Worth: $17.00
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Intro:
… what it lacks in jaw-dropping visuals it more than makes up for with a real sense of brisk efficiency, getting players right into the hunts without much fuss.
A lot of Monster Hunter fans have had complicated feelings towards Monster Hunter Rise. The first main line entry in the storied series since 2018’s Monster Hunter World, Rise began life as a Nintendo Switch exclusive released in 2021. This meant that Switch users alone could experience the beast bashing shenanigans, albeit in a more pared back fashion due to the limitations of Nintendo’s best-selling console/handheld hybrid. Reviews were very solid, and sales were strong, which meant a port to other systems was all but inevitable.
Well now in 2023, Monster Hunter Rise has arrived on PC, XBOX and Playstation consoles and while it doesn’t quite scale the dizzy heights of Monster Hunter World, it’s still an absolute belter of a game and a must have for fans of the series.
Monster Hunter Rise puts you once again in the shoes of a player-generated main character whose job it is to… well, you know, hunt monsters and stuff. Tasked with helping to protect the idyllic Kamura Village, your Hunter will take on increasingly challenging hunts, both solo and with other players, honing their skills and using monster parts to craft weapons and attractive new pairs of trousers, shoes and so on. It’s a gameplay loop that is deeply familiar (not to mention beloved) by acolytes of the series and Rise doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, although it does provide a more gradual difficulty curve. New players will be tasked with taking on Village missions, which are solo hunts that are usually quite brisk and easy, particularly compared to the early game of Monster Hunter World.
In terms of technical concessions, it has to be said that Rise isn’t as pretty as World, even ported to beefier tech with all the graphical settings at their highest levels. This isn’t a deal breaker, although it’s noticeable. However, on the upside load times are near instantaneous (especially on higher end systems) which really helps with the sense of momentum. The multiplayer experience has also been streamlined, which means you’ll be getting into games a lot quicker as you hunt down that elusive monster part to finish the build that complements your favourite weapon. Oh my friends, the grind will ensnare you and keep you captivated all over again.
In terms of new content, the wirebug is a literally game-changing addition, basically an easy to use multipurpose grapple hook that can speed you around the environment, out of danger and even adds a couple of devastating moves to the already large repertoire of ways to slap narky critters silly. On the less impressive side, new game mode Rampage – a tower defence style experience with multiple monsters attacking your fortifications – is a bit of a drag and not the most welcome wrinkle to the experience. You also get to ride an oversized doggo chum called a Palamute which is both adorable and practical and will have players zipping around the map with great alacrity.
Ultimately, Monster Hunter Rise is a slick and streamlined entry into the Monster Hunter franchise. Due to its Switch origins, it’s not quite as expansive or visually spectacular as MHW, but what it lacks in jaw-dropping visuals it more than makes up for with a real sense of brisk efficiency, getting players right into the hunts without much fuss. It’s unlikely to win over those who’ve never understood the appeal of this grindy, obtuse obsession, but for series veterans it’s a great excuse to dust off those hunting togs and get ready to put the hurt on some gargantuan gronks.
