After shocking fans with a trailer featuring a talking Palico, Monster Hunter Wilds’ director has explained why the felines can speak human language this time around.
The fan-favorite feline (or Felyne) companions will be capable of doing more than just meowing in the upcoming game, as seen in Monster Hunter Wilds’ latest trailer.
In an interview with GamesRadar+, Wilds director Yuya Tokuda explained why Palicoes are suddenly capable of human speech – and it has to do with how much is going on in the game.
As Tokuda explains, there’s so much happening with Wilds’ story and environment “that I just felt it was needed to give the player another support character in addition to the handler, who we’ve already shown, who’ll be able to verbalize feedback and hints to you in real-time.”
According to him, “the game is so dynamic and intense” thanks to mechanics like changing weather, environmental traps, and lots of monsters threatening players across the world.
That makes talking Palicoes a useful tool for providing environmental hints, with Tokuda using the example of a Palico saying “‘There’s a storm incoming!’ In case you aren’t currently angled toward the sky to see the storm.”
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Tokusa sums up the decision by saying, “It’s really about supporting the player in understanding what’s currently happening and also what’s available to them in the so-called environmental toolset of things that are around.”
While a new feature in the mainline games, isn’t the first time Palicoes have been capable of human speech. The Monster Hunter Stories spinoffs have included talking Palicoes, with characters like Navirou, though many players hated hearing the Felynes speak in those games.
Fortunately for those who would prefer their Palico stick to meowing, Monster Hunter Wilds will allow players to turn off Palico comments via a setting.
While you wait for Monster Hunter Wilds to release next year, check out our other news and guides on the game, including how to get bonus Palico gear and why some players are calling Wilds a “dating sim.”
