As a seasoned Monster Hunter veteran who’s slain more than a fair share of fearsome beasts, I must say that Capcom has truly outdone themselves with Monster Hunter Rise. While Monster Hunter World was undoubtedly a game-changer for the series, Rise takes it to the next level in terms of balance, variety, and overall polish.
Whenever a fresh installment of a beloved series such as Monster Hunter is released, there’s often a recurring debate among fans: Which one takes the crown? A possible method to settle this dilemma might involve examining the Metacritic scores of the respective games. For instance, Monster Hunter World has an average score of 90, while Monster Hunter Rise only has 88. Yet, such a margin is hardly conclusive and merely scratches the surface of a much more complex scenario.
Some aspects of these games can’t be fully captured through numerical ratings. Moreover, updates and improvements have significantly changed the original versions from when they were critically reviewed. While each game shines in specific areas, it’s important to note that one may outperform the other by a slight margin in certain aspects.
Armor: World
The Series Long-Needed An Armor Upgrade
In both Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise, you’ll find a lot more Armor sets thanks to DLC expansions. While it’s true that these sets were also present in their original versions, it’s important to note that Monster Hunter World not only revamped the series’ armor system but also offers a unique feature that enhances gameplay, something that isn’t found in Monster Hunter Rise.
In Monster Hunter World, there are Alpha and Beta armor sets, where each set has a slightly varied distribution of skills across its five pieces. This is more straightforward in World compared to Rise, as players can accumulate specific desired skills with just one piece from either armor set, rather than needing to combine multiple pieces.
Portability: Rise
The Steam Deck Is Less Convenient Than The Switch
For several months, Monster Hunter Rise was exclusively playable on the Nintendo Switch. In contrast, Monster Hunter World has been available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 since its launch. Considering that Rise was designed for the Switch, it’s an ideal choice for gamers who prefer portable gaming.
Yet, it’s quite unexpectedly intense, as players now have the option to engage with Monster Hunter World on the Steam Deck. On the other hand, the adaptability and compact design of the Nintendo Switch make Monster Hunter Rise a more convenient pick for those seeking a portable gaming experience.
Expansions: World
Iceborne’s Theme Bests Sunbreak’s
While Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak has an advantage due to its recent release, allowing Capcom to refine its content further, it is worth noting that Monster Hunter World: Iceborne was undeniably the superior expansion for dedicated series fans. This DLC enriched the game with several iconic monsters such as Brachydios, Nargacuga, and Tigrex.
In contrast to the exciting new monsters in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, some find them less impressive compared to standout returning characters such as Seregios, Amatsu, and Gore Magala. However, Monster Hunter World’s expansion, Iceborne, significantly enhanced an already fantastic game by introducing more iconic creatures, whereas Sunbreak doesn’t seem to surpass the original game in terms of improvement.
Load Times: Rise
World Had Some Room To Grow Up
The load times were the worst part about the launch of the PS4 version of Monster Hunter World. To the game’s credit, they were greatly improved on the PS4 Pro and PS5, but they’re still nowhere near as fast as the load times of Rise on the Switch.
Regarding this matter, it seems that “Rise” stands out as the top pick among the series up to now. This is quite remarkable considering that the hardware sometimes faces challenges with certain multiplatform games. Essentially, “Monster Hunter Rise” demonstrates that the Switch continues to be vibrant and dynamic, even without a Pro version specifically designed for it.
Graphics: World
Nintendo Has Never Impressed With Graphics
The game Monster Hunter Rise looks impressive on the Switch, and if you squint a bit, it could almost feel like playing Monster Hunter World. They share similar visual styles, which is understandable given their connection.
While looking directly at the two game titles, it’s evident that Monster Hunter World has a more visually impressive presentation, even on the standard PS4. Although the distinction isn’t as apparent when considering the PC versions of both games, on console platforms, there’s no doubt that Monster Hunter World reigns supreme in terms of graphics.
Hub Town: Rise
Kamura And Elgado Top The Series’ Best Villages
Both games boast bustling hub areas, but Monster Hunter Rise’s village exhibits a slightly greater vibrancy and liveliness. This is particularly noticeable in the Elgado of the Sunbreak expansion, whose straightforward design and stunning landscapes set it apart as a remarkable hub town within the series.
In Monster Hunter World, travel between locations is swift, similar to Monster Hunter Rise, but the game takes longer due to slower loading times experienced on PlayStation consoles. This disparity is more evident when considering the quicker load times of Monster Hunter Rise, whether played on Nintendo Switch or PC.
Environments: World
Monster Hunter Has Never Been So Lush
Monster Hunter World isn’t strictly an open-world game, but it comes very close. The game innovated by eliminating the need for separate loading areas for each zone, allowing players to roam more freely. This is just one aspect of what makes this game stand out.
In the expansive realms of Monster Hunter World, you’ll discover vast territories teeming with monsters and hidden mysteries for players to uncover. Monster Hunter Rise attempts to capitalize on this concept by offering substantial environments, but ultimately falls short when measured against Monster Hunter World in terms of sheer size and immersion.
Pets: Rise
Palamutes Are A Hint At The Series’ Future
In this series, Palicos have always been the beloved mascots. But in Monster Hunter World, there’s an exciting change – not just one, but two new types of pets are introduced! The first is the powerful Palamute, similar to Palicos in their companionship during battles, but also unique because they can be mounted and ridden, much like a horse.
As a gamer, I’ve got a secret ally in the sky – it’s called Cohoots! While I can’t command them directly, their aerial view adds an entirely new perspective to my gaming experience. It’s like having an extra set of eyes to help me navigate through the game world. And let me tell you, the more pets I have scouting for me, the better!
Content: World
It’s Hard To Even Scratch The Surface Of World
Despite the impending arrival of the Sunbreak expansion, it seems challenging to expect the new content to match the sheer abundance offered by both Rise and World. According to HowLongToBeat, a single playthrough of the main story in Rise is significantly shorter than a typical Monster Hunter: World gameplay session, and that’s only scratching the surface of what each game has to offer.
Considering Iceborn is part of Monster Hunter: World, players can anticipate around 80 hours for the main storyline, with completionists potentially investing up to 650 hours. In contrast, Rise’s main story lasts approximately 20 hours, and completionists spend about 135 hours on it. To match this amount of content, Sunbreak would need to offer more than double the original game’s material, which appears challenging given the current information available.
Bugs: Rise
Wirebugs Improved Combat Tenfold
In a more approachable manner, Monster Hunter World introduced several accessibility features, one of which was guide bugs used to locate monsters. However, Monster Hunter Rise opted out of this approach by permanently displaying monster locations on the map, rendering the need for guide bugs obsolete. Instead, they introduced a new creature called The Wirebug.
In the game Monster Hunter, Wirebugs significantly revolutionize movement. Not only do they enable each weapon category to execute distinct extra maneuvers, but they also empower players to propel themselves in any direction. This is possible not just during battle for dodging attacks or executing aerial assaults, but also when escaping harm after taking damage or moving to safer ground.
Connectivity: World
Cross-Platform Play Is Still A Big Need
The multiplayer aspects significantly improve both games, making their connectivity and player community crucial for cooperative gamers. Regrettably, despite the recent release of “Rise”, it lacks Crossplay functionality, a feature that is also missing in “World”, albeit less noticeably.
Because there isn’t a separate current-generation edition, console gamers can collaborate with players using either the present or previous-gen versions of their platform. The game is among those being provided for free to PS Plus subscribers who possess a PS5, which means that many people continue to play it. Additionally, it was available on Xbox Game Pass for several years but was taken off in June 2021.
Mobility: Rise
It’s Easy And Fun To Travel Through These Areas
A frequent complaint about the Monster Hunter series from those who are new to it is its limited mobility, as some find the movement to be slow and challenging when maneuvering in a fight. In response, the game Rise introduces numerous new mobility features for both navigating the game world and during combat.
As a gamer, let me tell you, the new addition of Palamutes – these awesome rideable canines – has totally leveled up my exploration game! These furry pals help me zip through maps at breakneck speeds, making it a breeze to chase down monsters. But here’s the cool part: I can now move around while performing actions that used to require standing still, like sharpening my weapon on the go. Game changer, for sure!
Food: World
Players Can Bring World Recipes Into Their Own Kitchen
In Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter: World, both games feature visually appealing food items. While the dango treats in Monster Hunter Rise certainly look appetizing, Monster Hunter: World boasts a greater range of options. It’s true that this could be seen as more about style than substance, but it undeniably enhances the immersive experience.
In the game, everything appears so visually appealing that players might find themselves feeling ravenous just by observing it. The diverse range of food within the game ‘World’ was so impressive that Capcom published a cookbook filled with Monster Hunter-inspired recipes and temporarily opened a cafe in Japan dedicated to the same theme.
Monsters: Rise
Rise Brings Back Some Iconic Series Staples
In Monster Hunter World, there were plenty of monsters initially, with additional ones added later via DLC and updates. Conversely, Monster Hunter Rise seems to have a significantly higher number of monsters available from the very start.
This expansion also introduces eight formidable monsters for players to face off against, including standout creatures such as the Bishaten, a monkey bat, and the Goss Harag, a yeti. Additionally, the Palamutes and Cohoots should not be overlooked, along with several smaller monsters that are part of the game’s roster.
Accessibility: Rise
The Perfect Game For Series Newcomers
The Monster Hunter series has traditionally been challenging for beginners to grasp, but games like Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise have significantly boosted its popularity. Although Monster Hunter World was more inviting compared to earlier installments in the series, Monster Hunter Rise took it further with enhancements that made gameplay smoother and more enjoyable than before.
In this list, several quality-of-life enhancements have been tackled, such as replacing Guide Bugs with Wirebugs and introducing Palamutes. The map areas are also more straightforward and simpler to maneuver compared to the complex terrains found in Monster Hunter World. For newcomers to the series, Rise is a more suitable entry point into the franchise.
Story: World
The Climactic Fights Are Very Epic
Monster Hunter isn’t primarily known for its narrative, but it does have some charming characters and settlements in its history. Out of all the games, Monster Hunter World comes closest to presenting a genuine storyline, focusing on an investigation team exploring the New World and confronting enormous Elder Dragons that hamper their missions.
In contrast, the tale of Monster Hunter Rise appears less defined, primarily serving as a means to transition players from one hunt to another. Yet, even the settings in Monster Hunter World are intertwined with the narrative, and the arrival of newer, more powerful Elder Dragons often feels connected to those that players have previously encountered.
Game Modes: Rise
Rampage Offers A Tremendous Task For Hunters
In most instances, Arena Quests are the main gameplay mode found in Monster Hunter, aside from mini-games and optional missions such as the Palico Ranch seen in Monster Hunter Generations. Unfortunately, this is an aspect where Monster Hunter World seems to fall short, given its focus on multiplayer hunts, with rare event hunts being the only exception that introduces something new.
In my personal experience as a dedicated Monster Hunter Rise fan, the main campaign isn’t just about tracking and hunting monsters. A fresh and immersive mode called Rampages has been introduced, where players are tasked with defending a fortress from waves of relentless monster attacks. This is a more comprehensive gameplay experience compared to past titles in the series, as it introduces commandable NPCs and siege weapons for tackling tougher creatures. Essentially, it feels like a thrilling blend of Monster Hunter and tower defense games, adding much-needed variety to the game’s content.
Variety: Rise
Rise Combines The Best Of The Franchise
Each installment in the Monster Hunter series offers gamers an opportunity to demonstrate their unique style via gameplay, primarily through the selection of weapons. Yet, Monster Hunter Rise introduces Switch Skills, offering players a greater number of self-expression methods than any previous title.
In every weapon category, there’s a variety of distinct alternative moves to choose from. This means that players with identical weapons still have the opportunity to employ different strategies and techniques. Furthermore, in this game, players can opt for either a supportive Palico or a mobile Palamute as their companion during hunts.
Winner: Rise
The Newer Game Is Simply More Polished
As a die-hard Monster Hunter fan, I can confidently say that both Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise have something special to offer, with each title showcasing unique strengths. And let me tell you, when you consider the upcoming DLC expansions, it gets even more exciting! Now, while Monster Hunter World is visually stunning and boasts a grander scale, Monster Hunter Rise strikes an exceptional balance for both beginners and seasoned hunters like myself.
From my perspective, despite its relatively smaller size compared to other games, it packs quite a punch and stands tall among its peers. In numerous aspects, it truly embodies the spirit of what I consider the true heir to the original World series, and the Monster Hunter franchise as a whole, though it may not explicitly bear the title “Monster Hunter World 2”.
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2024-09-01 12:55