It's shaping up to be the biggest Monster Hunter yet

The latest issue of Famitsu is positively bursting with content about Capcom's upcoming Monster Hunter 4 - arguably one of the most eagerly-awaited 3DS titles in Japan.

The folks over at Andriasang have been busy translating the feature, and have extracted the following information:

MH4 adds a weapon called "Controllable Insect." This weapon involves commanding a "hunting insect" to get power ups from other monsters.

To use this new hunting companion, you mark a target monster. Release the insect, and it will head out to the monster and suck up its energy. Call the insect back, and you'll be able to use its bounty to strengthen your character.

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The "energy" the insect sucks up is called "EX" (or possibly EXE). The property it strengthens is indicated by its color. White increases your speed. Red increases your attack strength. Green increases your vitality. Orange increases your defensive strength.

The hunting insects are capable of jumping, so they may be able to reach areas that aren't accessible by you.

The game is expected to launch in Japan in the Spring of next year.

[source vg247.com, via andriasang.com]