games over some petty shit.
Is the rumor true? Impossible to say at this point, but considering previous Capcom statements juxtaposed against the full court press with Monster Hunter XX on Switch (including the first ever special edition Switch hardware) it seems convincing.
As a Switch owner, with Nintendo publishing Monster Hunter Stories overseas, adjusting the system specs at Capcom's request, and now collaborating to use Monster Hunter XX to push the system in Japan, I have no doubt that Monster Hunter has a future on the platform. No matter what they call the individual titles, PS4 getting a Monster Hunter will affect precisely nothing about the Switch's future or strength as a platform.
If the "westernized" Monster Hunter exists, I would expect it to be shown at E3. So let's wait and see what happens. And should the rumor come true in its entirety, I think the people flinging shit (on both side) over the whole affair will look silly when the dust has settled.
A few hours before the original announcement of Monster Hunter XX on 3DS, this was posted on 4chan:
Note that there was no precedent for what a Monster Hunter X expansion might be called, so nailing the Cross-Cross name is what got the rumor attention in the first place. After the announcement, the same user (verified by tripcode) posted these follow ups:
Recently another bullet point on there came true, with Monster Hunter XX being "rushed" to Switch (you can debate whether they meant system or software launch) allegedly to prepare for a Monster Hunter Portable 5.
It's very important here to ACTUALLY READ what is said in the original posts because for all the console wars that have been fought over this rumor, there is really nothing for anyone to be upset about in here (except maybe those invested in Capcom having competent management but that ship has long sailed). As an aside, it does paint the picture of a Capcom that has no idea what the fuck it's doing, which is the part I find most convincing.
The main points that are relevant to gamers are that according to the rumor, Sony has paid for a console exclusive Monster Hunter 5 that changes up the traditional gameplay in some fairly dramatic ways; "streamlined" combat, QTEs, less gathering and prep, and an open world. Capcom allegedly signed on to this because they saw an opportunity for growth in the west via the PS4 userbase and presumably saw Japan as a market in decline. If true, PS4 owners can look forward to a pretty looking Monster Hunter with 5 in the title.
Now why should Switch owners not feel NTR'd? Because the same rumor also states that Capcom got cold feet when they realized that they were risking their reliable Japanese audience to chase western riches. They allegedly decided to hedge by supporting Switch as well, except with the Sony contract already signed, they couldn't call the game Monster Hunter 5. So if you believe the first PS4 part of the rumor, you must also believe that Monster Hunter Portable 5 is coming to Switch, by the main Monster Hunter team, iterating on the traditional gameplay.
Everyone in this scenario gets something. Monster Hunter 5 gets its fair chance to blow up in the west, and Monster Hunter Portable 5 will undoubtedly remain the juggernaut the series has always been on handhelds in Japan. The only reason anyone should be upset is if they don't understand the history of the series or if they feel the need to deprive other platform owners of games over some petty shit.
Is the rumor true? Impossible to say at this point, but considering previous Capcom statements juxtaposed against the full court press with Monster Hunter XX on Switch (including the first ever special edition Switch hardware) it seems convincing.
As a Switch owner, with Nintendo publishing Monster Hunter Stories overseas, adjusting the system specs at Capcom's request, and now collaborating to use Monster Hunter XX to push the system in Japan, I have no doubt that Monster Hunter has a future on the platform. No matter what they call the individual titles, PS4 getting a Monster Hunter will affect precisely nothing about the Switch's future or strength as a platform.
If the "westernized" Monster Hunter exists, I would expect it to be shown at E3. So let's wait and see what happens. And should the rumor come true in its entirety, I think the people flinging shit (on both side) over the whole affair will look silly when the dust has settled.