Capcom has confirmed that a remake of the older Monster Hunter games is off the table. Despite having a strong fan base, the company has provided valid reasons for opting not to visit them.
While Capcom hasn’t completely ruled the thought of remakes out, they have emphasized the challenges they face if they go forward with it. In this article, we will try to explore Capcom’s reasoning and gain deeper insights into them.
Challenges of updating classic Monster Hunter games
In a recent interview by the YouTube channel Arkezz Gaming, Monster Hunter Wilds’ director Yuya Tokuda and producer Ryozo Tsujimoto shared insights into this key decision.
One key factor highlighted during the interview was that Capcom believes the online infrastructure has made the mechanics of the classic games outdated.
Tsujimoto in this interview also highlighted how each Monster Hunter game was specifically designed for the online multiplayer infrastructure of the time. Due to these games built to function optimally around these limitations, Tsujimoto pointed out how this would require them to completely overhaul the game.
One of the barriers to trying to remaster or remake a Monster Hunter game is that it’s always been an online game with multiplayer, so each generation of Monster Hunter game has been structured and built around the online capabilities of that generation.
Adding modern-day features would therefore jeopardize the core structure of the game, altering the game and making it feel different from the original.
Capcom for now seems to have focused its resources on creating refining and enhancing new games. Implementing cross-play in Monster Hunter Wilds for example was of key importance to Tokuda and Tsujimoto:
Trying to go back to a game that was from 2004 internet, update it in a way that actually feels good to play in the modern day would probably end up making so many changes that is it actually meaningful to call it a remake or remaster of the first game.
Capcom seems to find this approach more practical. By prioritizing cross play, the developers aim to unite the players across platforms.
Capcom is focused on the future of the franchise
Another important consideration for Capcom has been gameplay mechanics. The classic Monster Hunter titles were more slow-paced and methodical, compared to today’s fast and dynamic gameplay standards.
While the slow-paced gameplay could be attributed to the limitations in hardware performance, they are flaws that make the game unique to itself. In an attempt to improve the gameplay overall, the developers can unknowingly make the game less authentic.
The gaming world today seems to have been caught in a clash between remakes and innovation. In this stage, Capcom is pushing the franchise forward by integrating innovative ideas and features to create fresh experiences all the while gathering new players.
Although fans may find themselves feeling nostalgic for these older titles, Capcom seems to be resolute in what they want to do with their title. It’s not that they find the classic boring- its just that along the lines, they believe that the essence of the classic Monster Hunter titles might get lost in translation.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
