My name is Rachael (grade 11), and I would rate Monster Hunter: Rise 4/5.
Released in 2021 by Capcom, MH Rise is the most recent installation in the Monster hunter series, though playing the previous games is by no means required to understand or enjoy this title.
Monster hunter games involve your character, the Hunter going after increasingly powerful monsters using gear crafted from their hide and bones and one of 14 different weapons, including bows, lances and longswords. Gameplay emphasizes learning monster attack patterns and preparing for each encounter. This game has a serviceable, if not particularly gripping story. However the gameplay is tight, bolstered by one of this game’s unique mechanics, Wyvernriding. Wyvernriding is a mechanic by which certain attacks can put a monster into a state in which it can be temporarily ridden, allowing them to be rammed into walls, and even used to fight other monsters. This mechanic is entertaining, and a welcome addition to the game.
This, however, cannot be said for Rise’s other new addition, the rampage mechanic. This game mode involves defending a gate from waves of monsters using strategically placed siege equipment. However, this feels out of place in the game, and generally worse then the normal gameplay loop. If I wanted a wave defence game, I would’ve bought one.
Strictly following the main story, the average player will take about 20 hours, but with bonus content and multiplayer you could conceivably get over a hundred hours out of it. For the most part this game is easier than others in the series, and the combat isn’t gory. This means the game would likely be suitable for children, as well as its usual audience of action role-playing games and longtime series fans.
I rate 3/5 due to being a graphical step back from other monster hunter titles and inability to play multiplayer in the main campaign. However, it still remains an overall enjoyable experience.