To hurl or not to hurl: A Monster Hunter weapon concept

The world of Monster Hunter is host to some pretty interesting weapons, which range from giant katanas, cannon-powered lances, to even over-sized teddy bears. However, if you’re willing to run with my crazy ideas for a moment, you’ll find there are two weapon classes that Capcom may want to give a look. The rest of the concept is available over in the full article.

I’ve been thinking this over for quite some time, and I’ve realized that Monster Hunter could probably use two new weapons classes: Giant Boomerangs and Javelins. The latter should be easy to figure out – a disposable stack of throwing spears that work  like the game’s current boomerangs and throwing knives.

They’ll even have their own status ailments and the like, much like the gunbow shells or arrows, and will do piercing damage. That last bit’s a little something for thicker skinned prey. The idea is to give your sprite a measure of long-range gunnery if they’re carrying a melee weapon.

I’m not sure how it’ll work, but I imagine the “throw” will work like the bow mechanics, except that you’ll have less range and limited shots. With 2nd G‘s Crag Shell physics, they might even stun your target.

Wouldn’t that be awesome – offing a Rathalos with an explosive-tipped flying spear much in the same way a mud-spattered Arnold did for a Yautja. Epic if Capcom decides to include a gear set resembling Lorica Segmentata. Now, imagine having your entire party dressed up in that getup while wearing the Odyssey Blades. Madness…? 

The giant boomerang, on the other hand, tips its hat to the kunoichi of anime and gaming – Inu Yasha’s Sango, Final Fantasy VII‘s Yuffie, and Wild Arms‘ Boomerang Flash to name a few. I’m not too sure on the mechanics, but imagine a projectile weapon that actually does cutting damage (arrows and shells do impact by comparison) while in flight.

Crazy? Yeah a little, but the prospect of amputating a Gravios’ much-needed tail without having to risk its sleep-inducing fart gas is pretty tempting, isn’t it? I have no idea how this will balance for melee though. It will probably work like a weaker Great Sword, owing to its lighter weight so that it’s still throwable. Working more on the GS mechanics, the “throw” will replace the charge attack, and will vary how far and how much damage you do.

Much like the GS’ charge, you’ll have to stand perfectly still – meaning you better be sure your target’s far away. You’ll also be unarmed while the boomerang is in flight, though it can do damage on its returning arc. Well look at it this way – we’ll finally get some use out of that useless Felyne Kickboxer Whim.