Exciting Developments in Monster Hunter Wilds
The recent confirmation that the first elder dragon in Monster Hunter Wilds is the returning Gogmazios has certainly stirred excitement among long-time hunters. However, amidst this thrilling news, another significant development may have gone unnoticed. As a devoted fan of Final Fantasy 14, I find the upcoming Omega Planetes event particularly intriguing, as it promises to outshine the previous collaboration featuring Behemoth.
Naoki Yoshida, the game director of FF14, has expressed a desire to elevate his team’s performance after feeling overshadowed by Monster Hunter’s previous offering. The challenge ahead is formidable, but the mechanical design of Omega Planetes is already shaping up to deliver one of the most distinctive battles seen in the franchise. This clash between two iconic RPGs is highly anticipated, and the initial glimpse of the encounter suggests a thrilling experience.
Unlike Behemoth, which encouraged players to adopt MMORPG-style roles and seek refuge behind fallen comets, Omega Planetes introduces a new layer of complexity. Players will face dangerous Nerscylla clones that, upon defeat, spawn shields to protect against the formidable attacks of the dimension-hopping machine. Additionally, familiar foes such as Morbol Seedlings and Cactuars will make appearances, adding to the excitement.
What truly piques my interest is Capcom’s innovative integration of two FF14 jobs into the new gear. The Bale Armor set features a skill called ‘Soul of the Dark Knight,’ which unlocks a Monster Hunter version of one of FF14’s most iconic tank abilities: The Blackest Knight. This skill operates like a consumable item, utilizing a portion of the player’s health to create a powerful barrier, compensating for the absence of a mana system.
Moreover, the Greatsword will boast a unique weapon skill named ‘Shadowbringer.’ While specifics remain under wraps, it’s reasonable to speculate that these abilities are interconnected. In FF14, the Blackest Knight provides a buff when the barrier is breached by an enemy, so it would be immensely satisfying if a similar mechanic were in play, enhancing the Shadowbringer ability when the protective shield is compromised.
Capcom is also set to introduce the Soul of the Pictomancer, which offers more than just a simple emote. Players will be able to execute a three-spell sequence that inflicts substantial damage on opponents. Given that these features are part of free updates, they present viable options for players and enhance the overall gaming experience.
While the ambition behind these developments is commendable, the question remains: will they succeed? I hold a quiet confidence in the Monster Hunter Wilds team. For those who missed the Street Fighter crossover that allowed players to embody Akuma in an arena battle, I highly recommend revisiting that experience. It showcased the team’s ability to create unique mechanics, providing players with an entirely original moveset that felt exhilarating against adversaries like the Ajarakan.
Monster Hunter Wilds Free Title Update 3 is set to launch on Monday, September 29. To participate in the battle against Omega Planetes, players must achieve Hunter Rank 41 or higher and complete the ‘What Lies Ahead’ mission. Additionally, the fall Festival of Accord: Dreamspell will take place from Wednesday, October 22, through Wednesday, November 12. For further details, visit the official site.
As we await the promised PC fixes in Title Update 4, many players are eager to optimize their framerate. For those looking to enhance performance, exploring the best Monster Hunter Wilds settings is advisable. Alternatively, players may wish to try other top games reminiscent of the Monster Hunter experience.
Which FF14 classes would you like to see crossover into Capcom’s universe, or vice versa? Join the conversation in the PCGamesN community Discord server. If Yoshida is seeking inspiration for weapon designs in version 8.0, I would certainly welcome a tank wielding the Charge Blade or Switch Axe.
