Action RPG

It’s been seven long years since “Monster Hunter: World” was launched, and now Capcom has delivered a response: “Monster Hunter Rise”. This series has traveled quite a distance from my initial experience with it (Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate), and this installment had a lot to measure up to. After investing countless hours into “Monster Hunter Rise”, it’s evident that Capcom has created what I believe could be their largest game ever, one that will likely be cherished just as much, if not more, than “Monster Hunter: World”. So, gather your Palico buddy and prepare to make the Forbidden Lands your home from now until 2025.

In my opinion, Monster Hunter Rise initially didn’t grab me as much as it did others, but it quickly won me over because it seemed like a natural evolution from World. The Switch Skills and smaller maps of Rise were acceptable, but it was World that truly drew me – and many other fans – into the series and revealed its enchantment.

Initially, the Monster Hunter series was predominantly catering to dedicated veterans, similar to individuals who import Japanese video games before they gain popularity. However, as time passed and titles became available in English and across multiple platforms, the belief that Monster Hunter was solely for seasoned enthusiasts persisted. The 2018 release of Monster Hunter World, however, significantly altered this narrative. Not only did it offer a visual upgrade, but it also simplified complex game mechanics for newcomers without compromising the depth that veteran players appreciated. This accessibility makeover proved successful and set a new standard for the Monster Hunter franchise. Consequently, the latest installment, Monster Hunter Rise, continues to popularize the series, embracing its unique elements such as battling giant monsters, and welcoming both long-time fans and novices to join in the adventure.

In most instances, I’ll say ‘No’, while ‘Yes’ will be quite rare, and when it is, it will come second. Even though this might seem unusual, there’s a method to my statement. Let me explain why.

Instead of typical scripted quests, Henry’s adventure journey is filled with quirky fourth-wall breaks and clever pop culture Easter eggs. The unique blend of personality and humor sets the game world apart, making it feel less like a generic quest and more like an engaging, humorous experience.