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

Exploring the Fiery Depths of Monster Hunter Wilds' Oilwell Basin: A Deep Dive into New Monsters

Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a new, challenging environment: the Oilwell Basin, a landscape of flames, oilsilt, and the remnants of an ancient civilization. This article delves into the design philosophy behind this unique locale and its inhabitants, as revealed by directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka.

The Oilwell Basin, unlike the horizontally expansive Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, is a vertically layered environment. The upper strata bask in sunlight, with oil collecting like mud. Descending deeper, the heat intensifies, revealing lava and other substances, creating an ecosystem reminiscent of deep-sea hydrothermal vents. This verticality influences the creature design, with aquatic-like lifeforms thriving in the lower, hotter regions. The developers drew upon their experience creating the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter: World to craft this unique biome. The contrast between the barren, smoggy Fallow and Inclemency seasons and the vibrant, marine-like Plenty season is a key design element, showcasing the area's hidden vitality. The ecosystem is fueled by geothermal energy, a stark contrast to the sunlight-dependent ecosystems of previous locales. Small creatures filter microorganisms from the oilsilt, which in turn derive energy from the earth's heat, creating a complex food chain.

Rompopolo: The Toxic Trickster

Rompopolo, a globular, noxious creature with needle-like teeth, was designed as a challenging swamp-dweller that utilizes stored toxic gas. Its design inspiration includes "mad scientist" aesthetics, resulting in a purple hue and glowing red eyes. Interestingly, its crafted equipment is surprisingly cute, a charming contrast to its toxic nature.

Ajarakan: The Flaming Brawler

Ajarakan, a flame-wreathed gorilla-like monster, offers a straightforward, powerful combat experience. Its design emphasizes a top-heavy silhouette to enhance its imposing presence, contrasting with the lower-slung posture of typical fanged beasts. Its attacks, inspired by martial arts and wrestling, combine brute strength and fiery elements. The developers aimed for a monster whose strengths are immediately apparent, yet still visually striking and memorable.

Nu Udra: The Apex Predator

Ruling the Oilwell Basin is Nu Udra, a fiery octopus-like creature. Its design draws inspiration from octopuses, but with a striking silhouette and demonic horns, obscuring its face. Its movements, inspired by creatures like Lagiacrus from Monster Hunter Tri, were a long-held ambition for the developers, finally realized thanks to advancements in game technology. The challenge of animating its flexible body and intricate movements was a significant undertaking for the art team. Nu Udra's attacks are characterized by a unique tempo, combining focused strikes and area-of-effect attacks using its head and flames. Its sensory organs, located at the tips of its tentacles, emit light to indicate its targets, making it a formidable foe, especially in multiplayer hunts. The ability to sever its tentacles, which rot over time, adds a strategic layer to combat.

Gravios: A Familiar Face

The Oilwell Basin also sees the return of Gravios, a rock-armored monster that emits hot gas, perfectly suited to the environment. Its reappearance was carefully considered, ensuring it offered a fresh challenge and fit within the game's progression. Its hardened exterior presents a unique combat puzzle, requiring hunters to exploit its wound system and breakable parts.

A Legacy of Monster Design

The interview highlights the Monster Hunter team's dedication to monster design, drawing on a vast reservoir of ideas, even those previously deemed technically impossible. The realization of Nu Udra, with its complex tentacle movements and animations, represents a significant achievement, showcasing the team's commitment to innovation and detail. The inclusion of returning monsters like Gravios is also carefully considered, ensuring they remain engaging and challenging within the context of the new game.

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