Monster Hunter Rise Review

They Should Have Called It Monster Hunter QOL

Continuing the forward progression of Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter Rise takes the series to the next level. This long-time Monster Hunter fan couldn’t be happier with the improvements.

Keeping You In The Action

As a seasoned vet of the series, I am most impressed at how well the game keeps you in the action.

• The addition of the Palamute allows you to heal, increase stamina, and sharpen your weapon while chasing down the monster
• Items will be auto crafted so picking herbs now auto crafts to potions and grabbing honey will auto craft to a mega potion.
• Wire bugs allow you to quickly exit and heal up and then get right back into the fight.
• Sprinting on the Palamute doesn’t use stamina so you are not forced to walk when your bar is drained.

Capcom Helping Switch Keep Up With Next Gen

Similar to Resident Evil on the GameCube, Monster Hunter Rise delivers on the Switch.

• Beautifully designed levels that feel alive.
• The vertically within the levels adds a sense of exploration as you traverse the map how you see fit.
• The sound design shines as you hear the monsters scream or the fleshy thuds when two monsters collide.
• Audio cues for when you have drawn agro or when your blade is dull keep you immersed in the action.
• Controls are smooth and fluid but still feel very Monster Hunter.

The Pros and Cons of Monster Hunter Rise

Pros: 

• Quality of life improvements
  • Palamute for faster travel
  • Hunting prep while on the back of the Palamute
  • Wishlist for gear that notifies you when you have all the material you need
  • Auto crafting while gathering in the wild
• It’s a great looking Switch game that runs at a steady 30 FPS so far
• Incredible sound design
• One of the best multiplayer games on the Switch

Cons

• Long tutorial (this is a pro and a con because it will teach you but it takes awhile to get through it)
• Can be a daunting game to play single player
• Some of the chatter during the hunt can get repetitive, but I do laugh every time my hunter says “yoink!”