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Marvel Rivals has launched with an impressive roster of playable characters and a wide array of cosmetics for players to unlock. With over 30 characters spanning three unique roles, gamers can select
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Monster Hunter Wilds: Unveiling the Oilwell Basin and its Fiery Inhabitants
Prepare for a volcanic adventure! In an exclusive interview with IGN, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka unveiled the Oilwell Basin, a unique, vertically structured locale, and its fearsome ruler, the Nu Udra. This new environment offers a stark contrast to the series' typically horizontal landscapes.
Delving into the Oilwell Basin
Fujioka explains the Basin's verticality, stating, "We had two horizontally broad locales…so we decided to make the Oilwell Basin a vertically connected place. The deeper you go, the more magma-filled and hot it gets." The upper levels feature oil-slick swamps, transitioning to a more volcanic, underwater ecosystem at deeper levels, particularly during the "Plenty" event. This design draws inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. Tokuda highlights the unique creatures inhabiting this seemingly barren landscape, emphasizing the diverse ecosystem hidden beneath the surface.
Meet the Nu Udra: The Black Flame
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator, the Nu Udra, is a colossal, octopus-like monster with a flammable, slimy body. Utilizing its powerful tentacles, it ensnares prey before unleashing devastating fire attacks. Fujioka reveals the design inspiration: "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature…we thought of taking a normally aquatic creature and modifying them." The demonic aesthetic, enhanced by its unique battle music, further emphasizes its menacing presence. Tokuda adds, "We had the composers include phrases…reminiscent of black magic." Flash Bombs prove ineffective against the Nu Udra, which relies on its tentacles rather than sight.
More Than Just the Nu Udra
The Oilwell Basin is teeming with other formidable creatures. The Ajarakan, a fiery, monkey-like monster, employs martial arts-inspired attacks. The Rompopolo, a bizarre, globular monster, utilizes toxic gases in combat, its design inspired by classic mad scientist tropes. Interestingly, its drops yield surprisingly "cute" equipment. Even a returning monster, Gravio from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, makes an appearance, fitting seamlessly into the volcanic environment. Tokuda explains its inclusion: "When we were thinking of monsters…we thought that we could make Gravios seem like a fresh challenge…"
With these exciting additions, Monster Hunter Wilds promises an unforgettable hunting experience. Prepare for its release on February 28th!
