REVIEW: “Monster Hunter: World” – let the hunt begin

Monster+Hunter%3A+World+screencap.+Courtesy+of+Capcom.

“Monster Hunter: World” screencap. Courtesy of Capcom.

Austin Suther, Contributing Writer

“Monster Hunter: World” is the best game of 2018 so far, and it very well may remain so – that’s how good this game is. If the niche series ever piqued your interest, now is the time to jump in. It’s the most accessible and creative “Monster Hunter” game yet.

Developed by Capcom and released on Jan. 26, “Monster Hunter: World” is a triumphant return for the series. Players get to create their own hunter at the outset, with numerous options to make yourself unique. Along with the hunter, a player can create a Palico, which is a small, anthropomorphic cat that is adorable and acts as your companion and helper throughout the game.

The game is all about hunting monsters and using their parts such as claws and pelts to create more weapons, armor and gadgets. There is a main story that leads the player through various zones and scenarios, but the meat of the game will be done through optional questing and expeditions.

The locale of the game, dubbed The New World, is beautiful yet hazardous; from a tropical landscape akin to “Jurassic Park” to a terrestrial land filled with coral-like plants and giant barnacles with equally alien monsters, Capcom put considerable effort in making unique and breathtaking zones. More importantly, these zones are full of monsters.

There are little monsters that are often docile and unintimidating, but they are nothing compared to the larger prey. The large monsters are the heart of “Monster Hunter: World” if the name is any indication. From giant T-rex creatures that blow fire to a mothlike wyvern that sprinkles frost every which way, the game has a great variation of monsters that are not only unique but challenging. Each monster has different behaviors, and to combat them the player must identify certain weaknesses and visual cues to make it out alive. The game excels at making each encounter enthralling yet addicting.

The combat is extremely varied in “Monster Hunter: World.” Just as there are many monsters with unique quirks, there are over a dozen weapon types that are equally unique. Specialty weapons like the gigantic Gunlance (which is a lance and a gun, in one!) and the enormous Great Sword outshine the regular sword and shield in the visual department, but every weapon has its benefits. It is up to the player to figure out which weapon they want to use, and they are bound to find something due to the great variation.

The combat is done through a series of simple combos, so the key is to chain together different attacks to get maximum effect. Most weapons have a heftiness to them that matches their bulkiness. Positioning is key, but it is so gratifying to land a shattering hit on an enemy and see the damage done, whether it be a broken horn on the devil-like Diablos or the severed tail of a hulking Anjanath. When you down a foe like that, it is beyond satisfying.

It would be a sin not to mention the sound design. As you fight monsters, the triumphant music urges you to continue in the face of an intimidating foe. Every grunt and roar of the monsters have a considerable weight to them. The voice acting – limited as it is in the game – is done well, led by the experienced Matthew Mercer and Jamison Price. Things like this make the game stand out amongst its competitors.

There are a few caveats. The game is difficult, and monsters take a significant time to kill; an inexperienced player might spend 30 minutes or more fighting the same monster. Equally difficult is getting a handle on certain weapons. There are many to choose from, so finding one you like may be difficult, and often these weapons are very bulky and slow.

“Monster Hunter: World” also has a substantial learning curve. The game bombards the player with information that may be very intimidating for newcomers, and there are a lot of intricacies that may turn some people off. Rest assured, sticking to the game will only make you better, and each hunt is a learning experience. This is also the most accessible “Monster Hunter” to date.

Capcom has released a polished and beautiful game. The game is extremely content heavy, so it will keep players engaged for a long time after picking it up. Every encounter and expedition feels like an adventure in itself. If “Monster Hunter: World” is an indicator of how games will be in 2018, it will be an incredible year.