Monster Hunter Rise Game Review

A Masterful Evolution of the Hunting Genre

Game Introduction

Monster Hunter Rise, developed and published by Capcom, is the latest installment in the critically acclaimed Monster Hunter series. Released on March 26, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch, and later on PC on January 12, 2022, this game builds upon the foundation of its predecessors while introducing innovative mechanics and features that redefine the hunting experience. Set in the vibrant village of Kamura, players take on the role of hunters tasked with protecting their home from monstrous threats known as the Rampage. With its blend of action, Fighting, and exploration, Monster Hunter Rise has been praised for its accessibility, depth, and sheer fun factor.

Gameplay and Features: A Deep Dive into Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise is a game that thrives on its intricate gameplay mechanics and rich features, offering players a deeply engaging experience. Below, we break down the gameplay and features in detail, exploring what makes this title stand out in the Monster Hunter series.

Core Gameplay Loop

The heart of Monster Hunter Rise revolves around its core gameplay loop: hunt monsters, gather resources, craft better gear, and take on even tougher challenges. This loop is as addictive as ever, but Rise introduces several new mechanics and refinements that make it more accessible and dynamic than previous entries.

1. Hunting Mechanics:
   Players take on quests to hunt or capture specific monsters, each with unique behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses. Success requires careful preparation, including selecting the right weapon, armor, and items. During hunts, players must track monsters, exploit their weaknesses, and avoid their devastating attacks.
2. Resource Gathering and Crafting:
   Between hunts, players gather resources like herbs, ores, and monster parts to craft potions, traps, and gear. Crafting is essential for survival, as better weapons and armor are needed to tackle stronger monsters. The game’s crafting system is intuitive, with clear recipes and progression paths.
3. Quest System:
   Quests are divided into Village Quests (single-player) and Hub Quests (multiplayer). Village Quests are designed for solo play and serve as an introduction to the game’s mechanics, while Hub Quests are more challenging and tailored for co-op. Additionally, Rampage Quests offer a unique tower-defense-style experience where players defend Kamura Village from waves of monsters.

Weapons and Combat

Monster Hunter Rise features 14 weapon types, each with its own playstyle, combos, and mechanics. Whether you prefer the swift Dual Blades, the heavy-hitting Great Sword, or the versatile Long Sword, there’s a weapon to suit every player.

1. Weapon Types:
   • Great Sword: Slow but powerful, ideal for dealing massive damage with charged attacks.
   • Long Sword: A balanced weapon with a focus on counters and Spirit Gauge management.
   • Dual Blades: Fast and agile, perfect for players who prefer rapid attacks.
   • Bow: A ranged weapon that allows for precise shots and elemental damage.
   • Charge Blade: A complex weapon that switches between a sword-and-shield mode and a powerful axe mode.

2. Silkbind Attacks and Wirebug Mechanics:
   The Wirebug is a game-changing addition that enhances both mobility and combat. Players can use Wirebugs to perform Silkbind Attacks, which are powerful, weapon-specific moves. For example, the Long Sword’s Silkbind Attack allows players to perform a devastating counter, while the Hammer’s Silkbind Attack lets you launch into the air for a powerful slam.
   Wirebugs also enable vertical movement, allowing players to scale cliffs, evade attacks, and reposition during combat. This mechanic adds a new layer of strategy and fluidity to hunts.

3. Switch Skills:
   Introduced in Monster Hunter Rise, Switch Skills allow players to customize their weapon movesets. Each weapon has multiple Switch Skills that can be swapped out, giving players the flexibility to tailor their playstyle. For example, the Long Sword’s Spirit Combo can be replaced with a faster, more aggressive alternative.

Companions: Palicoes and Palamutes

1. Palicoes:
   These cat-like companions have been a staple of the series, and they return in Rise with new abilities. Palicoes can heal, set traps, and even gather resources during hunts. They are invaluable allies, especially for solo players.

2. Palamutes:
   A new addition to the series, Palamutes are dog-like mounts that allow for faster traversal across the map. They can also assist in combat, dealing damage and providing support. Palamutes can be customized with armor and weapons, making them a key part of your hunting strategy.

Maps and Exploration

Monster Hunter Rise features five large, open maps, each with its own unique ecosystem and wildlife. These maps are more vertical and interconnected than in previous games, thanks to the Wirebug mechanic.

1. Map Design:
   • Shrine Ruins: A lush, forested area with ancient ruins and waterfalls.
   • Frost Islands: A snowy region with icy caves and volcanic activity.
   • Sandy Plains: A desert area with sand dunes and hidden oases.
   • Flooded Forest: A dense jungle with rivers and flooded caves.
   • Lava Caverns: A volcanic region with molten lava and rocky terrain.

2. Endemic Life:
   Each map is teeming with Endemic Life, small creatures that provide buffs when interacted with. For example, the Wirebug-catching Stinkmink can lure monsters, while the Paratoad inflicts paralysis on nearby enemies. These creatures add depth to exploration and strategy.

Rampage Quests

Rampage Quests are a new addition to Monster Hunter Rise, offering a unique tower-defense-style experience. During these quests, players must defend Kamura Village from waves of monsters using defensive installations like ballistae, cannons, and bamboo bombs.

1. Strategy and Teamwork:
   Rampage Quests require careful planning and coordination, especially in multiplayer. Players must prioritize targets, manage resources, and adapt to changing situations. These quests are a refreshing change of pace from traditional hunts and add variety to the gameplay.

Multiplayer and Co-op

Monster Hunter Rise supports both local and online multiplayer, allowing up to four players to team up for hunts. The game’s drop-in/drop-out co-op system makes it easy to join friends or strangers for quests.

1. Scaling Difficulty:
   Hub Quests are designed for multiplayer, with monsters having increased health and damage. However, the game scales difficulty based on the number of players, ensuring a balanced experience.

2. Communication and Coordination:
   Multiplayer hunts are highly rewarding, as players can coordinate attacks, share resources, and revive fallen teammates. The game’s chat and sticker systems make communication easy, even without voice chat.

Customization and Progression

1. Armor and Weapons:
   Players can craft and upgrade armor and weapons using materials gathered from hunts. Each armor set has unique skills and bonuses, allowing for deep customization. Weapons can be upgraded along branching paths, with some requiring rare materials from specific monsters.

2. Layered Armor:
   Layered Armor allows players to change the appearance of their gear without affecting its stats. This feature is purely cosmetic but adds a layer of personalization to the game.

3. Hunter Rank (HR):
   As players complete quests, they increase their Hunter Rank, unlocking new challenges and rewards. The endgame, known as High Rank, offers some of the toughest monsters and best gear in the game.

Quality of Life Improvements

Monster Hunter Rise introduces several quality-of-life improvements that make the game more accessible and enjoyable:

• Streamlined Gathering: Resources can be gathered instantly, reducing downtime.
• Improved Tracking: Monsters are always visible on the map, eliminating the need for paintballs.
• Training Area: A dedicated space to practice weapon combos and mechanics.

Story Narrative: Protecting Kamura Village

The story of Monster Hunter Rise revolves around Kamura Village, a serene settlement with a dark history. Fifty years ago, the village was nearly destroyed by the Rampage, a catastrophic event where hordes of monsters attacked simultaneously. Now, the Rampage threatens to return, and it’s up to you, a rookie hunter, to protect Kamura.

As you progress through the game, you’ll uncover the mysteries behind the Rampage and the enigmatic Magnamalo, a fearsome monster that seems to be at the center of the chaos. The narrative is straightforward but effective, serving as a backdrop to the thrilling hunts and character interactions. Kamura’s inhabitants, from the cheerful merchant Kagero to the wise village elder Fugen, add charm and personality to the world, making your journey feel meaningful.

Graphics and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

Monster Hunter Rise is a visual and auditory triumph. The game’s art style strikes a perfect balance between realism and stylization, with vibrant colors and detailed textures bringing the world to life. The Nintendo Switch hardware is pushed to its limits, delivering smooth performance and stunning environments, from lush forests to volcanic caverns.

The sound design is equally impressive. Each monster has distinct roars and sound effects, making encounters feel intense and immersive. The soundtrack, composed by a team of talented musicians, features a mix of traditional Japanese instruments and orchestral arrangements, perfectly complementing the game’s setting and tone.

Replayability and Content: Endless Hours of Fun

One of Monster Hunter Rise’s greatest strengths is its replayability. With over 40 large monsters to hunt, hundreds of weapons and armor sets to craft, and countless quests to complete, the game offers a wealth of content. The endgame, known as the High Rank quests, provides a significant challenge for veteran players, while the regular free updates and events ensure that there’s always something new to look forward to.

The addition of the Wirebug and Palamutes, along with the revamped combat system, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, even after dozens of hours. The multiplayer component further extends the game’s longevity, as hunting with friends is always a rewarding experience.

Verdict

Monster Hunter Rise is a masterful evolution of the series, combining the best elements of its predecessors with innovative new features. Its accessible yet deep gameplay, stunning visuals, and rich content make it a must-play for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Buy Monster Hunter Rise: Pricing and Availability

Get ready to join the hunt with Monster Hunter Rise! This action-packed RPG promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, with a vast open world to explore, a rich narrative to uncover, and of course, towering monsters to hunt and slay. By purchasing Monster Hunter Rise, you’ll embark on a thrilling adventure as a brave hunter, equipped with a range of powerful weapons and abilities. Different platform gamers can enjoy the game on their respective consoles by purchasing the game:

PC Gamers can enjoy the game purchasing through Steam in the following Editions:

• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Standard Edition for $39.99
• Buy Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak Deluxe fro $69.99
• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Edition for $50.03

PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 players can get the game through the PlayStation Store with the following Editions with bundles and passes:

• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Standard Edition for $39.99
• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Edition for $49.99 which includes Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter Deluxe Kit.
• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Bundle Edition for $59.99 which includes Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.
• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Bundle Edition for $69.99 which includes Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Kit, Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak, Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Deluxe Kit

Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One players can buy this wonderful Puzzle game through Xbox Store in the following Editions with Add-ons:

• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Standard Edition for $39.99 which includes Game Pass
• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Edition for $49.99
• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak for $59.99
• Buy Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak and Deluxe Edition for $69.99

All mentioned rates are exclusive from currently running discount offers/promotions.

Monster Hunter Rise is available to be downloaded on Microsoft Windows through Steam, PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 players can purchase through PlayStation Store, and Xbox Players can enjoy the game through Xbox Store.

Genre and Platforms

Monster Hunter Rise is an action RPG that falls under the hunting genre. It was released on March 26, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch, and on January 12, 2022, for PC via Steam. The game’s blend of action, strategy, and exploration has made it a standout title on both platforms, solidifying its place as one of the best games in the Monster Hunter series.

Monster Hunter Rise System Requirements: