Monster Hunter Wilds Interview: Meet Nu Udra, Apex of the Oilwell Basin – IGN First

Exploring Monster Hunter Wilds' Oilwell Basin: A Deep Dive into its Ecosystem and New Monsters

Monster Hunter Wilds introduces the Oilwell Basin, a dynamic locale drastically different from previous environments. This article delves into the design philosophy behind this fiery, oil-slicked landscape and its unique inhabitants, as revealed by directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka.

The Oilwell Basin's design emphasizes verticality, contrasting with the horizontally expansive Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest. The environment shifts dramatically across its three strata: the sunlit upper layer, a muddy oil-rich middle section, and a scorching lower region dominated by lava. This verticality influences the ecosystem, with creatures resembling deep-sea or hydrothermal vent life thriving in the lower depths. Tokuda highlights the team's use of knowledge gained from creating the Coral Highlands in World to inform the Oilwell Basin's unique ecosystem. The cyclical environmental changes – Fallow (mud and oil), Inclemency (firespring burns oilsilt), and Plenty (reveals minerals and artifacts) – further enhance the area's dynamism and visual appeal. Fujioka emphasizes the contrast between the barren, smoky landscape during Fallow and Inclemency, and its vibrant, marine-like appearance during Plenty.

Rompopolo: The Toxic Trickster

Rompopolo, a globular, noxious monster, is designed to be a challenging, unpredictable opponent. Fujioka describes the design inspiration as a "mad scientist," reflected in its purple hue and glowing red eyes. Despite its menacing appearance, the crafted equipment from Rompopolo is surprisingly cute, a playful contrast noted by both developers.

Ajarakan: The Fiery Brawler

Ajarakan, a flame-wreathed gorilla-like monster, provides a stark contrast to Rompopolo's trickery. Its design prioritizes straightforward, powerful attacks, highlighted by its towering silhouette and wrestling-inspired moves. Tokuda explains the design choice to emphasize the threat posed by its size and strength, while Fujioka notes the intention to create a monster whose strengths are easily understood. Ajarakan’s attacks utilize its fiery environment, culminating in a move where it melts and throws objects at the hunter.

Nu Udra: The Apex Predator

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator, Nu Udra, is a massive, octopus-like creature coated in flammable oil. Fujioka reveals the octopus as the primary inspiration, while the design incorporates demonic horns and obscures its face, adding to its mystique. Tokuda emphasizes the demonic theme in Nu Udra's battle music, further enhancing its intimidating presence. Nu Udra's design represents a long-held ambition for both developers, harkening back to Tokuda's earlier proposal for a tentacled monster in Monster Hunter Tri. Its fluid movements and ability to seamlessly navigate the terrain, particularly its interaction with the environment (e.g., squeezing into holes), showcase the team's technological advancements. The strategic severing of its numerous tentacles adds another layer to the combat, with severed limbs eventually rotting and yielding inferior materials. Nu Udra's sensory organs, located at the tips of its tentacles, illuminate before attacks, providing a visual cue for hunters. Flash bombs are ineffective against Nu Udra, as it relies on sensory organs rather than vision.

Gravios' Return

The Oilwell Basin also features the return of Gravios, a fan-favorite monster from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its hard, rocky carapace and emission of hot gas make it a fitting inhabitant of this fiery environment. Tokuda explains the decision to reintroduce Gravios, emphasizing its unique characteristics and its suitability for a late-game challenge. The developers highlight the strategic element of targeting its hard shell to reveal vulnerable areas, encouraging players to utilize the wound system and part breaking mechanics.

Conclusion

The Oilwell Basin in Monster Hunter Wilds represents a significant step forward in environmental and monster design, showcasing the team's dedication to creating unique and challenging experiences. The developers' insights into the design process, from initial concepts to the final implementation, highlight the passion and meticulous attention to detail that defines the Monster Hunter franchise. The inclusion of both new and returning monsters, each carefully integrated into the Oilwell Basin's ecosystem, promises a thrilling and memorable hunting experience.

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