Monster Hunter goes social in Japan

With the Monster Hunter franchise being incredibly popular in Japan and in other parts of Asia, it's only natural that publisher Capcom extends the moneymaking franchise onto other aspects of gaming. In this case, the company plans to spin the series off onto mobile phones via Japan's GREE social gaming platform.

According to Andriasang, the spin-off is called Monhan Tankenki: Maboroshi no Shima, or Monster Hunter Exploration Journal: Phantom Island. The game is set on Phantom Island where the player's goal is to raise many strong and tough monsters, as well as pit them against other monsters.

While the title is free to play, gamers will have to pay for additional in-game items. Players in Japan can preregister for the title at GREE's Japanese website, with the game due out later this year.