MONSTER HUNTER RISE

Capcom’s long-running series has recently become a major hit, so it’s interesting that its next entry returns to Nintendo while embracing a more Japanese aesthetic.

Monster Hunter Rise also seems to have taken a leaf from Zelda: Breath of the Wild with a lot more traversal and vertical movement – hence the ‘Rise’ in the title. Climbing, swinging and zipping around environments is easier than ever thanks to an inspired new creature called a wirebug. This in turn brings new actions to your huge arsenal of weapons, so there are now more dynamic ways of engaging with the monsters themselves.

Naturally there are new formidable beasties to face, like Aknosom and Magnamalo (give a hand to whoever has the job of naming them). The big show-stealer, however, is that – alongside your cat companions – you also have new canine allies called Palamutes that you can ride and fight alongside. And stroke, of course.

As huge as Monster Hunter

World has been, the series has always felt at home on handheld, so a new instalment for Switch that inherits the improvements of the newer entries is a good sign. Get your favourite weapon sharpened when the hunt begins in March.