PGC NEWS

Monster Hunter, a franchise that debuted in 2004 on the PlayStation 2, pioneered the unique and challenging genre of monster hunting games. Known for its demanding gameplay and specialized mechanics, the series traditionally catered to a dedicated niche rather than casual gamers, particularly in Western markets. This trend shifted dramatically with the release of Monster Hunter World. Designed for a wider audience, World launched on popular platforms like PlayStation 4 and PC, boasting impressive graphics and a more accessible difficulty level. Consequently, World became the best-selling title in the franchise, exceeding 10 million copies and representing over 20% of the series’ total sales over 14 years.

However, World‘s status as a “reboot,” separate from the main Monster Hunter lineage, left some veteran players wanting. Recognizing this, Capcom and Nintendo released Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch, offering a more traditional experience. Essentially an expanded version of Monster Hunter Generations (known as Monster Hunter X) originally released on the Nintendo 3DS, Generations Ultimate also serves as the international version of the Japanese Monster Hunter XX. Remarkably, Generations Ultimate quickly outsold its predecessor, MHXX, in Japan. What secrets does Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate hold that led to this success? Let’s delve in and discover what makes this game a compelling hunting experience.

Hunting Styles and Hunter Arts: A Revolutionary Combat System

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

The most significant distinction between Generations Ultimate, World, and previous installments is the introduction of “Hunting Styles.” While prior games offered variety through 14 different weapon types (since Monster Hunter 4), Generations Ultimate multiplies this by six, offering a staggering 84 distinct playstyles. Each weapon type features six unique Hunting Styles, providing a wealth of combat options and endless experimentation.

Complementing the Hunting Styles are Hunter Arts, powerful special moves that add another layer of depth to the combat. While previous games had signature moves, like the Switch Axe’s Elemental Discharge or the Gunlance’s Wyvern Fire, the Hunter Arts in Generations Ultimate offer a wider range of utility and strategic potential. These range from general-purpose Arts usable with any weapon to weapon-specific techniques, creating a diverse and dynamic combat system.

General Arts include Hunter Oasis, creating a healing aura for allies, and Absolute Readiness, allowing for quick dodges and reloading/sharpening. Weapon-specific Arts offer unique abilities, such as the Greatsword’s Lion’s Maw, enhancing charged attacks, or the Sword & Shield’s Chaos Oil, boosting attack power.

Generations Ultimate expands on the four styles introduced in Generations:

• Guild Style: Retains the classic move set with two slots for Hunter Arts.
• Striker Style: Trades some moves for three Hunter Art slots and faster Art gauge charging.
• Aerial Style: Sacrifices moves for one Hunter Art slot but allows for aerial attacks and easier mounting.
• Adept Style: Trades moves for one Hunter Art slot, grants an evasive dodge with temporary invincibility, and empowers attacks after dodging.

Two new styles join the fray:

• Valor Style: Severely limits the standard move set for one Hunter Art slot. Holding ‘Y’ unlocks the full move set. A defensive stance blocks all attacks with minimal damage.
• Alchemy Style: Similar to Striker with three Hunter Art slots, but introduces an Alchemy Barrel for crafting support items.

The effectiveness of each weapon and Style combination varies. Valor excels with weapons like the Heavy Bowgun, Greatsword, and Longsword, while Striker shines with the Sword & Shield and Charged Blade. However, the game’s depth encourages experimentation with all styles.

A Bestiary of Epic Proportions

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

True to the Monster Hunter formula, gameplay revolves around hunting monsters, gathering materials, and crafting new equipment. Generations Ultimate boasts the largest monster roster in the series, featuring over 90 unique creatures.

Staying true to its name, Generations Ultimate brings together monsters from previous titles like Frontier United, 3 Ultimate, and 4 Ultimate. Returning favorites include Fatalis, Amatsu, Lao Shan-Lung, Kushala Daora, Teostra, Kirin, Chameleos, Lagiacrus, Duramboros, Barioth, Alatreon, and Seltas Queen.

New additions like Malfestio, Narkakos, Valstrax, Mizutsune, Glavenus, Gammoth, and Astalos introduce fresh challenges. Mizutsune uses bubbles to hinder movement, while Malfestio disorients hunters.

G Rank, Hyper Monsters, and Deviants: The Ultimate Challenges

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Generations Ultimate introduces G-Rank, a higher difficulty level exceeding High Rank. G-Rank monsters boast significantly increased health and damage, along with new attacks. For even greater challenges, Hyper Monsters return, similar to the Frenzied Monsters from Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. These enraged versions are more aggressive, deal massive damage, and possess distinct red and black markings.

For seasoned hunters who conquer even Hyper G-Rank monsters, Generations Ultimate offers 18 Deviant monsters. These seasoned veterans have adapted to hunting pressure, exhibiting altered appearances, behaviors, and abilities. Deviants offer unique weapons and armor, with specialized stats and skills.

A Wealth of Quests and Content

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

While Monster Hunter traditionally prioritizes gameplay over narrative, Generations Ultimate offers a substantial single-player experience with a vast array of quests. Players revisit familiar locales like Pokke, Yukumo, and Kokoto, each offering numerous side quests from gathering resources to hunting monsters. Returning characters from previous games also provide unique quest lines.

These side quests offer varying complexity and difficulty, unlocking essential upgrades, including Hunter Arts, armor, weapons, and even cosmetic items for Palicoes and Prowlers. This extensive quest system contributes significantly to the game’s longevity.

Balancing Issues: A Necessary Evil?

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

The sheer volume of new content in Generations Ultimate inevitably leads to some balancing issues. The effectiveness of Hunting Styles varies drastically between weapons, with some combinations proving far more potent than others. Similarly, the utility of Hunter Arts is inconsistent across weapon types. Some weapons have an abundance of powerful Arts, while others are left with lackluster options.

This imbalance extends to traditional armor skills, some of which are rendered less effective due to the power of new Styles and Hunter Arts. While this imbalance can affect the competitive landscape, it also encourages experimentation and diverse playstyles.