In the same interview that shed new light on Sony's next-gen plans, PlayStation France head Philippe Cardon has confirmed that a Monster Hunter title will be coming to the Vita sometime this year.
The reveal came as Cardon attempted to put the Vita's low Japanese sales into perspective. The CEO cited that a weak launch lineup as the primary factor, explaining tha the system's outlook will improve as more Japan-friendly titles become available, with Monster Hunter chief among them.
"The games available at launch in Japan do not correspond to the tastes of of the Japanese public," Cardon noted. "The system lacks a particular game, Monster Hunter, which is scheduled for release in the coming months. Had it been there [for launch] in Japan, the story would have been different."
Cardon's comments mark the the first official announcement that Capcom's popular Monster Hunter franchise will be making its way to the Vita. Although Monster Hunter Tri-G and Monster Hunter 4 are currently slated as 3DS exclusives, the franchise has made regular appearances on Sony consoles and handhelds, and a port of one or both titles has been heavily rumored for some time.
And as for the Vita's impending February 22 launch in North America and Europe? Cardon forsees a much better outcome there, as he believes the launch titles are far better suited for Western tastes.
