Monster Hunter Rise”, developed and published by Capcom, is the latest installment in the critically acclaimed Monster Hunter series. Released in March 2021 on the Nintendo Switch and later on PC, it introduces fresh mechanics and builds on the beloved formula of the franchise. With its open-world, action-packed combat, and a host of new monsters, the game offers players a unique and exhilarating hunting experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Monster Hunter Rise delivers endless hours of adventure and excitement.
Story – Defending Kamura Village
The game is set in the serene and picturesque Kamura Village, a tranquil place inspired by ancient Japanese aesthetics. However, this peace is shattered by an ominous event known as the Rampage, where hordes of monsters attack the village. As a newly recruited hunter, it’s your job to protect Kamura and unravel the mystery behind the Rampage.
While the Monster Hunter series has never been known for its deep storylines, Monster Hunter Rise does a great job of immersing players into its world through rich lore, vibrant characters, and a sense of urgency to stop the impending threat. The story serves as a strong foundation for the thrilling hunts that await.
Gameplay – Fast, Fluid, and Dynamic Combat
At its core, Monster Hunter Rise retains the satisfying action-RPG combat the series is known for, where players track, hunt, and battle fearsome monsters in sprawling, open environments. The thrill of chasing down a colossal monster, learning its attack patterns, and taking it down with skill and precision is as exhilarating as ever. Try And Inscryption
The combat in Monster Hunter Rise is fast-paced, offering a fluid and dynamic feel. There are 14 weapon types, each with unique playstyles, from the heavy-hitting Great Sword to the ranged Bow, giving players plenty of options to tailor their gameplay experience.
Wirebug – A New Level of Mobility
One of the biggest innovations in Monster Hunter Rise is the introduction of the Wirebug, a tool that allows for increased mobility and vertical movement. The Wirebug grants players the ability to perform aerial attacks, evade enemy blows, and traverse the environment more easily than ever before.
The Wirebug can also be integrated into combat, enabling special Silkbind attacks unique to each weapon. These powerful moves not only add more variety to combat but also create new opportunities for strategic attacks and evasions. The Wirebug system opens up a new dimension to the game, making battles more fast-paced and dynamic.
Palamutes and Palicoes – Your Trusty Companions
In Monster Hunter Rise, players are accompanied by Palamutes, loyal canine companions that assist in combat and allow for faster traversal across the game’s maps. You can ride your Palamute to quickly close the distance between you and your target, giving hunts a much quicker pace.
Returning from previous entries are the Palicoes, feline companions that support players with buffs, healing, and traps. With both Palamutes and Palicoes by your side, you can customize your hunting party to suit your playstyle, whether you prefer more offensive power or support during hunts.
New Monsters and Familiar Foes
The Monster Hunter series is known for its impressive roster of monsters, and Monster Hunter Rise introduces a variety of new creatures inspired by Japanese folklore. From the imposing Magnamalo, the flagship monster of the game, to the water-dwelling Mizutsune, each monster offers unique challenges and demands different strategies to defeat.
In addition to new monsters, many fan-favorites from previous titles make a return, including Rathalos, Diablos, and Tigrex. The mix of new and old creatures ensures that each hunt feels fresh and exciting, with every encounter requiring players to adapt and refine their tactics.
Rampage Quests – A New Challenge
A unique addition to Monster Hunter Rise is the Rampage Quests, where players must defend Kamura Village from waves of invading monsters. These quests are different from standard hunts, as they involve setting up defensive installations such as ballistae and cannons, and working alongside NPCs to fend off multiple monsters at once.
Rampage Quests are chaotic and thrilling, forcing players to balance offense and defense while coordinating attacks to repel the invading monsters. It’s a fresh challenge that adds variety to the traditional hunting gameplay.
Visuals and Performance
Monster Hunter Rise takes full advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s hardware, delivering beautiful and detailed environments without sacrificing performance. The game’s art style, inspired by feudal Japan, gives it a unique look compared to previous entries. Despite being on a portable console, the game maintains a smooth frame rate, even during large-scale monster battles.
When released on PC, Monster Hunter Rise received further graphical enhancements, including higher resolution, improved textures, and support for higher frame rates, making it the definitive way to experience the game for PC players.
Multiplayer – Hunting with Friends
Like its predecessors, Monster Hunter Rise shines in multiplayer. Players can team up with up to three other hunters to tackle the game’s toughest monsters. The cooperative experience is highly engaging, as players combine their unique skills and weapons to take down monsters faster and more efficiently.
The game’s online matchmaking is seamless, making it easy to join quests with friends or random players around the world. Whether you’re coordinating attacks or reviving fallen teammates, multiplayer hunts add an extra layer of strategy and camaraderie.
Expansions and Future Content
Capcom has continued to support Monster Hunter Rise with frequent updates, events, and new content. In 2022, the massive Sunbreak expansion was released, introducing new monsters, quests, and regions to explore. With its combination of free updates and paid expansions, Monster Hunter Rise promises to keep players engaged with fresh content well into the future.
Conclusion: A Must-Play for Action RPG Fans
Monster Hunter Rise is a masterclass in action-RPG gameplay, delivering fast-paced combat, innovative new mechanics, and a deep roster of monsters to hunt. Whether playing solo or with friends, the game offers a rewarding and immersive experience that will keep players coming back for more. With its new features like the Wirebug and Palamute, as well as its thrilling Rampage Quests, Monster Hunter Rise is a worthy addition to the franchise and a must-play for fans of the genre.