The Felyne is a fictional species of anthropomorphic cats in the Monster Huntervideo game series developed by Capcom. They are the most common members of a diminutive race known as the Lynians that also includes the Shakalaka. They accompany player characters, or "hunters", and can act as AI-controlled backup. Felynes who partner with a hunter are known as Palicoes and wear miniature suits of armor. Felynes have become a popular mascot for the series, and have featured in spin-off games, many cross-promotions with other Capcom and non-Capcom video games, and various Japanese consumer products.
Characteristics
Felynes first appeared in the original Monster Hunter. They are small in stature compared to humans, and have an appearance similar to the domestic cat, but are fully sentient, bipedal, and can speak the human language. They assist the player in cooking meals, maintaining gardens, and returning them to camp if they are defeated in battle. Several types of designs have been used to represent the Felynes in different media. In addition to the classic, realistic design used in main series games, there is a chibi design used in the spin-off games with an oversized head and large, circular eyes. Designs more resembling cartoons are used in Monster Hunter Stories for the unique Felyne Navirou and his comrades, The Numbers.
Appearances
Felynes have appeared in every game in the Monster Hunter series. Spin-off games featuring Felynes include ', developed by FromSoftware for the Nintendo 3DS, which was also bundled with a purple PSP system, and a PSP version of Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo called Felyne de Puzzle. A mobile game called Poka Poka Felyne Reversi was also developed. Crossovers often involve Felyne outfits based on other anime or video games. For ', this included a Horizon Zero Dawn skin.
Products
In 2013, several Monster Hunter 4 figures were given away as prizes in Japan, including ones based on Felynes. In 2014, a Mega Man crossover toy was released, a set of Felyne-themed 3DS XLaccessories, as well as a 24 karat gold Felyne statue that cost almost $30,000 to celebrate the series' 10-year anniversary. In 2017, a highly detailed doll of a Felyne was released by Capcom for 162,000 yen. More unusual products include Felyne toilet paper-holders.
Reception
A Felyne-themed car was used to promote the series at the Odaiba Motor Festival. The Palicoes in Monster Hunter: World received a great deal of social media publicity when their vocalizations attracted the real-life cats of players.
