Monster Hunter Stories - another round of gameplay and story info

- development began two years ago
- it’s a project that’s been five to six years in the making
- it came about due to some fans wanting an RPG
- in the game, there are plenty of people who like monsters
- aimed at players of all ages, as well as both series veterans and newcomers alike
- plot that never gets too serious
- features catchy designs with a simple approach to help achieve this
- makes use of a Triangle Battle System thanks to “Power,” “Technique,” and “Speed” commands
- the commands were originally “Fight”, “Run”, etc
- at one point, the staff took a simpler approach with turn-based combat and decided to base it on a triangle
- monsters have unique traits and capabilities
- Velociprey has a “speed” habit
- usually there is a link between the monsters’ image and resulting special habit
- the protagonist can battle alongside monsters named “Otomon”
- the protagonist can collect many monsters, but he/she only fights with one in a battle each time
- change the monster (in the party) that is battling
- the Otomon does the brunt of the battle
- if the Otomon is the “attacker,” then the protagonist is the “Almighty Supporter”
- riding monsters will be possible if bonds are high enough
- Otomon have their own distinct traits and personalities
- build bonds by traveling together, playing with the monsters, and using them
- new locations to stay true to the adventure
- the protagonist will form bonds with monsters as a Rider
- “What would he think of Hunters?” will be a problem and question often addressed
- the story is about the protagonist’s growth to adulthood within a world of monsters in a changing environment
- the plot also involves how Hunters and Riders will cope with each other
- development is 30 percent complete