In addition to today’s IGN FIRST feature, where Monster Hunter director Rise Yasunori Ichinose explains how Nintendo Switch entry will make the series even more accessible for new players, we have one more surprise for you! We are proud to uniquely reveal some of the conceptual arts of Rise’s Somnacanth and Aknosom weapons and armor. Check it out in the gallery below!
There is an obviously Japanese-inspired setting for the base of Kamura Village and the mission maps, while many of the new monsters are inspired by Yokai, or ghosts and spirits of Japanese folklore. However, Ichinose tells us that the design of the game’s equipment was also inspired by a wide range of cultures outside of Japan.
Take, for example, the Aknosom armor and helmet, whose designs were obviously derived from Western knights. However, Ichinose tells us that the people of Vila Kamura have also implemented their own culture in this armor. Take a close look and you will notice that the material of the armor is textured like folded origami paper, combining western design with traditional Japanese textiles.
The Somnacanth armor was inspired by psychics and assassins from the Middle East. The hood creates a mysterious atmosphere and Ichinose explains that the bright blue parts are a key feature of the Somnacanth design.
Ichinose also tells us that, although the weapons that return from the World follow the designs of that game, all of them based on new monster materials were individually designed to stand out more than before.
To learn more about Monster Hunter Rise, be sure to check out our Somnacanth Quest gameplay video, in which you can see armor and weapons based on these designs in action! Stay tuned for more exclusive Monster Hunter Rise content on IGN FIRST throughout February.