Monster Hunter Rise releases this March but Capcom has some surprises in store for loyal franchise fans. Rise marks the first main series entrant to the Nintendo Switch. Consequently, the game adopts many developments from the insanely famous Monster Hunter: World while adding several new game changes.
A return to form
The Nintendo Switch Monster Hunter game returns to the roots of the developers' homeland as highlighted by its feudal era Japan-style setting. The soundtracks and maps featured in the trailer all scream Japanese influence. This is no doubt a bid into reclaiming Monster Hunter's place at the top of the portable gaming scene. The previous MH game that captured the attention specifically of the Japanese players was Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate for the 3DS. There has since been a void left behind in the years that followed leaving many players with nothing to play for their daily commutes. This of course applied to foreign fans of Monster Hunter as well. Luckily for MH fans, the boom of the Nintendo Switch has made a portable Monster Hunter game possible once more.
Capcom consistently released update videos for Monster Hunter Rise by showcasing its weapon mechanics. The developers methodically developed hype for their new game by slowly doling out new details for fans to savor. It all came to a head towards the end of 2020 when a new trailer dropped live at The Game Awards 2020.
The latest Monster Hunter Rise trailer showcased the upcoming game's fully animated and voiced cutscenes. Such cutscenes are a first for a portable console. Fans everywhere got a closer look at the lush new world they could explore starting in March but Capcom had something else up their sleeve.
The rising action
Capcom just wrapped up a live stream for Monster Hunter Rise on the official Monster Hunter Twitch channel. The presentation stream was short and sweet but it was absolutely filled with new and exciting details! The development team highlighted creatures available to hunt on the title, exciting new game mechanics, and the colorful cast of characters players will get to meet!
Creatures like the Mizutsune and the Khezu return from early entries in the franchise. Subsequently, fans also got a closer look at Monster Hunter Rise's flagship monster, the Magnamalo. The electricity-wielding monster uses its thick carapace armor along with tail attacks and hellfire-like gas to fend off would-be hunters. The Magnamalo's distinct design seems to be draw inspiration from old Japanese paintings of demons. It will certainly prove to be a tough opponent for players when the game is officially released.
One of the biggest surprises in the digital event was the introduction of the new Wyvern Riding ability. Players have been able to partially mount monsters in past games and dealing damage to them. However, in Rise, players will be able to mount and control a Wyvern using Wirebug iron silk to serve as transportation, to attack other monsters, or to ram them into walls. It's an exciting new mechanic for longtime players of the franchise.
The stream also gave an in-depth look at the Monster Hunter Rise home base as well as its colorful cast of supportive characters. There's a whole lot of personality in the NPCs that are no doubt carryovers from World. Previous Monster Hunter games merely inhabited the hubs with mostly forgettable people. Now we have a new group of characters to get to know.
The long-awaited demo
The demo officially launches on January 7 as announced at the end of the Monster Hunter digital event. It is set to run up to 0:00 PST on February 1, 2020. There may be a set end date but there's a chance you run out on demo time before then.
The demo features a beginner quest, an intermediate quest, basic training, and Wyvern Riding training. The two hunt quests feature the Great Izuchi and the Mizutsune as hunting targets. These quests can only be played a total of 30 times. Once the limit has been reached, all 4 quests in the demo will become unavailable. The training quest will be a crash course on using the Wirebug and the Palamute. The Wyvern Riding quest introduces players to the brand new monster-riding mechanic.
Players get the chance to run these quests solo or on multiplayer locally or online. However, the online multiplayer quest requires a Nintendo Online Subscription. The demo features all 14 beloved Monster Hunter weapons. The Palamute and Palico buddies make an appearance in the demo to showcase the new support mechanic. Subsequently, Demo players receive a small item pack bonus when the game officially launches on March 26, 2021.
Head on over to the Nintendo Game Shop to download your own copy of the Monster Hunter Rise demo now!
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