Monster Fantasy has attracted plenty of attention since its gameplay reveal last month, but not all of it has centered on its cozy RPG mechanics. Following the release of the game’s first trailer, many players compared its combat to Capcom’s Monster Hunter series, particularly its large-scale monster battles and weapon animations.
In response, Chinese developer JOTOYO has addressed the comparisons, explaining that while Monster Hunter influenced the project, the overall experience is intended to be fundamentally different.
JOTOYO acknowledges Monster Hunter’s influence
In a recently published FAQ on Steam, JOTOYO admitted that Monster Hunter served as a major source of inspiration during development. However, the studio stressed that monster hunting represents only one aspect of the overall gameplay loop.
The developer explained that “hunting large monsters is only one part” of the experience, adding that Monster Fantasy is designed with a stronger focus on how multiple gameplay systems interact to create a unique adventure.
According to JOTOYO, the goal is to create a world where players can enjoy life outside of combat. The developer said it wants players to immerse themselves in a fictional setting “beyond hunting and combat,” giving equal importance to village management, exploration, and relationships with NPCs.
That philosophy aligns with comments the studio shared during a previous interview, in which it revealed that players can complete the game without focusing on monster hunting. Instead, those who prefer a more relaxed experience can spend their time maintaining their village, interacting with residents, and progressing through non-combat activities.
Developers promise improvements based on feedback
JOTOYO also acknowledged that the footage shown so far comes from an early development build. The team said it is already refining animations and gameplay based on community feedback, including concerns raised after the reveal trailer.
The developer added that future playtests and gameplay showcases will better highlight Monster Fantasy’s unique mechanics and help players understand what sets it apart from traditional hunting games.
Monster Fantasy is currently in development for PC via Steam, with additional gameplay updates expected as development progresses.
