While the return of the formidable Gogmazios as Monster Hunter Wilds’ first elder dragon has fans buzzing, many might be overlooking an even grander spectacle: the Omega Planetes crossover event with Final Fantasy 14. As a dedicated FF14 enthusiast, I can attest that this collaboration is poised to surpass even the impressive Behemoth encounter from Monster Hunter: World. Final Fantasy 14’s director, Naoki Yoshida, openly expressed his team’s desire to elevate their game after feeling outmatched by Monster Hunter’s previous offering, and it seems they’ve embraced that challenge with gusto.
A recent video showcased the intense, mechanical nature of the Omega Planetes battle, promising a truly unique experience within Monster Hunter Wilds.
The battle against Omega Planetes is shaping up to be one of Monster Hunter Wilds’ most distinctive encounters, featuring intricate mechanical elements. This highly anticipated clash between two premier RPGs is clearly delivering on its promise. Unlike the Behemoth fight, which nudged players into traditional MMORPG roles and tactical use of environmental cover, Omega challenges hunters to manage menacing Nerscylla clones. Defeating these clones generates a crucial shield, safeguarding you from the dimension-hopping machine’s devastating ultimate attack. Expect to encounter other beloved Final Fantasy creatures, such as Morbol Seedlings and Cactuars, adding an extra layer of charm to the chaos.
A thrilling gameplay video provided a closer look at these dynamic combat mechanics, revealing how players will strategically utilize defensive abilities against Omega’s attacks.
But what truly excites me is Capcom’s innovative integration of two beloved Final Fantasy 14 jobs directly into Monster Hunter Wilds’ new gear. The ‘Bale Armor’ set, for instance, bestows a skill called ‘Soul of the Dark Knight.’ This ability, a Monster Hunter adaptation of FF14’s iconic tank cooldown, ‘The Blackest Knight,’ allows players to consume a portion of their health to erect a formidable barrier, mirroring its protective power in its original game.
Adding to this, the Greatsword receives a unique weapon skill, ‘Shadowbringer.’ Although its exact function remains under wraps, it’s highly speculated to synergize with ‘Soul of the Dark Knight.’ In FF14, ‘The Blackest Knight’ provides a beneficial buff if its barrier is broken by an enemy attack. It would be incredibly rewarding if the ‘Shadowbringer’ ability in Monster Hunter Wilds gained power or a special effect upon the destruction of your protective shield, creating a dynamic interplay between offense and defense.
The surprises don’t stop there. Capcom is also introducing the ‘Soul of the Pictomancer.’ While one might have anticipated a simple cosmetic emote from previous crossovers, this ability allows hunters to unleash a potent three-spell sequence, inflicting substantial damage on foes. As these additions arrive via free updates, it makes perfect sense to ensure they’re not just thematic but also genuinely powerful and engaging, truly immersing players in the fantasy of wielding these iconic Final Fantasy abilities.
Such ambitious crossovers naturally raise the question of execution, but I remain cautiously optimistic. For those who missed the previous Street Fighter collaboration, which allowed players to embody Akuma in an epic arena battle, it stands as a testament to the Monster Hunter Wilds team’s capability for crafting innovative mechanics. That event provided a completely original moveset of punches, kicks, and fireballs, offering an incredibly satisfying experience against the unfortunate Ajarakan.
Monster Hunter Wilds Free Title Update 3 is scheduled to launch on Monday, September 29th. To participate in the Omega Planetes encounter, players must reach Hunter Rank 41 or higher and complete the ‘What Lies Ahead’ mission. Furthermore, the enchanting fall ‘Festival of Accord: Dreamspell’ will run from Wednesday, October 22nd, until Wednesday, November 12th.
While we await Title Update 4’s anticipated PC performance enhancements, consider optimizing your gameplay with the best Monster Hunter Wilds settings. If you’re seeking similar adventures, explore other fantastic games akin to Monster Hunter. We’d love to hear which Final Fantasy 14 classes you’d like to see make the leap into Capcom’s world, or vice versa! Perhaps FF14’s 8.0 could even draw weapon inspiration from powerful Monster Hunter tools like the Charge Blade or Switch Axe.