In an exciting development for fans of the Monster Hunter series, the directors of Monster Hunter Wilds, Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka, have unveiled a new locale and a formidable monster in an exclusive interview with IGN. Dive into the details about the Oilwell Basin and its ruler, the Nu Udra, to get a taste of what's in store.
Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra
Welcome To Oilwell Basin
The Oilwell Basin stands out as a unique addition to the Monster Hunter series, characterized by its vertical structure rather than the typical horizontal expanses. "We had two horizontally broad locales in the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, so we decided to make the Oilwell Basin a vertically connected place. The deeper you go, the more magma-filled and hot it gets," explained Fujioka. He added that the upper layers are dominated by oil-like swamps, creating a distinct "gradation" throughout the area.
Tokuda elaborated on how the Oilwell Basin transforms during the event known as the Plenty. "Once you enter around the center or bottom level, the area will look more like an underwater volcano ecosystem," he said. The design draws inspiration from the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke comes out of everywhere in the Oilwell Basin like it's some sort of volcano or hot spring. But during the Plenty, it takes on a clear, marine-like tone. Look closely at the environmental biology and you'll find that it's even a region inhabited by the kinds of creatures you'd expect to find on the ocean bed," Tokuda added. This unique environment is teeming with distinct and native creatures, making it a vibrant yet seemingly lifeless locale.
Nu Udra, The Black Flame
The Oilwell Basin is ruled by the apex predator known as the "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This massive, octopus-like monster has a slimy, flammable body adapted to its environment. It uses its slithering tentacles to capture prey before engulfing them in scorching flames. Nu Udra complements the elemental trio of the game, with Rey Dau of the Windward Plains wielding lightning and Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest controlling water.
Fujioka shared his long-standing desire to include a tentacled creature in the series. "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," he said. The team transformed a typically aquatic creature into a striking, demonic entity with horn-like elements on its head. The battle music for Nu Udra enhances its eerie presence, with Tokuda noting, "We had the composers include phrases and musical instruments reminiscent of black magic. I think it ended up being a unique and good piece of music."
Facing Nu Udra in battle is a formidable challenge due to its multiple tentacles and ability to execute both focused and area-of-effect attacks rapidly. It's immune to Flash Bombs, relying instead on its tentacles to sense its surroundings.
More Monsters In The Basin
The Oilwell Basin is home to other intriguing monsters as well. The Ajarakan, a huge, scaly, monkey-like creature covered in flames, uses martial arts-inspired movements and powerful fists in combat. This blend of physical strength and fire power makes Ajarakan a thrilling addition to the Monster Hunter roster.
Another unique inhabitant is the Rompopolo, a globular monster with a needle-like mouth that emits toxic gases. Its purple hue and glowing red eyes give it a menacing, mad scientist vibe. The developers drew inspiration from this archetype, describing Rompopolo as a "tricky monster." Despite its eerie appearance, the equipment crafted from its drops is surprisingly "cute" for both the Hunter and their Palico companion.
Returning to the series is Gravios from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, fitting seamlessly into the Oilwell Basin's volcanic environment. "When we were thinking of monsters that match the Oilwell Basin's environment, make sense in the game's overall progression and don't play too similarly to any other monsters, we thought that we could make Gravios seem like a fresh challenge and decided that it would reappear," Tokuda explained.
With these exciting reveals, anticipation is building for the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th. Get ready to explore the Oilwell Basin and face its formidable inhabitants in this thrilling new chapter of the Monster Hunter saga.
