Remember how Monster Hunter Generations (the western version of Monster Hunter Cross) released over the Summer for North America and Europe? Well, fans might be interested in learning that the next title in Capcom's blockbuster Monster Hunter series has been announced for a March 18th release in Japan. Monster Hunter Double Cross - or MHXX for short - is an enhanced re-release of 2015's Monster Hunter Cross. As of now, Capcom hasn't announced their plans for a potential western release.
If you've been following our coverage of the initial Japanese release of Monster Hunter Cross, as well as read our in-depth review of the western release Monster Hunter Generations, you've already got a good idea of what to expect from this next title. Instead of the theme of "4" that persisted through Monster Hunter Generations/Cross (with 4 "flagship monsters", 4 towns, 4 different hunting styles, and what-have-you) Monster Hunter Double Cross comes with a theme of "6". 2 new flagship monsters have been revealed with today's trailer (embedded below), including a new form of the monster "Diablos", as well as a new monster transliterated as "Balfalc" (Barufaruku directly from Japanese if you prefer) which emphasizes speed, with literal rocket-propelled wings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VV5-opm1TE
In addition to new monsters, the game comes with 2 new Hunting Styles. The first, which was heavily showcased in the video, is the "Bravery Style", which deals with building up a power bar by countering (among other things?) to be able to unleash stronger base combos from whatever weapon you have equipped. The other style, which seems to deal with item usage, will be detailed at a later date. Prowlers now seem to have the ability to choose their own styles as well.
To top everything off, MHXX will come with G-rank missions (the highest level of quest difficulty, reserved for the "enhanced" versions of Monster Hunter titles), new areas (such as the return of the 2nd Generation Desert area?), a new ruin-themed area, and the mountain peak where players are seen fighting Balfalc in the trailer. Some old monsters from previous games in the series seem primed to return, with monsters such as Barroth and Barioth displayed somewhat prominently within the trailer. While no more returning monsters have been confirmed, it seems like a safe bet to assume that these two aren't alone considering the series history. If nothing else, every monster present in Monster Hunter Cross/Generations is sure to appear here.
With Monster Hunter Double Cross having been announced so close to the western release of Monster Hunter Generations, what are your thoughts regarding today's announcement?
