Monster Hunter Rise

The narrative of Monster Hunter Rise receives mixed but generally nuanced praise, with several critics acknowledging its charm and thematic elements despite its simplicity. Many highlight the game’s cultural inspirations and world-building, such as Siliconera’s appreciation for its Japanese-inspired village setting and kabuki-influenced cutscenes, which add a unique aesthetic to the story. IGN Japan notes the recurring “百竜夜行” (Rampage) event as a central narrative thread, while Guardian points to the tension created by the Rampage’s cyclical threat. Additionally, some critics, like Impulsegamer and Twinfinite, commend the story for its accessibility, framing it as a welcoming structure for newcomers through village quests that introduce gameplay mechanics. The focus on community and balance in Kamura Village is also praised, with Siliconera emphasizing its “cozy” atmosphere and cultural depth. However, the majority of critics express frustration with the story’s lack of depth and narrative complexity. Easy Allies and GamersRD describe it as “disappointing,” “non-existent,” or “underwhelming,” citing open-ended plots and minimal character development. CD-Action and Games.cz criticize the narrative as a mere pretext for gameplay, serving only to unlock endgame content or cooperative play. Many note that the story feels fragmented, with IGN France acknowledging limited originality despite optional lore through collectibles, while COGconnected points out the brevity of story quests (completed in just 5 hours). The repetitive “monster-of-the-week” structure and lack of emotional engagement are recurring critiques, with GameSpot and Metro GameCentral emphasizing that the plot exists primarily to support hunting mechanics rather than drive player investment. Even critics like IGN Adria and XGN concede that the narrative is simplistic, lacking the epic scale or cinematic flair seen in other entries. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Monster Hunter Rise prioritizes gameplay over storytelling, with the narrative functioning as a functional but unremarkable framework. While some praise its charm, cultural touches, and accessibility (e.g., Siliconera, Twinfinite), the majority agree it falls short of delivering a compelling or immersive story. Critics like IGN Japan and Guardian acknowledge its thematic elements, but most, including Easy Allies and Games.cz, view it as a significant weakness compared to previous entries in the series. The game’s focus on cooperative play and monster-hunting mechanics overshadows its narrative, leaving many reviewers to conclude that Monster Hunter Rise is more about action than storytelling—a trade-off that resonates with fans of the franchise but disappoints those seeking deeper narratives.

The gameplay of Monster Hunter Rise is widely praised for its innovative mechanics and engaging core loop. Critics highlight the introduction of the Wirebug and Palamute as transformative elements that enhance mobility and combat dynamics. Games.cz and Game Informer emphasize how these tools add depth to traversal and exploration, while Guardian and Gamingbible commend the variety of weapons and flexible playstyles. The game’s addictive hunting cycle—combining monster battles, resource gathering, and crafting—is consistently noted as a strength, with GameSpot and RPG Fan praising its refined balance of challenge and reward. Additionally, the inclusion of Rampage Quests and Wyvern Riding introduces fresh twists, as highlighted by The Mako Reactor and Push Square, while the streamlined progression systems (e.g., Switch Skills) make the experience more accessible without sacrificing complexity. Many reviewers, including Gamepressure and CGMagazine, laud the game’s dynamic combat and the seamless integration of new mechanics that keep gameplay lively and varied. Despite its strengths, some critics point to repetitive elements and uneven execution. Games.cz and TrueAchievements note that the familiar loop can feel monotonous over time, while Gaming Age and RPG Site criticize Rampage Quests for their lack of variety and chaotic design. Gamepressure also mentions that the game’s deep mechanics and tutorials may overwhelm newcomers, and Guardian acknowledges that veterans might find it less challenging. Additionally, some features like the Fury mechanic (GYOnline.pl) and the learning curve (Gamer.no) are seen as potential drawbacks. While these issues don’t detract from the overall experience, they reflect areas where the game’s ambition occasionally clashes with its execution. The majority of critics agree that Monster Hunter Rise delivers a highly enjoyable gameplay experience, with its innovations and refinements outweighing its flaws. Game Informer, GameSpot, and RPG Fan all emphasize the game’s ability to balance accessibility for newcomers with depth for veterans, while Gaming Nexus and TheSixthAxis praise its mix of single-player and multiplayer content. Even critiques about repetition or complexity are framed as minor concerns compared to the game’s overall appeal. As noted by Games.cz and WellPlayed, the core loop remains compelling, and the addition of mechanics like Wirebugs and Palamutes has solidified Rise as a standout entry in the series. The consensus is clear: despite some imperfections, Monster Hunter Rise is celebrated for its engaging gameplay and creative evolution of the franchise.

The graphics and visual design of Monster Hunter Rise receive widespread praise for their vibrant art style, cultural inspiration, and technical execution across platforms. Critics highlight the game’s unique aesthetic, particularly its feudal Japanese influences, with Gameblog.fr noting "beauty and charm" rooted in traditional themes, while TheXboxHub applauds the "hand-drawn interpretations of monsters." On the Nintendo Switch, reviewers like Nintendo Life emphasize the detailed environments and Edo-era design of Kamura Village, calling it "visually impressive" despite hardware limitations. The PC version also earns acclaim for scalability, with Eurogamer Italy praising its 4K resolution and high-resolution textures, while TheSixthAxis highlights improved PS5 visuals with "high-res textures" and customizable settings. Many critics, including GameSpew and Nintendo Life, commend the game’s ability to deliver a polished, colorful world that feels immersive, even if it doesn’t match the scale of Monster Hunter World. However, several reviewers point out limitations in visual fidelity compared to previous entries in the series and other contemporary titles. PlayStation LifeStyle criticizes the PS5 port for lacking "significant visual enhancements" over the Switch version, while TheXboxHub notes that the game feels "inferior to Monster Hunter: World" with "sparse and lifeless" areas. IGN Adria and MGG highlight a "noticeable downgrade" on PC, citing minimal improvements despite 4K support, and Eurogamer Germany acknowledges that the game’s origins "still noticeable" even on next-gen consoles. Technical issues also arise, such as aliasing and low frame rates (Gameblog.fr), pop-in effects (NintendoWorldReport), and combat visuals that sometimes obscure action (PCMag). Critics like LevelUp and GameCritics note that the game sacrifices lush ecosystems and detail for accessibility, with some areas feeling less expansive than their predecessors. Overall, the consensus is that Monster Hunter Rise excels in its artistic direction and platform-specific optimization, even if it doesn’t fully match the technical ambition of Monster Hunter World. While reviewers like Gameblog.fr and Universo Nintendo laud its "stunning" visuals and cultural richness, others such as PlayStation LifeStyle and IGN Adria acknowledge its compromises. The game’s charm lies in its distinctive style and efficient use of the RE Engine, as noted by Eurogamer Germany and Wccftech, which balance visual appeal with performance. Despite mixed opinions on technical polish, most agree that Rise delivers a visually engaging experience that prioritizes accessibility and artistry over raw graphical prowess, making it a standout title for its platform and design philosophy.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Monster Hunter Rise for their immersive quality, atmospheric depth, and technical execution. Many highlighted the soundtrack’s blend of traditional Japanese instruments with modern arrangements, creating a unique cultural identity. For instance, Jeuxvideo.com lauded the high-quality music that merges traditional elements with contemporary styles, while Game Informer and Nintendo Life noted the "gorgeous score" and "charming music" that enhance gameplay. The use of 3D audio on platforms like the PS5 and PC was also celebrated for adding immersion, with LevelUp and TierraGamer emphasizing how environmental sounds and music became more dynamic. Additionally, Atomix and COGconnected praised the traditional Japanese compositions and orchestral arrangements that brought monsters and environments to life, while Vandal highlighted standout monster roars and sound effects. The Kamura village theme, in particular, was a recurring highlight, with Impulsegamer and Vgames calling it "memorable" and "one of the best in the series." Despite these positives, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings. CD-Action criticized the soundtrack as "minimal," consisting of only a few sounds, while GRYOnline.pl and GamingBolt noted repetitive tracks, especially in Kamura village, which could detract from the experience. Checkpoint Gaming and Nintendo World Report mentioned that voice-acted lines for the player character, though useful as cues, sometimes felt cheesy or grating, impacting immersion for some players. Additionally, We Got This Covered and GamingBolt observed limited voice acting from major characters, with the hunter’s commentary during hunts being a mixed bag—some found it immersive, while others deemed it intrusive. XboxEra also noted that English dialogue could feel "cheesy," though this was offset by strong musical elements. These critiques, however, were relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim for the game’s audio design. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music of Monster Hunter Rise being a standout feature. While some reviewers mentioned repetition or limited voice acting, these issues did not overshadow the praise for the soundtrack’s quality, cultural authenticity, and immersive atmosphere. LevelUp, Jeuxvideo.com, and Game Informer all emphasized how the music elevated the gameplay experience, while Universo Nintendo and GamersRD highlighted its emotional and atmospheric impact. The combination of traditional Japanese influences, dynamic sound effects, and 3D audio enhancements created a cohesive and engaging auditory experience that resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers. Even critics who noted minor flaws acknowledged that the strengths of Monster Hunter Rise’s audio design far outweighed its shortcomings, cementing it as a strong contender in the series’ legacy.

The voice acting in Monster Hunter Rise receives mixed but largely positive reception, with many critics praising its customization and cultural authenticity. Multiple reviewers highlight the game’s robust language options, including English, Japanese, and a fictional "Monster Hunter Language," which enhances immersion and player choice (JeuxActu, Noisy Pixel). The Japanese voice acting is frequently lauded for aligning better with the game’s tone and atmosphere, with critics like Everyeye.it noting its suitability for the series’ aesthetic and GameMAG appreciating how it enriches the overall experience. Additionally, some praise specific character performances, such as Nintendo Enthusiast’s mention of "brilliant" standout voices and Siliconera’s acknowledgment of unique quirks in characters like Hinoa and Minoto. The inclusion of multiple languages also allows players to tailor their experience, with Gamer Escape noting the flexibility to adjust or mute voice lines as needed. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings, particularly in the English voice acting. Atomix describes it as "passable but lacks synchronization with animations," while IGN and COGconnected criticize it for being poorly dubbed or grating, with IGN specifically noting that it "does not match the original Japanese lip movements." Others like RPGamer and WellPlayed highlight repetitive and annoying delivery during battles, and XboxEra finds the lines "cheesy" despite their decent quality. Issues with animation-syncing, such as "janky facial animations leading to cringy cutscenes" (Digital Trends), further detract from the experience. Additionally, some critics, like Games.cz, argue that limited voice acting and minimal dialogue from villagers reduce character engagement, while GamingBolt calls it "hokey and limited," with much of the dialogue partially or entirely unvoiced. The overall consensus reflects a divided but nuanced perspective. While many appreciate the cultural depth and customization offered by Japanese voices and multilingual options, the English voice acting is often seen as a weaker point, with critics like TheGamer and PCGamesN recommending the Japanese version for immersion. However, some reviewers, such as Vandal and XboxEra, acknowledge that the English dub is "decent" despite its flaws. The game’s voice acting is generally viewed as a minor but noticeable aspect of the experience, with its impact varying based on player preferences. Ultimately, while there are valid criticisms, the availability of multiple language options and the charm of the Japanese performances mitigate many concerns, leaving the voice acting as a polarizing yet manageable element of Monster Hunter Rise.

The technical performance of Monster Hunter Rise is largely praised across platforms, with most critics highlighting its stability and optimization. On the Nintendo Switch, multiple reviewers like NintendoWorldReport, WellPlayed, and Cubed3 noted smooth gameplay despite minor frame hitches or load times, emphasizing that the game runs well in both docked and handheld modes. The PC version received acclaim for its high-end performance, with GamingTrend acknowledging "solid and smooth gameplay" despite some graphical limitations, while God is a Geek praised its ability to achieve 4K/120fps. On the Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox and TheXboxHub highlighted polished performance, with Pure Xbox noting "smooth and polished performance" and TheXboxHub praising instantaneous loading screens. The PS5 version also saw positive feedback, particularly from Screen Rant, which praised its graphical fidelity and adaptive responses, though some critics like PSX Brasil noted visual issues. Overall, the game’s technical foundation was seen as strong, with many reviewers emphasizing its ability to run consistently across platforms. However, there were notable technical drawbacks on specific platforms. On PC, GamingTrend and Gamepressure criticized frequent crashes, FPS problems, and limited graphics customization, while COGconnected mentioned screen tearing and pop-in. The Nintendo Switch faced frame rate inconsistencies, with Digital Trends noting "frame rate spikes" and Press Start Australia pointing to drops in the Flooded Forest area. Some critics like GameGrin highlighted bugs on first-gen Switches, while ZTGD (Switch) mentioned issues with calling the palamute. On Xbox Series X, ZTGD reported rare hard locks and crashes, though these were deemed minor. The PS5 version had mixed feedback, with PSX Brasil criticizing visual fidelity and Gaming Nexus noting no significant technical issues. While most platforms handled performance well, these flaws underscored the challenges of adapting a game across diverse hardware. The overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Monster Hunter Rise delivers strong technical performance despite minor hiccups. On the Switch, Malditos Nerds and MGG praised its stability and "impressive technical quality," while Eurogamer Italy highlighted its smooth 30fps gameplay. The PC version, though not flawless, was lauded for its optimization, with God is a Geek noting "significantly improved load times" and PCGamesN praising its "solid frame rates." On Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox and Gamers' Temple emphasized its polished performance, and the PS5 version saw praise for graphical enhancements. While some critics pointed to specific issues—like GamingTrend’s PC woes or Digital Trends’ Switch frame rate spikes—the majority viewed these as minor compared to the game’s broader success. As RPG Fan (PC) noted, "the game runs smoothly without any performance issues," reflecting a shared sentiment that Monster Hunter Rise is technically robust across platforms.

The reviewers generally highlight Monster Hunter Rise's strong replay value through its engaging core mechanics, multiplayer features, and diverse content. Many praise the game’s accessibility for newcomers while retaining depth for veterans, with critics like Game Rant noting the addictive rush of hunting monsters and the challenge of high-rank quests. The multiplayer modes, including local co-op and online team hunts, are frequently cited as key contributors to replayability, with Cubed3 emphasizing that “team hunts with friends are particularly enjoyable.” Additionally, the game’s variety of monsters—over 30 large ones according to God is a Geek—and the promise of future updates (like the Sunbreak expansion mentioned by The Mako Reactor) add long-term appeal. GamingBolt and My Nintendo News also highlight the enjoyment of side quests, customizable companions, and the ability to revisit content through different playstyles, reinforcing its broad appeal. However, several critics point out limitations in endgame content and repetition that could hinder replay value. PCMag and Gamersky note a “limited monster roster” and insufficient post-game challenges, with MGG stating the game relies on future updates for high-level content. Repetitive hunts and grind-heavy mechanics like Rampage quests are criticized by Games.cz and Shindig, who describe them as tedious. VG247 mentions that “limited locales” at launch may affect long-term appeal, while GameGrin points to RNG-based charms and potential power creep as drawbacks. Even The Mako Reactor acknowledges the current reliance on grinding, though it remains optimistic about future expansions. These critiques suggest that while the game’s foundation is strong, its longevity depends on post-launch support. Overall, the consensus leans positive but cautious, with most critics agreeing that Monster Hunter Rise offers substantial replay value through its multiplayer, quest variety, and potential for updates. While some reviewers like Game Rant and Vandal emphasize the game’s “endlessly enjoyable” nature and ability to keep players engaged for months, others such as PCMag and MMORPG.com caution that current limitations in endgame content may require patience. The balance between accessibility and depth, combined with the promise of future expansions, creates a mixed but largely favorable outlook. As TheGamer notes, the game’s “variety of monsters” and “Rampage Quests” provide enough incentive to revisit, even if some elements like repetition or grinding remain divisive. The critical reception ultimately reflects a game that is highly replayable in its current state but with clear room for growth.