Magnificent battle against weird & wonderful beasts
MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD PS4, XBOX ONE
I HAD never played a Monster Hunter game before – but having heard only good things about it, I was looking forward to getting my teeth into the new version of this Capcom classic. Now, having played it – for not nearly as many hours as I would have liked to, granted – I wonder why it’s never appeared on my radar before.
Hunters start the game on a ship that is travelling to the “New World”, which is full of all sorts of weird and wonderful beasts.
You are part of a pack of explorers called the “fivers” and you are there to help search out any new monsters that are causing problems.
Get ready to take in the whole back story in about 20 to 30 minutes of gameplay, which will have you on the island and in meetings to find out about your first hunt.
You’re also introduced to your main companions: a nameless handler, a faithful female friend and, of course, your palico (a wee cat that helps you in the hunt and battles ahead … with matching clothes).
After a few more cutscenes, you are ready for the hunt – but not until you pick your weapon of choice.
I went for the trusty heavy Great Sword, because it looks brilliant on the back of your character and is literally the same size as you. It deals a mega blow to all enemies, even if it is a bit slow and cumbersome.
With all 14 weapon types available to chose from at the beginning, the best bet is to find something that’s fun and will keep you engaged.
Searching for monsters couldn’t be easier thanks to your scout flies – green insects you can turn loose to help find items you can use as well as pick up or continue trails of beasts big and small as you go.
The game looks incredible, from its lush greenery to its vast landscapes. It really has to be taken in and appreciated, which sometimes can be hard given the fact you’re chasing down a monster the size of a large house.
It’s all great fun and the combat with each monster is so unexpectedly varied that every battle will play out differently. And thanks to MH:W’s design, you are never sure what’s around the corner.
It’s pretty simple really. Kill more monsters and get more loot by scavenging their carcass to give you a better chance of crafting bigger and better weapons, which in turn helps you defend and attack against bigger and better hunts.
You can ask for help from up to three hunters online to aid you in your quest. But be warned, it’s best to have a headset on if you want to set up a four-man hunt, because the match-ups can be a pain sometimes and there will be a lot of waiting if you’re not in contact with your fellow hunters.
Monster Hunter has excelled over the years at bringing players together in the hunt for some magnificent monsters. Whether you hunt alone or with friends, you will be hard-pushed to find a better RPG game this year.