Monster Hunter Rise
A SUPREMELY WELL-BALANCED GAME.
Sometimes smaller really is better. After the highs of Monster Hunter: World’s astounding success, it’d be reasonable for Capcom to shoot for an even bigger, more complicated game. Instead, though, the Monster Hunter development team has opted for a smaller, more personal adventure, trading in World’s
sprawling plains and snow-capped mountain ranges for a decidedly more low-key tale in Monster Hunter Rise.
As the titular monster hunter, the silent protagonist awakens to life in the small village of Kamura on the frontier, embarking on quests for the population to slay tyrannical beasts patrolling the wilderness.
Monster Hunter Rise is a hack-andslash action game at its core, but one with a graceful elegance through its 14 varied weapon types and devastating skill combos.
The result is something incredible: Rise feels fast and fluid, unshackling itself from many of
World’s intricate design systems and feeling more open and inviting for newcomers who just want to slap a monster around.
Monster Hunter Rise is a great adventure, providing fascinating new tools like the Wirebug and walking a fine line between arcade and fast-paced HD gameplay. The Rampages are a neat new addition when used sparingly, but a reliance on online hunts to finish Rise’s story is a puzzling step.
Hirun Cryer