SCORE: 9.5/10

REVIEW:

The year is 2023. Whether you're revisiting a former Monster Hunter game or venturing into the series for the first time, the moment you launch this captivating fusion of blistering Action, Hack 'n' Slash, and Role-Playing elements, you're greeted with unexpectedly deep character customization. With more hair options and sliders than even Dark Souls, you may spend your first hour crafting your ideal monster-slaying Gigachad or Gigachadess.

Your journey commences with an introduction to incredible visuals and meticulous attention to detail. Every scale on a monster gleams in the moonlight, and the game throws visually stunning, captivating daggers through your retinas. Capcom's endeavor, at the time of this game's release, stands as one of their most breathtaking, experimental, and audacious achievements.

However, the true highlight of this game lies not only in its visuals but also in the depth of character optimization. Offering a repertoire of FOURTEEN distinct and unique weapons, each demanding perhaps a hundred hours to transition from novice to adept, the combat system's depth, precision, and lucidity put other games to shame. Every movement, every strike with each weapon, resonates with responsiveness. The monster responds to your attacks, and you respond in kind. In the intricate dance of the hunter and the hunted, they become two butterflies in a minuet—seeking to extinguish each other in the most exquisite manner, with every waltz and calculated maneuver.

The game's difficulty is meticulously crafted yet unapologetically harsh. Death and triumph walk hand in hand. Frustration may lead you to toss your controller aside. And yet, even after enduring hours of attempting the same hunt, an irresistible allure draws you back into the game. Herein lies the true seduction of Monster Hunter: World.

Animal cruelty, of sorts.
Never did I imagine that I would derive such sheer delight from severing an animal's wings or cleaving off its tail with a single stroke. Perhaps even dislocating its jaw with an incredible SnS uppercut. Despite having played every installment of Monster Hunter since Tri, I declare this one as my favorite.


FEATURES/POINTS OF NOTE:

My adoration for this game is undeniable. If I had to point out a negative aspect, it would be the unskippable cutscenes and the somewhat lackluster story. Nevertheless, this game is very close to perfection. One doesn't play a Monster Hunter title for the story anyway. The only thing restraining it is the presence of the Handler.

The sound design and animations are visceral. There is unique theme for many of the roughly 100 monsters in the game (including Iceborne). The game is replete with pages of free title updates and quests, even within the base game. Capcom truly caters to their Monster Hunter enthusiasts, offering numerous captivating event quests that I could discuss for days.

For those who have any appreciation for action games, I strongly recommend giving this a try.

SCORE: 9.5/10 REVIEW: The year is 2023. Whether you're revisiting a former Monster Hunter game or venturing into the series for the first time, the moment you launch this captivating fusion of blistering Action, Hack 'n' Slash, and Role-Playing elements, you're greeted with unexpectedly deep character customization. With more hair options and sliders than even Dark Souls, you may spend your first hour crafting your ideal monster-slaying Gigachad or Gigachadess. Your journey commences with an introduction to incredible visuals and meticulous attention to detail. Every scale on a monster gleams in the moonlight, and the game throws visually stunning, captivating daggers through your retinas. Capcom's endeavor, at the time of this game's release, stands as one of their most breathtaking, experimental, and audacious achievements. However, the true highlight of this game lies not only in its visuals but also in the depth of character optimization. Offering a repertoire of FOURTEEN distinct and unique weapons, each demanding perhaps a hundred hours to transition from novice to adept, the combat system's depth, precision, and lucidity put other games to shame. Every movement, every strike with each weapon, resonates with responsiveness. The monster responds to your attacks, and you respond in kind. In the intricate dance of the hunter and the hunted, they become two butterflies in a minuet—seeking to extinguish each other in the most exquisite manner, with every waltz and calculated maneuver. The game's difficulty is meticulously crafted yet unapologetically harsh. Death and triumph walk hand in hand. Frustration may lead you to toss your controller aside. And yet, even after enduring hours of attempting the same hunt, an irresistible allure draws you back into the game. Herein lies the true seduction of Monster Hunter: World. Animal cruelty, of sorts. Never did I imagine that I would derive such sheer delight from severing an animal's wings or cleaving off its tail with a single stroke. Perhaps even dislocating its jaw with an incredible SnS uppercut. Despite having played every installment of Monster Hunter since Tri, I declare this one as my favorite. FEATURES/POINTS OF NOTE: My adoration for this game is undeniable. If I had to point out a negative aspect, it would be the unskippable cutscenes and the somewhat lackluster story. Nevertheless, this game is very close to perfection. One doesn't play a Monster Hunter title for the story anyway. The only thing restraining it is the presence of the Handler. The sound design and animations are visceral. There is unique theme for many of the roughly 100 monsters in the game (including Iceborne). The game is replete with pages of free title updates and quests, even within the base game. Capcom truly caters to their Monster Hunter enthusiasts, offering numerous captivating event quests that I could discuss for days. For those who have any appreciation for action games, I strongly recommend giving this a try.