TL;DR
Monster Hunter World brings Capcom's beloved series to modern consoles, ditching the 3DS limitations for stunning visuals and smoother gameplay. PS4 Pro and Xbox One X versions offer various modes prioritizing frame rate, resolution (up to 4K), or graphical detail, with the frame rate option being a strong recommendation for the game's action. Dive into epic hunts, customize your hunter and Palico, and team up online for the ultimate cooperative experience. While single-player is solid, the real magic happens with friends. Expect a learning curve with deep systems, but the rewarding progression and epic monster battles make it all worthwhile. Discover why this game is a must-play for action RPG fans – read on for the full details!
The popularity of Capcom’s Monster Hunter series in Japan cannot be overstated. Its cultural presence, including themed cafés, amusement parks, and numerous releases for Nintendo’s 3DS, highlights its significance. While the 3DS is a capable handheld, its limitations become apparent when running an open-world game like Monster Hunter. Insufficient resources lead to immersion-breaking loading screens during crucial moments of intense hunts.
Monster Hunter World addresses these limitations by leveraging the significantly greater resources of the PS4 and Xbox One. The game’s visual fidelity and overall experience align more closely with Capcom’s original vision. The PS4 Pro version offers three graphics modes, enabling users to prioritize frame rate (our preferred setting), resolution (up to 4K), or enhanced graphical details like improved shadows and textures. Given the game’s action-RPG nature, we found the increased fluidity to be the most beneficial. Note that switching between these modes requires a full game restart, so experimentation is encouraged to determine the optimal setting for your preferences.
These same three modes are available for the Xbox One X enhancement. The additional processing power of Microsoft’s console is noticeable, delivering at least 30 fps even in 4K mode, with the potential to reach 45-60 fps in less demanding environments (HDR is also supported). Selecting High Frame Rate on Xbox One X doesn’t drastically improve fluidity; the primary effect is a noticeable decrease in resolution. Consequently, we recommend either the 4K mode or the enhanced graphics setting for greater detail.
Like its predecessors, Monster Hunter World is a comprehensive action RPG. Players customize their character’s gender and appearance, select weapons for themselves and their Palico companion, and undertake challenging hunts to defeat formidable monsters. Online multiplayer offers a compelling cooperative experience. In our early access to the final version, we experienced the intensity of coordinating strategies with teammates via headset to pursue and ultimately defeat a weakened behemoth – an experience that encapsulates the essence of the game. While enjoyable in single-player mode, the game’s charm and collaborative aspects are diminished, potentially leading to a more repetitive and linear experience. However, dynamic events such as monsters engaging each other can introduce unexpected and entertaining twists.
Monster Hunter World features an extensive array of menus, submenus, button configurations, and keyboard shortcuts, along with systems for consuming food for buffs, crafting weapons from gathered materials, and engaging in buying and selling activities. As expected of a Japanese action RPG, a learning curve is present. While initially demanding, the investment of time proves worthwhile as players become proficient. The further you progress, the larger and more impressive the monsters become. We anticipate the game’s online community growing, allowing for more collaborative hunts against the most challenging beasts.
