Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise does more than rise to the occasion: it utterly outdoes itself. Monster Hunter Rise as it stands might be one of the easiest games in the series, but it's also one of the most flexible and ultimately satisfying in each and every regard, and for that, it deserves full marks.

Monster Hunter Rise thus exceeded every expectation I had. It’s just as, if not more fun than World, and that’s saying a lot. Whether you are a veteran hunter or you’ve never laid eyes on the series before, you owe it to yourself to at least try it. It is absolutely among the best games on the Switch. It’s also a technical achievement for the platform and a system seller. You could wait for the PC version, but why? Play Rise now, and play it again then if you’ve got a gaming PC. A game so nice I’d buy it twice!

When you consider all of these new additions on top of the solid foundation of Monster Hunter World, what you’re left with is the best Monster Hunter game around. This game is as close to perfect as we’ve had yet, and assuming it gets a lot of post-launch support, we’re in for an incredibly exciting new era of Monster Hunter, and one that brings back some of the bombastic absurdity that World omitted.

This is the game that the Monster Hunter franchise should have been all along. The annoying parts of the experience that were retained due to tradition have finally been stripped away, leaving a polished, enjoyable experience for newcomers that will make long-time fans equally happy. Monster Hunter Rise is Monster Hunter at its finest.

Monster Hunter has gone from strength to strength over the years, and Monster Hunter World in particular felt like a high point for the series. But Monster Hunter Rise manages to one-up even that ambitious game. A renewed focus on vertical level design and mobility take everything that makes Monster Hunter work to new heights (pun absolutely intended), and the Japanese inspiration gives this latest outing a very different, very impressive new sense of style, but without forgetting the series’ roots. Truly, Rise is Monster Hunter at its absolute best.

While the essential component of repeatedly hunting monsters remains the same, the action elements have been refined with the introduction of the Wirebug and Switch Skill systems, and even monsters from previous games offer a fresh hunting challenge. The new Rampage mode, where the player must battle multiple large monsters at once, offers a stunning balance of difficulty and variety.

Monster Hunter Rise is a success built on years of gradual improvements, but it also takes some giant Wirebug leaps forward to deliver an unforgettable and endlessly thrilling adventure. This is a new contender for the best game on Switch.

Monster Hunter Rise is, put simply, the very best Monster Hunter game to date. Everything it does, it does well, and everything it doesn't do is just around the corner. It's a beautiful, enjoyable, exciting game, taking all the best parts of World and combining it with all the best parts of classic Monster Hunter, then adding a swathe of new features, monsters, play-styles, and more. It's a sharp incline for the series, a rise to the top if you'll forgive the pun, and it's likely to entertain and captivate for weeks, months, and years on end. If you only ever play one Monster Hunter game in your life, make it this one.

Monster Hunter Rise is absolutely phenomenal. It will be a worthy contender for GOTY but could easily be discussed as Game of the System. [Issue #4, p. 49]

Monster Hunter Rise had big shoes to fill after coming off the heels of World, and man, did they come through swinging hard. They hit a homerun here, and with taking things from all the previous games have created a game with a great setting, fun and flashy combat, tons of customization option, and wonderful traversal. This is a fantastic game for both the newcomer to the series as well as the veteran.

Monster Hunter Rise is shaping up to be my favourite Monster Hunter to date. From the fluid and in-depth gameplay, to the ingeniously designed new monsters, to the insanely fun gimmicks that add new levels of mobility, Capcom has outdone themselves with their latest entry in the franchise yet again.

Monster Hunter Rise pulls the best features from past games to create an experience that feels particularly tuned for a handheld system. With plenty of quality-of-life improvements and several fun new mechanics, Rise pushes the franchise forward while retaining all of the depth and fun that fans expect. Another stellar release from Capcom.

Monster Hunter Rise is everything I had hoped it would be, and more. It’s welcoming to beginners while still retaining that deep core experience that longtime players know and love. It’s challenging, but never in ways that feel unfair or cruel. And the attention to the details that are meant to keep one smiling is something you don’t see too often. Every inch of Rise plays like it’s the culmination of the series’ best ideas. Subsequently, I’m enormously excited to continue my journey in discovering what else Capcom has crammed into the game. I’m 20 hours in, and I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. So, excuse me, my next hunt awaits.

Monster Hunter Rise brings enough quality of life improvements that it’s arguably better than World was at launch. A strong line-up of monsters, loads of stuff to grind through, and the series’ highest level of accessibility to date make Rise one of the Switch’s best games and an absolute must-have for series fans.

By carefully mixing the most successful features of Monster Hunter: World, the "classic" structure of the old episodes, as well as a tasty roundup of novelties and sensational improvements to the quality of life, such as the Canyne and the wire insects, the Tsujimoto team he managed to synthesize an almost perfect play formula.

Monster Hunter Rise shows a tremendous amount of progress in terms of game design and accessibility, even after the great strides that Monster Hunter World made in those fields, and continues to improve upon itself with interesting ideas like the new monsters and the Wirebug – this game is a must buy.

Monster Hunter Rise is a step forward. In the absence of more content in terms of monsters (the promise of more additions allows us to be optimistic), all its new features make its gameplay the most enjoyable so far. Alone or accompanied, veteran or novice, Rise convinces in all its facets.

Monster Hunter Rise marks the beginning of a new era for the series' pocket adventures, finally free from the antiquated mechanics that the previous chapter, Generations Ultimate, brought with it.

Capcom does it yet again and elevates its franchise above and beyond. A fantastic new entry in a series that keeps delivering new monsters for old and new hunters.

Monster Hunter Rise is a perfect example of what can be done with Switch. It runs incredibly smoothly and only slows down a little when there’s a lot happening all at once, even during a Rampage with a full lobby. It has been some time since I have played World, but Rise looks almost as good. While some textures here and there are a bit rough, I highly doubt you’re going to be inspecting the wall textures with an angry Rathalos chasing you down. Monster Hunter Rise brings a lot of great new features for fans of the franchise while making it more accessible than ever. With the amount of future updates planned I can’t wait to see what Rise can become.

If you’re a Switch owner who is still a little sore that Capcom never ported Monster Hunter World to the Nintendo console, then I’d argue that Monster Hunter Rise is a really great consolation prize. I’d even argue that Monster Hunter Rise might actually beat out World in a number of ways, and I’m glad to have a new Monster Hunter game to sink time into as we roll into Spring. It’s a really fantastic experience, and I’d highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t already.

While not the gigantic leap that World was a couple of years prior, Monster Hunter Rise, is a refined, sleek title that is suitable for new and old fans alike.

I’m impressed by how well the developers thought this game through. Rise simultaneously improves the formula used in World and makes Monster Hunter more friendly towards newcomers. It makes great use of Switch’s nature and by clearly separating the multiplayer from the single-player campaign, it ensures you’re going to have fun regardless of the circumstances. Apart from one subpar mode (which imitates a tower defense), it’s an amazing game. [06/2021, p.42]

Rise has taken note of the franchise’s most successful elements, and refined them into the best Monster Hunter yet. By continuing the streamlining that Generations and World started, Rise has focused on making the actual hunting the most engaging it has ever been.

One of the most stunning spectacles on the Switch. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 71]

Despite these minor hiccups, Monster Hunter Rise is an epic experience that no Switch owner should be without. It manages to reach the vast majority of high expectations of both long-time fans and newcomers alike, and even pushes those boundaries with the exceptionally fun Wirebug mechanic and a superb cast of old and new monsters. While small room for improvement still exists, Rise continues to refine the formula even further giving RPGamers a hunting experience that can only be compared to other entries in the same franchise. And while veteran hunters will certainly enjoy everything Rise offers, newcomers will find that Rise provides a more welcoming experience than any other game in the series. Coupled with the Switch’s ability to play on-the-go, Monster Hunter Rise retains its Master Rank in the arena of co-op action RPGs.

Monster Hunter Rise features the most advanced, deep, and experimental gameplay in the series. It has something for everyone, and it will serve as not only the best entry point to the series, but one of the best entries in the series. It’s innovative, fun, complex, charming, and it’s a fantastic way to lose a couple hundred hours of your life.

Monster Hunter Rise is a triumph. It may not have the shiny 4k HDR visuals of its predecessor but the more modest, design-driven visuals are a delight to behold. Gameplay is as solid as ever and features much more freeform with the new traversal tools putting it above many of the other games in the series. The new setting and characters create a much more involved scenario full of charm and fun Japanese influences. For fans of monster hunter this is an absolute no-brainer but for new players, this is a fantastic place to start. Not only will Rise teach everything there is to know about its systems, but it is one of the purest fun experiences currently available on Nintendo Switch.

Monster Hunter Rise is a marvelous new chapter in the Monster Hunter series that strikes at a medium point between the classic heritage and more recent innovations. The result is a work that will appeal to both veterans and newcomers, and dressed with a stunning visual presentation, an enormous world to explore, not to mention plenty of new monsters to meet. Truly a new milestone in the Monster Hunter series.

Even though it is quite hard to master this game, it is the most accessible Monster Hunter game ever. The Wirebug makes it easier to move around and there are less waiting times between fights.

Even though the difficulty isn't what die-hard fans might be looking for, there's no denying that Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible title in the series to date. Its systems and mechanics will be confusing for brand-new players at first, but once they really get into it and learn what everything is about, players can look forward to a thrilling and exciting hunting experience with so much content to offer. And with free title updates coming soon from Capcom, there will be even more quests to partake in and monsters to hunt. This isn't the ultimate package that World and Iceborne was, but the compact nature of Monster Hunter Rise feels perfect on the Switch and will definitely serve as a blueprint for future entries.

Monster Hunter Rise takes the best elements from the series and mixes them with a few new mechanics to give players a fresh experience that is the most accessible in the franchise to date.

I can’t recommend Monster Hunter Rise enough. The new gameplay additions are few, but very impactful and have pretty much changed the way I look at the series now. While World really brought the series to the next level in terms of graphical capability and level detail, Rise takes a solid step forward in evolving Monster Hunter’s gameplay. It’s still a tricky game to play with a high skill floor and ceiling, but the series has truly never been more accessible than it is now.

Even with its little flaws, Monster Hunter Rise is an incredible triumph for Capcom. It really stands out as an essential game in the Nintendo Switch catalog.

Monster Hunter Rise is probably the most accessible and enjoyable entry of the long-running franchise to date. Streamlined, focused, and incredibly fun, Monster Hunter Rise is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike. One of the best action games on the Switch and easily one of its best console exclusives, it's everything a video game should be. Even if you've bounced off previous Monster Hunters, I recommend giving Rise's demo a shot, and if you're looking for a great way to hunt some monsters, there's no better option on the Switch.

Everything that Capcom included in Monster Hunter Rise feels like it's been curated by a perfectionist. The soundtrack, visuals, gameplay mechanics, monster-hunting loop, and multiplayer have been thoroughly designed to offer players the ultimate Monster Hunter experience on a handheld device. With a little bit more investment in the narrative, Monster Hunter Rise could have been a perfect game. Without that it's just one of the best games in the series, a must-play title for every Nintendo Switch owner. I'm amazed that after two incredible Monster Hunter games, Capcom still finds a way to outdo itself and push out another nearly perfect monster-hunting title.

While it’s still too difficult to get into, Monster Hunter Rise is the best entry to date. Hunts feel faster and more dynamic than ever and additions like Weapon Swap Skills, Wyvern Riding, Palamutes, the Rampage, and especially Wirebugs keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Monster Hunter Rise is another great installment in the series.

Monster Hunter Rise is committed to avoid tedious situations, with an efficient adventure that focuses your attention on exploration and monster battle. Rise is the highest point in the evolution of the saga that finds a balance between the past and the novelties of the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne.

Monster Hunter Rise is the perfect introduction to the series. One of the best games on the Nintendo Switch and a solid candidate for the best of the year.

Monster Hunter Rise is not only an excellent Switch game, but also an early game of the year contender. If you don’t mind a bit of grinding, you won’t be disappointed.

Sometimes it’s hard to determine what the best game in a series is. This time, it’s not. Regardless of what charms the Monster Hunter games of the past might have to offer, they’re no match for Rise‘s huge jump in overall quality and polish. I’m sure that Capcom will make a new Monster Hunter game someday and, when they do, maybe it will dethrone this one. But, until that time comes, Rise will be sitting at the top—and I’m very happy that it’s there.

Every little detail outside of this is a wonderful addition that helps create a world that feels like people actually live in, with Kamura Village being one of the biggest highlights in the entire franchise. Monster Hunter Rise is a must-have for Switch players looking to dive into the meaty action, delivering on an amazing experience that will last for some time to come.

Monster Hunter Rise brings in a slew of excellent new game mechanics that elevate the gameplay and even streamlines the overall experience. Veteran fans and newcomers alike will love the colorful and lush world around Kamura Village, and the variety of old and new monsters offers a ton of challenge and content.

Monster Hunter Rise takes what World introduced and runs with it, delivering a game that streamlines the gameplay and beefs up your kit for maximized man-versus-monster action.

Not only did the Nintendo Switch finally get the Monster Hunter game it deserved - it might just got one of the best ones in the entire series. Great additions to the formula in a compact package. An outstanding work by the people at Capcom.

Rise nails the theme, introduces smart improvements to combat, and is a thoroughly fun experience from start to finish. If you don’t mind the dip in performance compared to the previous game, it’s the best Monster Hunter on the market.

Monster Hunter Rise is an amazing addition to the series that manages to be accessible for newcomers and contains so much for longtime fans. The addicting gameloop of questing with friends and exploring these awesome environments provides a cathartic and natural gaming experience. Even with a few forgettable story beats or a dropped frame, I had an amazing time hunting down monsters as I soaked up the charm of Kamura Village for hours on end.

Going toe-to-toe with these intimidating beasts is the unmistakable core of the Monster Hunter experience, and Rise still feels like a distinctly Monster Hunter game, even if it's more of a fully-fledged action title than any other entry in the series. This renewed focus doesn't diminish its layered RPG mechanics, nor does it dumb down on any single aspect of the hunt. Certain changes make Rise a more approachable game for newcomers, but you also have the freedom to tailor the experience to your liking. The moment-to-moment combat is as impeccable as it's ever been and puts Rise on a pedestal as one of the feathers in the Nintendo Switch's cap.

Monster Hunter Rise is mechanically the best game in the series yet, delivering a superlative experience to long time fans and newcomers alike, and also quite possibly the best game to have launched on the Switch since Breath of the Wild.

With Capcom's technicians helping Nintendo's console punch well above its weight, Rise has made it a thrilling contest between two majestic beasts. [Issue#357, p.104]

For my money, Monster Hunter Rise is the high-water mark of the series. The addition of the Palimutes and Wirebugs have reshaped both combat and exploration for the better – so much so, that going back to older games in the franchise will be almost impossible. While it may not have the narrative focus of Monster Hunter World, Rise expands upon this formula and refines the experience to be both accessible for newcomers, whilst also retaining that deeper level of complexity that drew in hardcore fans from the beginning. I’ve also just got to give props to Capcom for squeezing a fully-fledged Monster Hunter game down onto the Nintendo Switch with nary a compromise to visuals or featureset. I’ve got a feeling Monster Hunter Rise will be in the gaming cultural zeitgeist for a while to come, so I highly recommend you jump on board and come along for the ride.

Monster Hunter Rise is probably the best episode of the saga, as it is taking all the new stuff from Monster Hunter World and improving the formula again to make the hunt more pleasant than ever, especially if you are fond of Japanese folklore. A must have for fans and the best way to discover the franchise, wherever you want.

Monster Hunter: Rise is a must-buy for all fans (because it is THE best game in the franchise). And since it is very beginner-friendly, it should convince even the most inexperienced players. The series spectacularly returns to mobile consoles.

Capcom did not forget Nintendo, delivering a mesmerizing and anticipated entry using what has been done so well in MHW. It adds something new to the series, with a mantle of Japanese folklore and culture. The innovations are enough to make us feel the weight of Monster Hunter Rise, a truly differentiating title that, like Monster Hunter World, will leave its mark to be replicated in future generations. Fast, fun and extremely addictive, Rise shows that Nintendo platforms continue to be one of the best places for memorable hunts.

It's a great entry point thanks to the Village Quests and helpful dog companion. If you're a fan who already pre-ordered and want to know if it's good, rest assured. You might actually like Rise better than World, as it brings back some of the strategic variety while building on more recent quality-of-life updates. It's a shame that the Switch holds the game back in small ways, but this is a contender for best in the series. If post-launch support is as good as it was for World, this game could easily rise above the rest.

Monster Hunter Rise is an incredible game. While it may not feel quite as ground-breaking for the series as World did, it boasts a stronger and distinctly Japanese identity, and the changes and streamlined gameplay simply focus on the franchise’s true stars – the monsters. Rise is easily one of the best games for the Nintendo Switch, and one of the finest Monster Hunters ever.

This is probably the best Monster Hunter game to date, and an easy, early contender for 2021′s best game.

Quotation forthcoming.

It's incredible to have such a fun and marvelous Monster Hunter on Nintendo Switch.

I put about 280 hours into Generations Ultimate and was playing it even up to the time this review goes live, but for mostly lack-of-PC reasons I never got into World. Monster Hunter Rise has enough content that I feel like I’ll be able to go all the way with it, and be able to take on the new hunts as they’re delivered. Even those who are just looking for a good action game, and have no history with the series, should jump in. If nothing else, I could use some help with Rathalos.

Monster Hunter Rise manages to continue the series trend of delivering an excellent action RPG while also offering meaningful rewards and addicting gameplay. The game's new additions such as the Palamute and Wirebugs add more depth to what was an already solid foundation. Kamura Village is downright gorgeous, with the surrounding areas teeming with monsters both new and old. I'm excited to continue to play the game for the foreseeable future, playing online with my friends and completing what seems to be nearly endless content.

If you’re a fan of intense action RPGs, there’s very little like it on the Nintendo Switch right now. It’s a must-have. Once you get to grips with the combat, squeezing in a hunt in a hurry is a rewarding experience.

A fantastic tour de force for the Switch and arguably the best Monster Hunter game ever, with a huge range of features and monsters, both new and old, and great co-op gameplay.

Even with a few complaints, Monster Hunter Rise is an excellent addition to a series that carries high expectations. Rather than just follow what’s been successful in the past, Rise goes out of its way to experiment with bold new ideas that make it a more captivating game, whether it's your first Monster Hunter or you've cooked thousands of well-done steaks before. The modest power of the Switch does little to diminish the thrill of the hunt, considering how great the game looks and runs. Without a doubt, Rise isn't just a worthwhile Monster Hunter entry, but an essential game for anyone who owns Nintendo's hybrid console.

Monster Hunter Rise is an excellent vintage. In the continuity of its predecessor, it makes hunting more pleasant and accessible than ever thanks to new gameplay features that boost the experience, from exploration to combat against these formidable monsters that we still enjoy facing. and even. The essence of the franchise remains intact, with this inherently redundant formula that will not appeal to everyone, but which shows itself so absorbing once tamed, whether alone or with others. A title that has the potential to occupy you for hundreds of hours, especially since Capcom intends to make you come back regularly with the addition of free content.

Monster Hunter Rise has surprised us in many ways. After Monster Hunter World the bar was very high, but Capcom has once again surpassed itself by adding a much more dynamic combat system, more monsters and gigantic maps full of exploration. One of the Switch games of the year.

Following the successful implementations of Monster Hunter World, Rise perfectly utilizes them and moves them a step ahead. Implementing vertical exploration, new locales, the endemic life mechanism, the addition of the loyal Palamutes and, most importantly, a cast collection of new and dangerous monsters, Monster Hunter Rise is a game that can keep players busy for a long period of time.

Monster Hunter Rise is exceptional. 17 years on, and there still isn’t a gameplay experience that can deliver such tremendously heroic thrills at the same level as this. Evading increasingly crippling blows from a monster desperately fending for its life to managing to capture a monster while on the brink of your own failure, the excitement once the game clicks with you is constant and palpable. Capcom has crated yet another sensational addition to the Nintendo Switch library, which represents portable Monster Hunter at its unrivalled best, an outstanding hunt to set out on and a game that I look forward to playing for many years to come.

With renewed accessibility for newcomers and superb new features for seasoned hunters to get to grips with, Monster Hunter Rise is an enjoyable action RPG that refines many of World’s most successful mechanics. Its impressive scale on screen, combined with its sheer depth in gameplay, makes for a great portable and challenging title. Though not without its flaws, Monster Hunter Rise certainly has the potential to reach a new generation of hunters on the Switch, alongside PC players with its expected arrival on Windows systems next year. Perhaps the question is not whether you will rise to the challenge, but when? And remember, it’s not for the faint of heart.

New mechanics, monsters and a gorgeous setting make Monster Hunter Rise a new high-water mark for the franchise. The Wirebug, Switch Skills, Palamute and carefully thought-out monsters shake things up enough to make the game feel fresh for hunters who have previously spent thousands of hours with the series, and while the package could be slightly intimidating for newcomers, it's arguably the ideal place to get started if you're serious about getting into the franchise. And, with a peerless four-player multiplayer experience, the new Rampage quests are a blast. After spending some serious time with the game, it’s very easy to say that Monster Hunter Rise is one of the strongest entries into the franchise to date, and another stone-cold classic for the Nintendo Switch.

If you've wanted to try out a Monster Hunter game but were always discouraged by its complexity and systems, here's a title that might change your mind. With tweaked pacing and mechanics, Monster Hunter Rise feels more accessible than ever, yet it loses next to none of its complexity that the veterans of the series cherish so dearly. For newcomers and returning players, this is the title to rise above all others.

Monster Hunter Rise is nothing short of brilliant. It builds off of the solid foundations of World and Iceborne in ways that feel meaningful and add more depth to an already staggeringly deep gameplay loop and progression system. Despite a few minor shortcomings, Rise is another rip-roaring success for both CAPCOM and Monster Hunter as a franchise, that demands the attention of fans and anyone interested by its ever-lasting appeal.

Monster Hunter Rise was beyond anything I expected. The tried and true grind of Monster Hunter's giant beast battles is alive and performing exceedingly well for the Switch’s hardware. Its formula is also thoughtfully augmented with Palamutes, Wirebugs, and Wyvern Riding, all of which I’d love to see stay in the series after this game.

Monster Hunter Rise is without a doubt one of the best Monster Hunter games I have ever played, if not the best outright. It caters to new and veteran players effortlessly, and while some accessibility issues holding it back from outright being a perfect game, it really offers the best of both worlds.

Monster Hunter Rise introduces several new gimmicks such as the wirebug and the Canyne that further improve the depth of the gameplay, becoming thus essential tools for future entries of the franchise. Monster Hunter Rise is, without a doubt, the definitive hunting experience in Nintendo Switch.

The game’s various biomes are connected, which means your hunts are no longer bound by the old timey restraint known as ‘the loading screen’. This is a major improvement for the handheld side of the franchise, adding an open-world sheen and sense of realism to the biodiversity that is flora, fauna, and big bad monsters.

Monster Hunter Rise is fantastic from start to finish. It feels like a game that many will come to consider an essential on the Nintendo Switch thanks to its stunning graphics, addictive gameplay loop, consistently engaging combat, and bountiful bowls of unlockable content. Oh, and fighting alongside giant cats and dogs is simply too cool.

Like a lot of Monster Hunter games, I slowly started to get more and more acclimated to Rise until I hit a positive tipping point.

I really do love Monster Hunter. I might be terrible at it, but to me, that's secondary to the fact that it's a gorgeous, authentic bit of Japanese art. It’s like a modern take on the philosophy of ukiyo-e. It might be aesthetically different – completely different, in fact - but the ideas, storytelling tradition, and sense of wonder and awe at the natural world all translate across. In many ways, Monster Hunter Rise represents the purest execution of that idea, and from my perspective that makes it the best game in the series to date.

If Monster Hunter isn't your thing, then Rise won't convince you otherwise. But anyone who's not shy for bossfights, will be taken by the amazing flow and refreshing focus on speed, and will lose themselves for tens or hundreds of hours in this deep and engaging monster-mayhem.

Monster Hunter: Rise is able to innovate and feel familiar at the same time in an exceptionally well-crafted way.

Even with slight deficits in terms of presentation and online connectivity this is a great franchise entry with added brute riding and tactical village defense as interesting new elements.

Even after its fantastic predecessor Monster Hunter Rise is far away from disappointing. The Palamute feature proves itself as an enrichment, making things faster and more comfortable. The wirebug enhances the variety of brute monster combat and exploration. There is just one weakness preventing the game from reaching outstanding Monster Hunter World on eye level: Overall, it's a little bit too easy for experienced gamers, especially related to the dual buddy system.

Once players get past the poor onboarding experience, Monster Hunter Rise might offer the series' best entry for first time players while series veterans will fly over the competition with the new Wirebug mechanics.

While some Monster Hunter vets like me may be surprised or shocked at how much fat has been trimmed away, when all is said and done it’s hard to deny that those elements were fat. After a few hunts it’s clear that less is more, and this new iteration is fast, furious, and retains everything that fans love about the series while making it all less of a hassle and easier to engage with than ever before. It must have been at least a little panic-inducing for the devs to change and shift as much as they did, but I applaud their bravery – it’s paid off in spades, and Rise just might be the best Monster Hunter that’s ever been.

Monster Hunter Rise is one of the best Nintendo Switch games out there and one of Capcom's finest with only a few annoyances holding it back.

Monster Hunter Rise is some of the most fun I’ve gotten to enjoy on my Nintendo Switch since the system launched. It brings back some of the traditional aspects of Monster Hunter, but still respects my time and lets me get into the action faster than ever. I would say that Rise is probably the easiest Monster Hunter game to get into now, and the portable nature of playing it on the Switch means that it’s enjoyable virtually everywhere. Unfortunately, the list of monsters is one of the lowest in the franchise’s history and, as of right now, the story is still unfinished. It’s well-polished and fun to play, but feels incomplete and lacks any kind of endgame. I wish the fun wouldn’t end, but after only about 50 hours spent in-game, there wasn't much left to see.

Monster Hunter Rise is everything that made Monster Hunter World stand above the other series’ games with additions of fun new features that add to the gameplay. While Capcom still struggles with issues of storytelling and gender roles, the gameplay itself more than distracts from the weird hub world. With graphics I didn’t think the Switch could achieve and remarkably solid controls, Monster Hunter Rise is an absolute must for fans of the series or just people looking for a fun action-adventure for their Nintendo Switch.

Monster Hunter Rise really feels like a true opus and not just a spin-off which is high praise for that Switch version. The UI isn't perfect tho, and the need for hardcore farming can scare some players.

Monster Hunter Rise is the perfect adaptation of the classic Capcom saga but adapted to the technical possibilities of Nintendo Switch. If you are lovers of the formula you will enjoy it as always. However, something new is missing to help the franchise move forward.

One of the best games on Nintendo Switch. Very agile with a new vision of classic hunts.

Fans who love Monster Hunter exclusively for the hunts will likely welcome the raised emphasis on taking on major monsters as quickly as possible. However, Rise is missing some of the worldbuilding of Monster Hunter: World, which will make it feel a bit emptier for players who prefer to stop and smell the roses.

Monster Hunter Rise takes the license to new heights with better-than-ever gameplay, accompanied by great graphics and art direction for the Switch. It's a blast to explore the map on a mount, perform aerial maneuvers, and hunt large monsters alone or in groups. This would be a near perfect game if the content followed, having to wait for updates to explore high level content will indeed not be to everyone's taste. So patience may be required.

While the Rampage Mode was a bit disappointing, Monster Hunter Rise ultimately manages to incorporate the excellent gameplay of its predecessors while introducing the interesting new Wirebug mechanics. The game also brings back the interesting and often wonky weapon designs that many fans missed in Monster Hunter World. While graphics may have been sacrificed somewhat for this timed Switch Exclusive, Rise's personality more than makes up for it.

The true value of Monster Hunter Rise lies in three key areas. The first is adding game mechanics that strengthen the exploration of hunting scenarios, the second is the attractive design of the monsters you face, and finally, playing with others is easy. With that in mind, you have one of the most robust multiplayer games in Nintendo Switch.

Monster Hunter Rise improves the gameplay of the series in almost all aspects, but is flawed in terms of atmosphere and balance.

Ignoring leaks and datamines, the return to Switch feels like a revival and if this is supposed to be the B-Team’s game, I think I know what games I’ll be more interested in moving on. But that said, for a Monster Hunter game, the core game is only just better than World at launch but is open about stopping you from progressing further until a later date.

Monster Hunter Rise is the latest Switch crown jewel. It is a great rendition of the longstanding JRPG-series even though the Switch’s screen is smaller, has a lower resolution and scarce computing power. As complex and hard to master as ever, it will take more than a few YouTube-tutorials to really get going. But once past that point of no return players gets sucked in the franchise’s signature gameplay-loop that is deliciously addictive.

Monster Hunter Rise takes the very best from its predecessor and adds features that give the hunt a whole new dimension. Features that makes it really hard for us to stop playing. Just a word of warning for newcomers: This is not a game you learn in an afternoon.

Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible game in the franchise, but shoddy multiplayer connectivity and hard-to-see handheld play hold this game back from reaching the heights it's aiming for.

With a more fleshed-out endgame, Rise will be one of the best games on the Switch. Until then, I still recommend it to anyone looking for a great action game to get stuck into.

Flush with flash new tricks, simpler action and a bulging roster of hostile creatures, the latest instalment of the enduring series is an absurd delight.

Monster Hunter Rise is something of a middle ground between Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Generations, and yet not something that incorporates best aspects of both titles. Rise is a great action game, that brings back some questionable mechanics, and for some reason completely forgets about some interesting old ideas.

Monster Hunter Rise adds interesting elements to the basic formula of the series, also managing to present its contents to new players in a gradual manner. Yet it can't help but seem, in a sense, an unfinished game.

Ultimately, Monster Hunter Rise is a solid, standalone entry to the series which pulls back on the scope of recent games on more powerful platforms, but doesn’t skimp on the fundamentals that made the Monster Hunter name. While it does feel like a smaller package in terms of grand story presentation, the new additions and quality-of-life fixes make it less grindy to play, with greater flexibility in exploration, navigation, and resource collection adding to the portable possibilities.

Monster Hunter Rise mixes classic Monster Hunter ideas with some of World’s best improvements and a whole bunch of clever new mechanics of its own. Not all of them are slam dunks, but they are all fun – and the introduction of Wirebugs and the mobility they bring to every fight is so great I never want to give them up. The post-launch updates Capcom is already teasing can’t come soon enough, but Monster Hunter Rise is still a thrilling step forward in the series’ evolution toward the new normal World so boldly introduced.

There is enough fun available for those who are happy to muddle through, and the winning combination of Wirebug and Palamute adds enough zip to each fight that you can swing over much of its more intricate baggage. Whether that counts for or against the game, I still haven’t decided; fortunately, no small measure of its power lies outside the combat, patrolling the glittering plains, and down in Kamura, amid the cats. It’s more than steel and hunters.

There’s a framework of a great game here, and the changes and additions to the formula belay what feels like an even more significant step forward for the series than Monster Hunter: World. But that promise hasn’t yet come to fruition. I’m sure that one day Monster Hunter: Rise will be my favorite game in the series, but the road to reach that destination has only started. As for now, we’re left with an entry that ticks almost all of the boxes, but with some glaring exceptions. Monster Hunter: Rise is a great game; but it can, and should, be a fantastic one.

Much to my surprise, I like Monster Hunter Rise for Switch even more than World.

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.

If the clunkiness of Monster Hunter has held you back in the past, Rise could be a good jumping-on point to give the franchise another try.

Monster Hunter Rise is a good Monster Hunter combining all the good ingredients of the license with a nice novelty: the Filoptères. These offer verticality and true dynamism to the gameplay with new possibilities. Everything seems faster, from harvesting to moving thanks to the Chumsky. The sets, the atmosphere, also contributes greatly to the quality of the overall experience, and if it is not a sometimes-capricious camera and some quests that get a little repetitive, we cannot blame the Capcom title much.

If you are a Monster Hunter veteran, I see no reason why you won't love Monster Hunter Rise. The game is basically a refined version of Monster Hunter World with some new gimmicks and a new aesthetic. For those looking to jump into Monster Hunter for the first time, Monster Hunter Rise is still a lot of fun. You won't necessarily understand everything right out of the gate, but you likely will over time as you hunt more and more monsters. All in all, this is a strong action RPG for the Nintendo Switch and has the potential to eat up tons of your time.

Monster Hunter Rise is a rather traditional but still deep and very fun experience, with some clever implementation in terms of gameplay.

Beyond mounting monsters and using the wirebug to wall-run in spectacular fashion, not much else distinguishes Monster Hunter Rise from the installments that came before. It has enough endgame content to keep you occupied long after the credits roll (if you don’t mind copious amounts of grinding) and multiplayer is still the optimal way to play, but the excitement of my early hunts waned before long. Monster Hunter Rise is far from being the next definitive chapter in the series. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a polished-but-conventional adventure with a few small-scale nuances, then you’ll be right at home in Kamura Village.

Music and design is the strongest suit of the game. At the same time it’s unfriendly to newcomers and suffers from slow battles and tedious craft. It’s one of those cases where love and pain go hand in hand. [Issue#252, p.60]

Monster Hunter Rise aims at old-school fans, those who were here before Monster Hunter World, and will be sure to enjoy themselves with this more compact entry. But for those who just recently came aboard the franchise, it will feel like a step down.

Monster Hunter Rise brings with it several new features that should become mainstays of the series. At the same time, however, it loses one of its most impressive systems - tracking the monsters. And so the hunt loses much of its magic.

All in all, if you're a fan of the Monster Hunter franchise then this new instalment will absolutely tick all your boxes and more, what with all the new additions it brings. While Monster Hunter World was definitely a game designed more to welcome new players, Monster Hunter Rise calls back to the core fans. If you're relatively new, this might be intimidating at first; but once you get the hang of it there's a lot of fun to be had, either solo or with a group of friends.