Monster Hunter World is one of the first major games to come out in 2018. The game was announced at Sony’s E3 2017 conference and serves as the sixth main entry in the Monster Hunter franchise. In addition to new monsters and environments, the game also adds new mechanics and tools, such as the slinger available to hunters that can be used as a grappling hook to explore the terrain or a slingshot to distract monsters. The combat system has also been updated to include mini-tutorials for weapons, as well being able to use the land to the players advantage, such as using low hanging rocks to damage the targets.

Now a PS4 gamer and intrigued with the game, Alan Velazco, 12, expresses some concern with the quest lengths of the game, but is optimistic about the refined combat systems when engaging monsters.

“I’m concerned that the quests will still be extremely long and tedious at times,” Velazco said. “But I hope that the new fight mechanics will be better and make hunting the monsters more interesting.”

As previously mentioned, the game will feature a roster of both new and returning monsters that will inhabit the various biomes and environments for the player to hunt down. From the fire wyvern Rathalos to the fish-like Jyuratodus, Monster Hunter World allows the player to hunt and capture monsters of all shapes and size in order to acquire new items, craft gear, and hunt down even bigger creatures. In some instances, the player can even lure their target monster to certain areas where territorial monsters lurk, resulting in the two beasts engaging in combat and weakening one another, giving the hunter the advantage. Although the game has a decent sized list of monsters to hunt and capture, its numbers are relatively low when compared to the roster of previous titles within the franchise.

Long time fan of the series Adrian Soto, 11, is a bit worried about the lack of monsters players can fight when compared to other games Monster Hunter franchise.

“I’ve played Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, 4 Ultimate, Generations, and Stories. They’re very fun and addicting in a different way, because there is no leveling system. For this game, I’ve played the last two beta’s, they were very enjoyable and when compared to the older games, seem more alive,” Soto said. “The only concern I have is that the game is called World.”

While the game retains a majority of the core gameplay from its predecessors, World does add new concepts and gameplay mechanics. One of the new changes to the game includes the introduction of seamless transitions between different areas in the game, differing from the loading screens of previous games. This new feature allows for a deeper sense of realism and gives the hunting grounds the feeling of a living, breathing environment. One drawback of this feature; however, is that players can no longer retreat from a fight by simply entering a new area and restoring their health, ammo, and other buffs. In response to this, Capcom has also added the ability for hunters to replenish health via potions while walking, a slight change from previous titles where the hunter would have to stand to drink potions.

PS4 gamer and newer fan to the franchise Carlos Huerta, 12, views these new changes as a sign of progress.

“Because there is a seamless transition between areas, it makes for a more immersive experience,” Huerta said. “That’s important for a role playing game, as the whole purpose is to be immersed inside the world that the developers created.”

One of the most hyped up games of 2018 so far, Monster Hunter World  will be released for the Playstation 4 and Xbox One on January 26, with a PC release planned for later on in the year. So far Monster Hunter World  has seemed to live up to the hype that has surrounded it ever since its announcement back in 2017. While it may be changing up the formula of the franchise, it seems to be for the best. With new graphics, improved artificial intelligence and refined gameplay mechanics, the game has the potential to be a solid hit with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.