The newest installment of Capcom’s Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Generations for the Nintendo 3DS, has finally come to the United States! Known as Monster Hunter X in Japan (which explains the design of the logo), this game has been crafted in mind for newcomers to the series. For those who are unfamiliar with the series, the premise of the game is pretty astounding and unexpected. In fact, you’re going to explode with how mind-blowing it truly is. Are you ready? Here it goes: you hunt monsters.
Crazy, I know.
Monster Hunter Generations Game Review
Although the power of basic, 1st grade-level reading might have spoiled you on the nitty-gritty details of the game’s goals and design, there’s plenty more that this game has to offer. Allow me to elaborate through a less cynical explanation: imagine that dinosaurs never died and humanity had to defeat these gargantuan monsters using outrageous weapons and abilities, such as swords the size of two people and a sword and shield that transforms into an axe and explodes on enemies.
While this might seem like an everyday event in Japan ever since Godzilla arrived, this tribal-themed action game draws you in with its beautiful music, spot-on controls, and above-average graphics. The goal of the game is to upgrade your equipment to become as powerful as possible, so you’ll be gathering a bunch of materials almost constantly, which may seem like a chore, but it can be quite addicting at times for better or worse. Additionally, there are a total of 14 weapons to choose from and 4 styles, said styles being a new addition to the series which allows for creative tactics and new abilities!
Admittedly, there aren’t many cut scenes and the storyline is as dull as your first weapon, but that shouldn’t be a huge deterrent as much as the difficulty. The bosses do not provide you with their health bar; and while they breathe fire, run their 2-ton bodies at you with lightning-fast speeds, and quite literally throw crap at you, you have to look out for the sharpness of your weapon, your health bar, and your stamina bar, all while surviving the harsh environment and not being allowed to faint more than 3 times or take longer than 50 minutes. Jesus.
This game is clearly not for the faint of heart, yet there is a charm in its brutality. The battles are long and difficult, but when you win, it really feels like you’ve earned it. The online multiplayer is great with up to 4 friends and allows for teamwork, strategies, and a feeling of comradery. Unlike most games, when you play with friends it’s not a competition, but rather you’re all working together towards a common goal of beating the living crap out of something. Honestly, it’s kind of romantic.
Tough in nature, Monster Hunter Generations welcomes newcomers to its series through its creative weapons, new styles, and monsters both new and old. Get gathering, get some friends together, and get good. Happy Hunting!
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