Capcom really activated the nostalgia button for gaming fans in its new Monster Hunter DLC. The optional BGM Set Vol.1 has now come forth to different platforms and, my, does it deliver. The main dish? The Pokke Village Theme from Monster Hunter Generations will have any veteran hunter sobbing harder than the Rathalos’ tail swipe.
In case you missed it (how could you?!), this paid DLC permits replacement of some anemic background music in-game by outstanding classics of Monster Hunter. And we all can agree that Pokke Village isn’t just background music; for as far as I am concerned, it’s the sound of coming home, after a long fight with the Tigrex, an anthem for dumping all your loot onto the smithy’s counter. Pure serotonin in melody.
Just perfect timing. Unknown to many, Capcom seems to really be playing the long game; extending back nostalgic arms to veteran hunters while allowing newbie hunters a taste of that old school charm in light of Monster Hunter Wilds being just around the corner. Duh, smart move. The kooky comment section would have lit up if there were any (seriously? zero comments? Did y’all forget how to hype?).
Some interesting context – this ain’t Capcom’s first time at the music DLC rodeo. They’ve been pumping the BGM sets out across various MH titles throughout the years, while the selections in Vol.1 appear almost tailored to those growing up under this PSP/3DS generation. The lack of the Lagiacrus theme, though? Straight-up criminal.
The real question is, does this hint as to whether there lie other classic tracks under Capcom’s looming DLC pile? If Vol.1 is anything but a smash hit (which we both know it is), we could very likely see entire albums of throwback tunes come into play. Just imagine walking on the Wilds map while the MHFU opening theme blasts? Goosebumps.
Until then, hunters can go to their digital storefront on their platform to get the pack. Selling at the standard rip-off price of DLC (as was only to be expected), but tell me straight: would you not pay to play that Pokke Village flute loop while you sort out your item box? Exactly.
With the advance of the series, such small nods to the legacy of Monster Hunter are becoming ever more important. Music has always been half of the experience; who else sat in Seliana just vibing to the orchestral swells? No one? Just me? Whatever.
Long story short: this DLC is a love letter delivered as an explosion of nostalgia, and your eardrums deserve that Pokke Village earworm. Happy hunting, and may your carve RNG be forever in your favor.
