Every Monster Hunter Game - Investment Policy

Summary

Monster Hunter Rise combines classic gameplay with quality-of-life changes from World, such as the Wirebug and Palamute sidekick.
Monster Hunter World’s success exploded the franchise in the West, simplifying core mechanics while adding new monsters and accessibility.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers a more polished Pokemon-esque gameplay with a diverse roster of monsters, appealing to non-fans.

As a longtime fan of the Monster Hunter franchise, I’ve had my fair share of battles against fearsome beasts across various consoles and games. But let me tell you, dear reader, the journey from the humble beginnings of Monster Hunter World to the latest addition, Rise, has been nothing short of extraordinary.

The series has always been a favorite of mine for its unique blend of action, strategy, and cooperative gameplay. But it was World that truly catapulted the franchise into the limelight, captivating audiences with its expansive environments, refined mechanics, and an array of fearsome monsters that put my hunting skills to the test.

I remember the days when I’d spend hours upon hours tracking down a single monster, only to fall short at the final hurdle. The frustration was real, but the satisfaction of finally landing that decisive blow was always worth it. And then there were the moments of camaraderie when my fellow hunters and I would pool our resources and knowledge together to bring down the toughest of foes.

Monster Hunter World wasn’t just a game for me; it was an experience, a journey that I shared with countless others across the globe. And while Rise may not have pushed the graphical boundaries as much as its predecessor, it still managed to bring fresh innovations to the table, such as the Palamute and the exciting Rampage mode.

But what truly sets this series apart is its ability to adapt and evolve with each new installment. It’s like watching a master craftsman refine their skills over time, creating ever more intricate and compelling experiences for us hunters to enjoy.

So, if you haven’t yet embarked on the Monster Hunter journey, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. Just remember: when facing down a fearsome beast, always keep your wits about you…and maybe invest in some better armor. After all, a hunter who can’t laugh at themselves is no fun at all!

From a passionate moviegoer’s perspective, I discovered the enchanting gem, Monster Hunter, originating from the East. Over time, its charm has spread like wildfire, particularly following its triumph on the 3DS and Wii U platforms. The arrival of Monster Hunter: World served as an explosive catalyst, drawing in a multitude of newcomers to what was once a unique, action-packed world of boss battles.

For a lot of players, World is their first encounter with the series, while others have been around since the 3DS days with YouTube’s Game Grumps Present: Hunting Monsters, and some even longer with the archaic Playstation releases and PSP breakouts. Regardless of where players fit in, there’s a lot to love about the franchise, and a pretty big backlog of under-the-radar games that deserve a lot more love than they found on initial release.

15. Monster Hunter Dynamic Hunting

Hunt On The Go, But Not For Long

Platform(s)	Android, iOS
Released	June 1, 2011
Developer(s)	Capcom
Genre(s)	Fighting

This version of “Monster Hunter” has never been simpler, first appearing on iOS and Android in 2011. The classic gameplay elements found in “Monster Hunter Dynamic Hunting” are significantly streamlined: players select a creature to chase, tap the screen to attack, dodge, and defend themselves, defeat the beast to collect items and money, then proceed to the next one.

Some people believed that the game had issues with its controls and the execution of a potentially captivating idea. Fortunately, the Monster Hunter series has made smoother transitions to smartphones in recent times, unlike Dynamic Hunting, which is no longer accessible for legal download.

14. Monster Hunter

The Franchise Had A Long Way To Go

Initially, the first movie in this challenging series wasn’t easy for newcomers to embrace due to its complex nature. Yet, it paved the way for many elements that would become mainstays in later installments. These include seven out of a total fourteen weapon types, as well as iconic creatures like Rathian, Rathalos, Khezu, and Diablos.

The initial version of this game features a challenging gameplay rhythm, sometimes awkward controls, and significant time investment. However, it’s worth noting that despite its quirks, the game possesses an irresistible appeal and groundbreaking mechanics and animations for its time period.

13. Monster Hunter Freedom

The Series Has Always Worked On Handheld

The initial installment of the Monster Hunter series, titled Monster Hunter Freedom, marked a significant milestone as it debuted on the handheld PlayStation Portable (PSP). This release played a pivotal role in enhancing the game’s essential aspect – multiplayer functionality. The Monster Hunter franchise is renowned for emphasizing camaraderie above everything else, allowing players to collaborate seamlessly in their quest to hunt massive beasts. Monster Hunter Freedom was instrumental in setting this collaborative tone for the series.

The portable design significantly shaped this idea, enabling gamers to carry their consoles wherever they went to meet up with friends instantly, even without the hassle of setting up intricate servers or organizing LAN gatherings. Yet, it was an early version of what would later become a hugely successful video game series.

12. Monster Hunter Freedom 2

It Improves Upon Its Predecessor, But Not By Much

The follow-up to the handheld game “Monster Hunter Freedom” significantly improved upon its predecessor, offering even more content that strengthened its established formula. The PSP game expanded on the Japanese exclusive version of the PS2 game, introducing approximately 50% additional content, and preserving the highly addictive gameplay that made the series stand out.

Despite being lower on the critics’ scale, the Freedom games continue to be cherished by fans. Some manage to enjoy these games together using emulators and self-organized servers.

11. Monster Hunter Now

A Proper Mobile Monster Hunter Game

In terms of its success as a mobile game, Monster Hunter Now proves to be surprisingly engaging despite its straightforward nature. The augmented reality (AR) title uses real-world map data from users’ phones to facilitate battles with monsters. Essentially, it’s similar to Pokemon GO, but instead of capturing creatures, players engage in combat with the monsters – a feature consistent with its developer, Niantic.

Compared to the original Monster Hunter series, it has fewer traditional weapon types, just nine out of fourteen. However, there are an impressive 40 unique monsters for players to encounter. If you’re a fan of the Monster Hunter universe and want to enjoy it on-the-go (apart from its Switch versions), this is your best bet.

10. Monster Hunter Tri

It Has One Glaring Flaw, But A Lot To Love

As a dedicated cinema-goer might say, “Back in 2010, I found myself immersed in a groundbreaking gaming experience that marked its debut on Nintendo consoles – ‘Monster Hunter Tri’ for the Wii. Since the original, it was the first time such an exclusive home console launch happened. ‘Tri’ transported players into a dynamic, living coastal environment teeming with fresh creatures and innovative gameplay mechanics. My trusty AI companion, Cha-Cha, served as a refreshing twist to the Felyne companions that were synonymous with the series.

Players can choose either hunting or trapping, and then team up with a friend on the same screen, or engage with up to three other players online using Nintendo’s servers. These cooperative efforts will put them against some of the most ingenious and cunning monsters ever encountered in the game. While this installment may not be the easiest to get into for newcomers, it continues to push the boundaries of innovation within the legendary series.

9. Monster Hunter Stories

This Monster Hunter Looks A Lot Different

Many gamers found Monster Hunter Stories quite challenging due to its stark contrast with other games in the series. Though it has its charming moments, the franchise isn’t typically recognized for its vibrant visuals. This spin-off offers a delightfully simplified glimpse into the universe, resembling more the style of Pokemon compared to the traditional monster-slaying approach.

Although some longtime Monster Hunter enthusiasts might not find it appealing, Monster Hunter Stories is widely considered by many to be one of the best games on the 3DS, if not the entire franchise. For those who have always wanted to team up with the series’ monsters instead of hunting them, this RPG game is a wish fulfilled.

8. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

It’s More Accessible And Addicting, But Still Niche

As a dedicated cinephile of video games, I can’t forget my initial encounter with the pioneer of the “Ultimate” era – none other than “Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate”. Unlike its predecessors that ventured into uncharted territories on consoles, this gem returned to the handheld formula, gracing both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. This move not only preserved its longstanding exclusivity with the Nintendo family but also opened up a new world for many novice hunters who hadn’t yet crossed paths with this series, thanks to its enhanced visibility through marketing campaigns and a more user-friendly control scheme compared to the complex controls of the Wii.

In a fresh take on “Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate,” the game presented an alluring island ambiance, testing both seasoned players as well as those returning from “Tri” with innovative underwater creatures, swimming dynamics, and an expansive collection of meticulously crafted monsters and weaponry within its coastal-themed setting. Nevertheless, some have chosen to overlook the intricate yet sometimes challenging underwater gameplay mechanics.

7. Monster Hunter Generations

A Tribute To The Series’ Past

Monster Hunter Generations served as the exclusive 3DS precursor to Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, but due to having less content, it ranks lower on this list. Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this game is worthy of great admiration for its advancements in the traditional formula. These include the introduction of unique abilities called Hunting Arts, diverse Hunting Styles, and a plethora of returning monsters and locations.

Furthermore, the Monster Hunter series introduced a novelty with its first installment: the ability for players to command their Felyne companions using the innovative Prowler mode. This expansion allowed players not only to control their characters but also to team up online as Prowlers, providing a fresh and unparalleled gaming experience within the franchise that has yet to be surpassed in later releases.

6. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Switch Users Waited Too Long For This

For some Nintendo Switch users who were hoping for a fresh installment in the Monster Hunter series, Generations Ultimate didn’t quite meet expectations. However, it remains an exceptional extension of the franchise. It offers a large-screen experience (as well as improved handheld control) due to its cross-generational development, and also allows 3DS players to move their save data onto this enhanced version.

Unfortunately, many players have expressed disappointment that this game isn’t as exceptional as Monster Hunter World. Despite being admired for its improved accessibility and gameplay on the Switch, some traditional fans feel let down by the contrast in challenge levels compared to World. They find it somewhat catering to new Western players and PC expert gamers, which they found frustrating.

5. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

A Fan-Favorite Entry That Still Holds Up

As a devoted movie critic, I must say that among all the movies in the series and arguably one of the finest ever made for a handheld device, “Monster Hunter Freedom Unite” was an irresistibly engaging sequel to its predecessors. Timed perfectly with the zenith of multiplayer gaming on portable consoles, this masterpiece served as the Western-released Monster Hunter title on a Sony platform, as its successor, “Monster Hunter Portable 3rd,” remained exclusive to Japan.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite offers a massive gameplay experience with more than 500 hours, making it the largest in the series so far. It introduces a fresh lineup of monsters and environments for players to conquer, along with new weapons and equipment that can be tailored to suit various scenarios. Most notably, it introduced the beloved monster, the Nargacuga, to the franchise.

4. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

At Least It’s More Polished Than Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

The video game Monster Hunter Stories moved over from the Nintendo 3DS to the Switch in 2021 with its sequel, Wings of Ruin. This newer version boasts an upgraded version of the original’s gameplay that resembles Pokemon. The standout feature in this new title is a “Buddy” system, enabling Riders and their monster teams to be accompanied by extra characters. While it might not capture the attention of the most devoted fans of the main series, it could be just right for those who haven’t tried it before.

One captivating aspect for seasoned players in Monster Hunter Stories 2 could be its diverse collection of “Monsties,” featuring fan-favorites like Barroth, Nergigante, Seregios, and Velkhana, making it unique as they can form a team with these iconic monsters.

3. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

We Have This Game To Thank For More Versatile Combat

As Monster Hunter began to get more engaging, it started to showcase its well-known cheesy appeal and introduced several enjoyable cooperative features aimed at attracting new players. This highly anticipated expansion of the Japan-exclusive Monster Hunter 4 also featured two novel weapon types: the Insect Glaive and Charge Blade.

Compared to Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate offered a more vibrant visual experience, making the game world more enjoyable and fast-paced for players. Instead of the controversial swimming mechanics, it introduced aerial assaults. Alongside Monster Hunter Generations, these games significantly improved the series’ pace before Monster Hunter World captured the attention of western gamers.

2. Monster Hunter Rise

Switch Users Won’t Be Left Out Of The Fun Of World

Players didn’t have to wait too long for the advancements found in Monster Hunter World to arrive on Nintendo platforms. Monster Hunter Rise takes things back to the core gameplay while retaining all the user-friendly improvements from World, such as unchanging maps and the Wirebug, a modernized version of the Clutch Claw introduced in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne.

On the other hand, Rise introduced some unique features as well. For instance, it allowed players to have a Palamute companion that they could ride and battle with. Additionally, there was a fresh game mode called Rampage, where teams of four hunters defend a fortress from incoming monsters. Although its graphics might not match the PC’s potential, Rise and its extension, Sunbreak, offered plenty of content for novice players.

1. Monster Hunter World

There’s A Reason The Franchise Exploded In The West

The tale of Monster Hunter: World’s triumph is well-known. It stands among the greatest games of this generation, broadening the appeal of a formerly niche franchise through a larger game than ever before. This expansion simplified and adapted many of the game’s fundamental mechanics to cater to newcomers, and it reintroduced the series on PlayStation, with versions also available for Xbox and PC.

In simple terms, Monster Hunter World and its expansion pack, Iceborne, represent an outstanding example of a franchise attracting new players. By merging maps into one continuous landscape, introducing fresh weapon combinations and gameplay mechanics, and introducing numerous new beasts, this game is not just the most inviting in the series, but even after seven years, it remains as enjoyable as ever.

2025-01-02 10:55