Summary
One ofPokemon GO’s features is looking far more outdated following the recent release ofMonster Hunter Now. With both games being effectively mobile reworkings of their home series, it can be easy to find reasons to compare the two, especially when it comes to the areas where they overlap. However, doing so makes it very clear that, in at least one way,Monster Hunter Nowis leagues ahead ofPokemon GO. That doesn’t have to mean thatPokemon GOhas to remain behind, though it would take some work on the developers' part to fix it.
The launch ofNiantic’sMonster Hunter Nowprovided theMonster Hunterseries with a competitor toPokemon GO. Both games are built on a similar framework, with players finding items and monsters based on where they travel in the real world. The primary differences come from the core gameplay of their parent series. InPokemon GO, players are tasked with catching the Pokemon that they find, whileMonster Hunter Nowsees players doing battle with the monsters that they encounter. Admittedly,Pokemon GOhas had several more years to iron out its gameplay butMonster Hunter Nowhas the potential to gain similar success.
Monster Hunter Now’s Avatars Outperform Pokemon GO’s Offerings
Monster Hunter Now’s Avatar Creation is Surprisingly Robust
One impressive feature of note isMonster Hunter Now’s appearance options. While players have a small handful of base designs to choose from at the game’s start, they have several options for customizing their characters after starting the game, including:
While not quite on the level of recent mainlineMonster Huntergames,Monster Hunter Nowoffers an impressive amount of customization options for the player’s avatar. The addition ofMonster Hunter’s signature gear forging only expands on those options further.
Pokemon GO’s Avatar Customization is Still Comparatively Basic
On the other hand, there is much less to say aboutcustomization options inPokemon GO. While players can alter their avatars, their options are more limited. Specifically,Pokemon GOplayers have control over:
The only real advantage thatPokemon GOhas overMonster Hunter Nowin terms of customization is clothing options. Still, that can be partially chalked up toPokemon GObeing around for several years already. AsMonster Hunter Nowintroduces more monsters and armor sets, it could easily catch up in that regard, completely eclipsingPokemon GOin terms of avatar options.
Pokemon GO Could Upgrade Its Avatars With Future Updates
There is a valid opportunity for this trend to be reversed, especially considering howPokemon GOcontinues to feature special events. While the game has been adding event Pokemon and clothing items, it could also take the plunge and finally upgrade players' avatars. Even as little as giving players a selection of hairstyles would make a world of difference in giving their avatars more personality. Since the game launched without hairstyle features, there is an argument for why such a mechanic hasn’t appeared yet. As time passes, these missing features only look more archaic.Pokemon GObadly needs an update to the way that its avatars are handled.
Pokemon GOhas been running for years, but it could use some updates to maintain its status. WhilemakingPokemon GO’s events more accessiblemay take priority, players do need better options for their in-game avatars. Right now, their clothing options are the only advantage that they have, and most of them are locked behind in-game coins. Future plans can fix much of this as long as the developers have a plan to do so. As it stands,Monster Hunter Nowhas done plenty to makePokemon GO’s avatars look outdated.
WHERE TO PLAY
Now you can battle other Pokémon GO trainers online! Try the GO Battle League today. Join Trainers across the globe who are discovering Pokémon as they explore the world around them. Pokémon GO is the global gaming sensation that has been downloaded over 1 billion times and named “Best Mobile Game” by the Game Developers Choice Awards and “Best App of the Year” by TechCrunch
UNCOVER THE WORLD OF POKÉMON: Explore and discover Pokémon wherever you are! CATCH more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex! JOURNEY alongside your Buddy Pokémon to help make your Pokémon stronger and earn rewards! COMPETE in epic Gym battles and… TEAM UP and UNITE with other Trainers to catch powerful Pokémon during Raid Battles!It’s time to get moving—your real-life adventures await! Let’s GO
