**Exploring Capcom’s Vision for Monster Hunter Stories 3 and Potential Resident Evil Spin-offs**
Capcom director Kenji Oguro recently shared insights regarding the upcoming spin-off installation in the Monster Hunter franchise, titled *Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection*. In an engaging discussion with Very Gary Computing, Oguro revealed that this new title is the realization of a concept the development team has long desired to explore—a JRPG that diverges from traditional expectations of role-playing games.
One key aspect Oguro highlighted is the contrast between *Monster Hunter Stories* and the older *Final Fantasy* series. Older fans often have deeply ingrained expectations, and Oguro’s vision aims to create a fresh experience through the lens of companionship and creature development. He explained, “Stories took the fundamental concept of the monster as a creature you’re going to battle and slay and flipped it on its head, saying, the monster is now a creature you’re going to befriend and develop a kinship bond with.”
Beyond the *Monster Hunter* universe, Oguro discussed the fascinating potential for a similar spin-off within the *Resident Evil* franchise. His concept suggests a game where instead of defeating creatures, players would focus on curing them. As he described, “I don’t think you’re ever going to be befriending zombies as such, but perhaps you’d be taking the approach that, ‘I want to find a way to cure these zombies,’ hence helping the individuals who’ve been transformed back to their human state.”
The idea evokes a compelling blend of action and puzzle-solving dynamics, reminiscent of games like *Dead Rising*. Oguro imagines mechanics where players must explore and interact with T-viral mutants, developing cures through real-time gameplay that feels both innovative and aligned with the *Resident Evil* lore. This narrative shift could provide a rich foundation for gameplay, directing it toward companionship and problem-solving rather than traditional combat.
Though initially met with skepticism, the concept began to resonate as a potential evolution of the *Resident Evil* formula. A game that focuses on relationship-building with former humans-turned-mutants could offer a refreshing twist and allow players to engage with the series in a new way. Imagine an open-world environment where players curate a party of cured characters, each contributing unique abilities to explore further areas of the game.
While addressing the concerns of traditional fans who associate *Resident Evil* primarily with action and shooting mechanics, Oguro sparked imagination about how Capcom could integrate engaging, kinetic puzzle mechanics to emulate the thrill of combat without resorting to outright violence. This would maintain the essence of the series while exploring new gameplay territories.
In terms of expectations for *Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection*, while earlier entries have faced criticism regarding narrative depth and world-building, they are praised for their engaging combat mechanics and the gratifying experience of collecting and battling with “monsties.” Ed Thorn from Rock, Paper, Shotgun remarked positively on the previous game, noting that while it may lack in some aspects, the combat is compelling and the collection mechanics create a “very moreish” gameplay experience.
As anticipation builds around *Monster Hunter Stories 3* and the tantalizing prospect of a *Resident Evil Stories*, fans can only hope Capcom continues to innovate and explore new narratives within these beloved franchises.
