Sony released a TV commercial in Japan for Monster Hunter World (PC, PS4, Xbox) that may seem a bit strange to us in the West. Nevertheless, it showcases an important element of the action RPG.
In Japan, it is tradition to give children some money at the turn of the year. This also applies to young adults who are already in their twenties.
Sometimes even young employees receive some money for New Year’s from older colleagues or the boss. In a new advertisement from Sony, the Japanese actor Takayuki Yamada plays an employee who surprises three of his younger colleagues with money for New Year.
Excited, the three young men start discussing what they will buy with the money. Yamada grows angrier as things like “a new watch” or “saving the money” are mentioned. With each suggestion from his colleagues, Yamada contorts his face into a strange, exaggerated grimace, reminiscent of those found in anime or manga.
As the three joyfully reach for the money, Yamada holds it tightly in his hand and shouts at his colleagues that the money is ONLY for Monster Hunter World. He wants to go on a monster hunt with his three colleagues.
There’s more to the TV spot than just strange grimaces
Takayuki Yamada has become almost the face of the PS4 in Japan and appears in various TV spots for the console as the gamer. Primarily, the advertisement aims to induce laughter, and Japanese humor may seem a bit strange to us.
Nevertheless, the advertisement manages to capture one of the most important core elements of Monster Hunter World in just a few seconds: Playing together.
However, Monster Hunter World is designed as a multiplayer experience, and the hunt is particularly exciting and fun in a group. The monsters are designed to appear intelligent, and players can come up with strategies on how to utilize the group for hunting. One can distract the beast while another hunter poisons the monster and the third sets a trap. The fourth then strikes the monster with his great sword with all his might.
The coordination of the team adds a special charm, as does the shared celebration when the beast finally falls. In the advertisement, Yamada is probably aware of this. He wants to play in the group so much that he would even finance the gaming enjoyment of his three colleagues and only hand out the money for Monster Hunter World.
The advertisement is embedded below.
What is Monster Hunter World? – Information for beginners and new players
