The reason why I'm complaining really is that I feel it's too soon, even though as you said, western areas aren't going to be expected to get it till later next year.
However how is Cross a spin-off? That looks exactly like a known MH release.
???
MH4G released in Japan October 3rd last year, that's more than 6 months, and they've only just announced (meaning it wont be out for a while anyway), and it's a spin off, so how can it be "too soon"?? It's not even a main series title.
From what I've seen the "X" is essentially a "4 cross points", meaning, it will focus on each generation so far. 4 styles of playing, 4 flag ship monsters, 4 villagers (from 1st-4th gen), etc...
Until it's actually a new gen (such as 5th gen), it's still a spin off.
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anyway, here are tweets from someone who was at an MH event before the direct,
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
Focus on the hunter and doing flashy and cool action
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
Unbelievable new super actions for all weapons much more than just a few new moves
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
**** load of new monster and even village from potable 3 is back
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
cross has lots of meanings which they will talk about
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
Concept is taking the action and making it stkish and varied enough thy everyone can find their own unique style
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
Classes now have special attacks tha you can activate as an accent to the action
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
4 styles of playing to choose from. Changes your special moves you can do. Real focus on personalization of your hunting style
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
Villages from 2nd and 3rd and 1st gen reappear
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
New areas and new monsters even new small monsters
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
4 flagship monsters
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
One is under water? Maybe underwater battles is back??
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
No underwater was shown I was reacting to concept art of one of the 4 flagship monsters
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
They made it sound like any weapon can get a charge/mount attack etc aka things that change how you approach stuff, plus special techniques
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
x cross stands for the 4 styles the 4 new monsters the 4 villages etc
Adam Evanko (GH) @aevanko 3h3 hours ago
It looked like an extension of 4G so I don't see why the west won't get it
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even though there are "new monster", i still don't think it's a new title. I see it more like the frontier series, which is separate the the main series. Just because it's a "spin off" doesn't mean it can't have action/gameplay similar to the main series.