Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to elevate the culinary experience within video games, with a keen focus on making in-game food look irresistibly appetizing through exaggerated realism. The development team, led by executive director/art director Kaname Fujioka and director Yuya Tokuda, is putting considerable effort into ensuring that the food in the game not only looks realistic but also mouth-wateringly delicious. This approach goes beyond mere realism, drawing inspiration from the visually enhanced food seen in anime and commercials, utilizing special lighting effects and exaggerated food models.
Since its inception in 2004 with the original Monster Hunter game, the franchise has included a cooking mechanic where players could enjoy meals made from the monsters they've defeated. This feature has evolved over time, with Monster Hunter World in 2018 significantly enhancing the dining experience. Monster Hunter Wilds, set to launch on February 28, 2025, aims to take this even further, offering players the ability to dine anywhere in the game's expansive world. The atmosphere shifts from a restaurant-like setting to a more immersive camping grill experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the game's environment.
The variety of dishes in Monster Hunter Wilds will span from meat and fish to vegetables, each crafted to appeal visually. A standout feature is the ability to enjoy meals in any location, enhancing the sense of adventure and immersion. For instance, a simple roasted cabbage dish, which posed a significant challenge for Fujioka, is designed to be visually appealing with effects like puffing up as the lid is lifted, accompanied by a roasted egg topping. On the other end of the spectrum, Tokuda hinted at a secret "extravagant" meat dish, adding an element of mystery and excitement to the game's culinary offerings.
The developers aim to capture the joy and satisfaction of dining through the expressions of characters around the cooking fire, emphasizing an exaggerated sense of food-related bliss. This focus on the visual and emotional impact of food in the game underscores Monster Hunter Wilds' commitment to delivering a rich and engaging gaming experience.
