Monster Hunter was a very old IP in Lin Yao’s previous life.
From the release of "Monster Hunter 1" in 2004 to the release of "Monster Hunter: Rise" in 2021, this series has gone through a total of 17 years.
According to Lin Yao's own understanding.
This game series can basically be divided into two eras.
Take "Monster Hunter: World" as the handover point.
All the previous works are from the old era.
Although there don’t seem to be many orthodox sequels in the old era, after every orthodox sequel to Monster Hunter, there will be another one that is more powerful and further adds new content. The G series has a G suffix, so there are many works.
This convention was broken until "Monster Hunter X" and "Monster Hunter XX".
However, the latter is still the traditional G series, but without the G suffix.
And then there’s “Monster Hunter: World”.
The biggest difference between this work and the old one is that it is open to all players.
The meaning of the suffix World is not only that the game is launched on the three major platforms of XBOX, PS, and PC, but also refers to the new continent and new world that players have discovered in the game.
A new continent, a new ecology, new monsters, and...a new experience!
This work no longer follows the ancestral method and subsequently launches an enhanced version with a G suffix. Instead, the new content is made into DLC.
The entire Monster Hunter series was split into two after the release of this series of milestone works.
After "Monster Hunter: World", "Monster Hunter: Rise" is a work of the new era.
Lin Yao knew that this work was not very good in the eyes of old hunters when he first proposed the project.
But on the other hand... this game is the best introductory game for novices.
It does not have the shortcomings of the XX system that is backward and difficult to persuade. It also abandons the setting of drinking medicine to be tough, simplifies the reconciliation, and greatly reduces the materials required for making equipment.
A flying insect system and a dog system have also been added, allowing hunters to go to heaven and earth.
The overall game experience is that it is designed with combat as the core and is very friendly to newcomers, but it is not as good as "Monster Hunter XX" in terms of gameplay and depth.
In addition, "Monster Hunter" has always had the tradition of the G series. For example, "Monster Hunter XX" has almost all the content of X. After the release of XX, the positioning of "Monster Hunter X" will become very embarrassing.
The same goes for "Monster Hunter: Rise". Under Capcom's long-term update strategy, before the DLC is released, this is actually a 'demo version' without G bits. No, it's not as good as a 'demo version'. After all, it's stuck.
Pukong's strategy is to update for a long time, but the update is extremely slow.
This leads to its positioning being really embarrassing. If you compare it with the old era, "Monster Hunter XX" puts aside the shortcomings caused by the limitations of the times and is a masterpiece. In terms of gameplay and depth, Rise cannot compare.
Compare it with the works of the new era. There is "Monster Hunter: World" that is available on all platforms and truly gives players a whole new experience. This is so awesome...
It's neither good nor bad, so it's normal for many experienced hunters to be dissatisfied.
After all...this series is already 17 years old.
The works are accumulated.
Except for the unique "Monster Hunter: World", it is actually difficult to say clearly whether 3 or XX is better. Every veteran hunter has a different answer.
Lin Yao personally likes "Monster Hunter XX" the most, but when discussing it with fellow fans, some people objected.
This is normal.
There are people who like Bai Mao and those who don't like Bai Mao's works... let alone games.
But there is one thing that Lin Yao knows very well, that is - compared to all the works of the old era and single-wheel handheld consoles, "Monster Hunter: Rise" is indeed the most friendly to new players and the most relevant to the times in terms of experience.
This cannot be argued.
In the works of the old era, some of the designs and many systems of those years have indeed failed to keep up with the times. This is also true. This does not matter to old hunters, but it is a bit difficult for newcomers.
At that time, Linmu Studio's "Monster Hunter" was developed after "Call of Duty", and the latter was released before the former.
In this case, she still had to follow the works of the old era, and she didn't have the confidence to be accepted by players who had never been exposed to the Monster Hunter series.
Therefore, what was finally determined was the framework of "Monster Hunter: Rise" that is most friendly to newcomers and designed with combat as the core.
The biggest advantage of Linmu Studio here is that it has no historical baggage.
Although the foundation is still rising, when Lin Yao originally established the project, he spent a lot of thought on how to integrate "Monster Hunter XX" with some content from previous old-era games.
As for "Monster Hunter: World"... don't even think about handheld consoles, let's talk about PC later.
In short, she really had a headache at that time.
And the facts prove it.
It is indeed difficult to pack the amount of content of previous Monster Hunter into Rise.
After all, they are two eras, the old and the new, which themselves represent huge differences.
What's more, the painting styles are different.
So... after discussions between Lin Yao and the project team represented by Zhu Nianqiao, they adopted the method of integrating previous monsters and maps.
But in the end... the entire game is equivalent to two games in size.
It's so big that the capacity of the game cartridge is not enough.
The map is so vast that even some monsters can't fit into it.
After all, factors such as player convenience must also be considered.
so.
Lin Yao took a big gamble based on the situation of "Pokémon"...
It's really a big gamble.
Lin Yao didn't even know what the outcome would be.
Even now, when she saw Zhu Nianqiao announcing the release date at the exit gate, the audience cheered.
Lin Yao didn't feel relieved either.
Because next... is the test.
She is ready to come to the rescue at any time.
"Actually, don't worry too much."
Mu Wanqing stood next to Lin Yao, looking at the girl who had changed into a T-shirt, jeans and white shoes, and comforted her softly.
This chapter is not over, please click on the next page to continue reading! "Hmm."
Lin Yao nodded in agreement, but still looked at the stage worriedly.
Seeing her like this, Mu Wanqing chuckled and gently held her slender white fingers.
Although Lin Yao never said it out loud.
But she really likes and takes care of the girl on stage who is full of energy and vitality every day.
Perhaps most of the time, Lin Yao regarded her as her younger sister.
Mu Wanqing knew this very well.
In fact, Lin Yao originally wanted to attend this "Monster Hunter" meeting by herself.
But Zhu Nianqiao finally rejected Lin Yao and insisted on trying it herself.
In the end, Lin Yao had no choice but to let her come on stage.
Although Lin Yao was worried, she reluctantly nodded in the end.
I just feel so worried right now...
Faced with this situation, Mu Wanqing actually had no choice but to stay with Lin Yao.
…
On stage.
Just as Lin Yao and Mu Wanqing were talking.
The cheers for Zhu Nianqiao's release date gradually subsided.
Zhu Nianqiao started to introduce the game with a smile and full of energy, and finally played a live demonstration video on the spot.
The actual demonstration video is not long.
Basically, it is the process of players going to the target location and then hunting monsters.
In the video, the insect system, dog system, running map, different map environments, weather system, and weapon moves are all shown.
The players couldn't take their eyes off it.
When I saw a hunter on the screen fighting a creature twice his size, my first reaction was that it felt like "Dark Souls".
After all, the latter also has many BOSS battles against large creatures.
But looking back, they discovered that there was a big difference. Not to mention the fact that the undead's knees couldn't bend. The entire game style was completely different.
But, it's really interesting!
On the screen, the hunter controlled by the staff slashed at the monster named Kappa Frog that had just appeared in the promotional video.
The dog is responsible for restraint.
Hunters are responsible for output.
Finally, the actual demonstration ended with a beautiful knife slash.
Very handsome and very attractive to players.
Although most games require you to play them yourself to know whether they are suitable for you.
But it's obvious just by looking at what was thrown out at the meeting.
Players are very interested.
After the real machine demonstration is played.
The cheers rang out again.
Zhu Nianqiao also returned to the stage again and began to introduce more details of the game.
However, the information that players need to know has basically been learned before.
For other things, you basically have to play the game yourself to have a deeper experience.
Therefore, in addition to Zhu Nianqiao announcing that the game can be hunted online, some players cheered again.
Most of the players who came with their friends began to discuss the quality of the game and what they should ask when they were selected for the Q&A session.
The game meet and greet has come to this point.
It is already considered a success.
Players are satisfied with the fact that there are no glitches in the game, and they have a general understanding of the game. Enough information has been disclosed, and they are also interested.
This was undoubtedly a successful new game launch.
but.
...The meeting is not over yet.
"The above is the basic content of the new game."
Zhu Nianqiao said the conclusion.
She was greeted by another round of cheers.
Everyone thought that the introduction session was over and it was time to enter the next stage.
Including Li Yu in the front row.
He started to think about how to queue up quickly after the demo version of "Monster Hunter" came out.
But Zhu Nianqiao did not enter the next stage after the players stopped cheering.
"So, after the basic content of the new game is revealed, we still have some news to tell you."
Zhu Nianqiao stood on the stage and continued: "Well, in the words of our boss Lin Yao, we made a decision that went against our ancestors..."
Off stage.
The audience heard this.
He was stunned for a moment.
The hooting started immediately.
Mainly because Lin Yao's name is put together with the phrase "violating the ancestor's decision", which is quite funny.
When Zhu Nianqiao saw how lively the atmosphere was, he smiled, breathed a sigh of relief, and finally said: "Then...please watch another promotional video about the release of "Monster Hunter"."
Say it.
Zhu Nianqiao walked directly to the side.
The lights dim.
The audience looked at the screen with doubts and curiosity.
There’s more!?
on the screen behind the stage.
As the lights dim.
The screen lights up.
The promotional video that just appeared will be played again.
Exactly the same as the first promotional video...
Um???
The players are even more confused.
Misplaced?
Just when the player thinks so.
The promotional video lasted to 45 seconds.
The waitress appeared, and the dragon-human twin sisters, Huo Ya and Shui Yun, looked up at the sky.
But the next second.
The picture on the screen suddenly split into two. On the second person's screen, although the environment was still the same, the sales girl had changed.
She turned into the iceberg beauty who once appeared in "Easter Egg Adventure", wearing a green shawl and glasses. She sat quietly at the table, holding a heavy book in her hand, looking down quietly.
Next to her, stood a good-looking woman wearing a black stocking uniform and a boat-shaped hat.
This is the first difference.
And saw this scene.
Players are convinced that Linmu Studio did not place the wrong promotional video.
But what is this???
Why is it divided into two scenes? Why have the characters changed?
This sudden and confusing scene made the players whisper among themselves.
And behind the promotional video.
This surprised the players even more...
1 minute and 20 seconds.
The time when the monster appeared in the first promotional video has changed.
The environment turned into a snowy plateau.
And the monster that appears on the snowy plateau is no longer an umbrella bird.
It was a monster that looked like a mammoth, with a huge body, ice shards hanging on its back and the roots of its limbs, a head covered in heavy armor, and thick and long tusks.
It looked up to the sky and roared, and in front of it, the hunter drew his sword.
[Two names, Silver Ridge Giant Beast]
at the same time.
The screen is divided into two parts again.
on the other side of the screen.
It is also a snowy plateau, but what appears is another rabbit-like monster with thick fat deposits and horny skin on its abdomen. It holds a 'snowball' that is larger than itself and roars towards the hunter.
Throw it in the direction.
【Two names, Snow Master】
then.
The camera switches to hilly terrain.
This time, a typical Western dragon appears on the stage. It crawls forward. Its hard carapace is covered with thorns, and its wings are like insect wings with complex patterns. Blue-white electric light is wrapped around its body and head.
It also bears a huge electric blade formed by the convergence of electric light.
[Two names, Qingdian Main Electric Dragon]
The picture on the other side.
Then aim at the mountains filled with dense trees.
A creature with a wild wolf-like appearance, with lightning attached to its body, and a golden creature roaring while manipulating thousands of lights and releasing thousands of thunders!
[Two names, Golden Thunder God, Thunder Wolf Dragon]
“OHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”
The players have no idea what's going on.
But the screen on the stage is big enough.
Even if the screen is split into two, players can still see it clearly.
not sure what it is.
But the monster... is so handsome!!!
Really handsome!
So the players were very considerate and cheered directly.
that is.
That question still lingers in their minds...
That is, what is this?
The progress bar of the promotional video moves slowly.
Next, two different monsters appeared.
In subsequent promotional videos, different hounds and cats were also shown.
But the promotional video ends.
It’s still the familiar resentful tiger and dragon, the familiar picture.
The monster's low roar sounded, and then the resentful tiger dragon with purple flames in its mouth landed on its forelimbs and roared towards the camera.
Purple flames dance in the air.
"Bet on the hunter's glory!"
Without any fear, the hunter pulled out a sword that was almost as tall as a man from behind, and then swung it violently.
The two picture windows on the screen are playing the same scene!
The camera moves forward.
The huge resentful tiger dragon jumped up, with purple flames flowing to both sides in its mouth, raised its thick forelimbs, and swung towards the camera.
The screen also turned dark at this moment.
The purple flame held in the mouth of the resentful tiger dragon slowly formed the cover of the game this time.
But there are some differences between the game covers on both sides of the screen.
Although the subjects are both resentful tiger dragons, one is jumping forward and the other is leaping.
And behind the resentful tiger dragon, there are two monsters, which are also different.
On one side is the Silver Ridge behemoth, the Green Lightning Master Electric Dragon.
On one side is the Snow Lord, Golden Thunder God and Thunder Wolf Dragon.
Even the name of the game is different!
They are——
"Monster Hunter: Dragon"
"Monster Hunter: Tooth Dragon"
Watch as different game covers appear on the screen.
There was no cheering in the entire audience, only confusion...
Is this going to release two games?
until.
Zhu Nianqiao came on stage and explained softly: "Because "Monster Hunter" is too large, it will be as big as two games. The huge size of the game has brought some problems. The cartridge we store cannot fit it.
This is such a huge amount of content that some game content had to be separated.
At present, considering the problem of game cartridge sales, the game will be released in two versions at the same time, namely Feilong and Yalong. Eighty-five percent of the content of the same version is basically the same, but the remaining 15% of the two versions are
, there will be differences. At present, we are also intensively preparing for online updates, and some game content will be pushed out as free updates in the future.
We sincerely hope that you can experience a different hunting experience next to your friends, and if it doesn't work, we will find a way."
As soon as she said this.
moment.
One stone stirs up thousands of waves...
…
End gate.
Lin Yao saw the news she was most worried about being announced, and turned to look at the players' reactions.
In the entire audience, most of the players looked confused... while the rest, some cheered, some whispered to each other, and some asked questions directly.
In short.
They all seemed confused.
Yes.
Linmu Studio’s big gamble this time is to pave the way for dual-version releases.
Linmu Studio's "Monster Hunter", according to the original idea of the project, will stuff XX amount of content into it based on the rise...
But I have to say that the content of XX is too large, even somewhat beyond expectations.
Add the overlapping parts.
For a better gaming experience, some maps must be cut.
However, the production team was working on two lines in parallel, which created new problems. The two monsters were basically completed, and Lin Yao was unwilling to give up the extra monsters.
It just so happens that the new "Pokémon" game will also be released in dual versions as expected.
So in the end Lin Yao... decided to take a risk.
It is indeed quite risky to release two versions at the same time.
After all, the Monster Hunter series has never done this in the previous life. It’s usually done in those few games. It’s done every year.
Such as Pokémon and monster watches.
Because where the game type is placed.
And why do you dare to play this kind of game?
Mainly because the core gameplay of games like Pokémon... the exchange gameplay of collection, cultivation, battle, and exchange.
Suitable for dual versions.
The main reason for releasing dual versions of this type of game is to increase players' desire for exchange. At least initially, Miyamoto's idea was to hope that children can gain friendship and fun from the exchange of Pokémon.
As for whether the purpose behind it has changed, that's a matter of opinion.
In short.
This type of game is indeed suitable for dual versions.
And most games are not suitable, or to put it bluntly, they don't have the ability, so it's basically not a good idea to do this.
Dual version release.
It is true that not all game types are suitable.
Lin Yao actually took a certain risk by releasing dual versions of "Monster Hunter" this time.
Although Linmu Studio made differences between the two versions, Lin Yao also divided the two monsters in XX into two versions according to their strength.
And the digital version is 50% off.
But first, "Monster Hunter" is a new IP without any bonuses. The only guarantee is Linmu Studio's own reputation.
Second, the world does not have a business model of releasing two versions of a game...
Putting the two together, there is indeed a certain risk.
Players' evaluation, acceptance and subsequent impact are all unknown.
The reason why Lin Yao is willing to take such a risk is because there is too much content, and at the same time, she wants to pave the way for this business model first, so that the prepared "Monster Hunter" can block it.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! There will be new "Pokémon" games basically every year, there is no doubt about this.
After all, it is a big IP.
But to be honest, the popularity of Pokémon is really not that high now... plus "Monster Hunter" itself has too much content and other issues.
Lin Yao thought about bringing "Monster Hunter" out to share the firepower and test the waters together...
After all, Linmu Studio has reached this point and can take certain risks.
But new issuance models and business models also mean new risks. Being able to bear them does not mean there will be no trouble.
According to the current reputation of Linmu Studio, it is really not an exaggeration to say that releasing dual versions is a huge gamble.
What Lin Yao is most worried about is not the evaluation of the players, but the dissatisfaction of the audience.
After all, Zhu Nianqiao is still young...
If you really have to experience boos from players at the scene, you might be frustrated for a long time.
but.
fine.
Players were more confused when faced with this new mode... and did not express too much resistance.
On the contrary, some people cheered.
Zhu Nianqiao also patiently explained the dual-version release model.
Then in the question and answer session.
Facing the curious audience, she also answered what the differences were between the two versions.
For example, look at the version of the girl, the two monsters, and their appearance.
There are also issues related to different versions of the connection.
In short.
Players' questions have been answered, and they also have a general understanding of Linmu Studio's dual-version game publishing model.
But is this good?
They don't seem to have a unified view.
There are happy faces on the players' faces, but there are also worries and doubts.
soon.
As the last audience member finished asking questions.
Thanks to Zhu Nianqiao.
The "Monster Hunter" meet-and-greet is over.
"Senior~~yes! We succeeded!"
Come down.
Zhu Nianqiao's well-behaved image could no longer be maintained immediately.
The moment she left the audience's sight, she immediately started running, then hugged Lin Yao and jumped up and down.
"Let go! It's still early to be happy!"
Lin Yao struggled to get out of her arms and breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, she took out her hand from Mu Wanqing, held her head down, and looked at the corner of the auditorium through the exit door: "The subsequent fermentation of public opinion, after the release of the game.
Evaluation is the key point, and tomorrow's "Pokémon" is the highlight!"
"There will definitely be no problem! The plan proposed by senior sister!"
Zhu Nianqiao waved his fist with great confidence and said with confidence.
"...It would be great if you could be half as energetic as Miss Mu."
Lin Yao glanced at Zhu Nianqiao, who was still full of energy after being pressed on the head, and complained a little funny.
Mu Wanqing: "..."
…
That night.
As expected.
Except for the Monster Hunter game itself.
The release of dual versions of the game has also become one of the hottest topics in game-related communities...
Players expressed their opinions on this new publishing model.
But because the game quality of "Monster Hunter" itself is strong enough and there are enough points for discussion, it can barely suppress the discussion about dual versions.
But the time came the next day.
The third day of the carnival was still very lively.
The highlight of the day was the new "Pokémon" game.
When the person in charge of the "Pokémon" project team finally announced that the game would also be released in dual versions.
The popularity of the dual version cannot be suppressed at all.
The release of dual versions has completely become the topic of greatest concern to players...
And the players are pretty good.
Lin Yao’s colleagues faced Lin Mu Studio’s sudden dual-version release model.
Even more confused.
"So, what kind of job is this!?"
Sky Fox.
Li Guangsheng asked a little tiredly.
Mou Feng did not answer because he was also confused.