Beastly Review: Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak – Rise and Shine

Good day fellow hunters, it has been some time since the release of Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak, and this beast has been out there hunting non-stop. It was not only recently when someone asked, “Hey Kuma, when is your review coming out?” Oops. I am already clocking in at 206 hours in both Rise and Sunbreak combines. I think it is time for me to finally share my thoughts on the new expansion. 

Yes, there is a Story:

You are the elite hunter and now that your job has been completed in Kamura, it is time for a new challenge. This time the people of Elgado need your help as a new mysterious threat has plagued the lands. Malzeno, Lunagaron, and Garangolm have arrived with a weird affliction that has caused these monsters to rampage. These are the three lords in all their terrifying glory, but you can handle it. It is also clear to note that these three represent some classic monsters. These parasites are feeding and causing monsters to go into a frenzy, but also there is a bigger threat hiding and waiting. 

This means with new faces and new plus old monsters returning, you, hunter will need some new upgrades. Elgado needs your help and it is time to mount up. 

The Good:

When it comes to expansions there is always something to look forward to with some major changes, new abilities, and of course new equipment to look forward to. When I began with my colleague we were already way into HR status and now going into Master Rank which changes up the challenge. Means Monsters will have new moves as well as you do, but we will get into that in a few. Let’s talk about your new switch skills. The best thing is that Capcom developers kept us in the loop throughout the development period. We got to see all the new weapon skill abilities which you can switch now between red and blue scrolls. 

I personally main, Dual Blades, Sword and Shield, Insect Glaive, Hammer, and Long Sword. Now the switch skill is not only to utilize a different variety of attacks but if done properly you can use it as a nice dodge mechanic. But once you get used to the right formula to switch skills things become even more like an anime. For example, dual blades have my favorites of spiral slash and iron shine silk. The spiral slash reminds me of a drill slash from wolverine or canon spike Cammy. Using this skill on weak points causes you to drill into the monsters also good for a quick getaway.

While the Iron Shine Silk is a sharpening skill that can be used in quick sessions to keep you at optimum sharpness. Now it doesn’t fully sharpen them to the max, but if you keep an eye on your meter, you can use the skill to stay in that nice area of either blue, white, or purple. You can make load-outs for each switch skill to load in whenever you feel like a different combination. This goes with all the weapons giving them better improvements in maneuverability. Especially since the monsters are now faster being in Master Rank. 

So, whatever you learned before forget it as many monsters will have more moves and hit harder. Apex Monsters are obsolete when it comes to Afflictied Monsters. You will have to quickly target certain body parts before the Monster sends out a blast that could hurt you. But nothing to worry about until you finish all the urgent quests and fight the big bad. Either way, you now have a new follower quest which is a nice feature I might add to the series. 

Been complaining for years that none of the NPCs join in to fight with us only to congratulate us when it is all over. Now we get to see the NPCs in action except for Jae, he is a new fighter and is useless at times. However, everyone else is just as good as any regular player especially when they disappear and bring back their own monster to fight. You will have two versions where you have support quests which are the main missions that NPCs need your help with. Then there is the Follower quest which you can choose who can join your team. This is Solo only so do not expect any cooperative support. 

All and all with the new vanity features and having to go into A quest in order to get vouchers. Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak went in the right direction. Other than that, you have some upgrades to the palamute which I had to disagree with some players saying they are useless. Now they can hold more and seek out things of use, but Palamutes were always handy, especially if it fits your playstyle. 

The Bad: 

More like a suggestion than anything bad. It would be nice to utilize followers more in the regular quests just not an urgent quest. As an option nothing major. When we make a wishlist of armor or weapons to make there should be an option for us to jump to said pieces we have marked to quickly make them. It is an annoyance to have to cycle through the trees to find exactly what we had planned to make. Also getting frustrating messages that you have the items to make said gear, but sadly you don’t as you fail to have the pre-requisites for the items.

Making the rampage weaponry obsolete is a bummer being that they also gave us layered weaponry options. Frankly speaking, keep them for a personal challenge if you want. Also, the melding pot needs a bit of reworking which I can agree on. I do understand it is part of the grind but all the points you have to use in order to get 10 talismans only for them to have bad skills. You get 10  and only 2 or 3 if you are lucky are worth it. 

Final Thoughts:

With over 206 hours, Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak adds to an already fun game. Gives you better ways to fight Monsters and of course the MR equipment you can obtain. The grind will always be a chore so expect a long fight against the “Want Curse” as many gamers do know and dread it. Nothing like going into a fight hoping to get a particular item with this being a mantle, but sadly gets denied. The only tip that is given is to go into any fight with the power over nothingness of Kyosui no Hado. It is an unwritten law in any game and another tip is to gather everything you can go on expeditions when you can because building up your points is just as important as building up your Zenny. 

Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak is available right now for both Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam which gets 4 out of 5 beastly paws. Check it out for yourself right now and maybe we can get some hunts together. – Beast Out –