Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Reviews
Monster Hunter finally realizes its true potential and becomes the game it was always meant to be, in a game that is not only the best game in the series, but also one of the best games on the 3DS.
For newcomers, this is the game to start with, but the franchise does still feel a little exclusive with the mountains of text you have to read to get a basic understanding of how the game works.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate feels right at home on the 3DS. The segmented environments are perfect for gaming on the go and the game's addictive item creation is perfect for bringing wherever your travels take you. The number of unique creatures to hunt, expansive number of items to collect and craft, and strong multiplayer experience make for a must-play experience on the 3DS.
While I haven't quite mastered the playstyle Capcom are asking of me, I feel that my experience with the series has made this time through a bit easier. This could also be down to the fact that Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has a much easier progression than MH3U, so if this is your first you'll likely find it easier to get into than I did. Unlike its predecessor, MH4U looks to be a 3DS-only title, and while it would have been nice on a 50" screen, its portability means that wherever you go the temptation to get one more quest under your belt will be that much higher. The only question you need to ask yourself is: do I need another addiction?
Not without issues, but the best entry yet
[F]or those who like dungeon/raid feels, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate should scratch that itch for you. No, it's not an MMO, but it's a strong example of what MMOs that want to focus on that aspect should be doing. Being on the 3DS means the game also can function as a mobile MMO-like game; it worked well on a connection from my phone after I went over my data limit while I was in Japan, which was quite impressive. There are hours of content to explore, either alone or in groups.
While it often feels constrained by the platforms it currently calls home, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a fantastic adventure that provides a rich amount of depth and challenge for both solo and team players alike.
When Capcom's not hard at work at the next Resident Evil experience, of which the latest one was pretty fantastic, they're continually reworking and upgrading their Monster Hunter formula. And while we don't necessarily get every single Monster Hunter release here in the West, we do tend to get the better, Director's Cut versions of it. The latest entry is no different, with the small exception that it is no longer gracing Nintendo's HD hardware, the Wii U, but rather only appearing on the Nintendo 3DS. So it it worth taking the plunge once more, even if you've already invested hundreds of hours into the previous game?
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is the perfect fit for portable play, allowing you to devour piled-platter entrees or saucer-sized appetizers. Take on a hunt or two during your lunch hour, and if you can't finish, put the 3DS in sleep mode and spend the rest of the afternoon strategizing how to take down your mark. When you get home, crack the lid open and finish the job without missing a beat. Then spend the rest of the night tackling more quests. The game is rich in its variety of content, allowing for quick bouts at a crafting station or long slogs out in the field. Its appeal can span a variety of gamer profiles, and those who have not yet delved into the engrossing world of Monster Hunter have the best opportunity with Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a pure holistic RPG mobile experience on the 3DS
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is one 3DS title that shouldn't be passed up. It's easily one of the best games for the system hands down, and it is a huge step toward Monster Hunter reaching perfection in its gaming genre. However, 4 Ultimate still is a Monster Hunter game, so those that have tried it before and hated it shouldn't bother. But anyone new to the series will find that 4 Ultimate is a great place to start.
While the game is perfect for me, the game is not actually perfect. There are some glaring flaws such as the aforementioned frame drops and graphical issues on the older 3DS models, but the amount of good things in this game definitely outweigh the bad ones. I've had 153 hours of fun by now, and I'm getting ready to go on a quest with some friends as I type this. If this review has interested you at all, download the demo! It's free and gives a general idea of the game.
For newcomers, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is the ideal starting place, with more accessible combat than ever, a vastly improved single-player experience, and some endlessly gentle tutorials. For veterans, the game's less difficult introduction may prove less enjoyable at the outset, but some extremely fresh evolutionary steps ensure that those feelings are fleeting at best. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a great experience through and through – it just might take a little while to see that.
Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate offers the most complete experience in the series to date. Playing it is like coming home after a long holiday to find that someone has sold the house and bought a mansion with the money. Capcom's latest has all the best elements that the series has offered up to this date, mixed in with new and interesting features, proving the development team still has what it takes to make great games. With all that said, though, it is not without some flaws. For newcomers to the series, for instance, a steep learning curve filled with difficulty spikes awaits and while it is better than in previous entries with regards to this, it is something that might very well turn off a lot of new players. It is important to understand that Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate is not a game for everyone - far from it - but for those who it is aimed at, it might very well be one of the best games ever made. If Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate sounds appealing, then welcome aboard! Hundreds (or thousands!) of hours of monster slaying and a big online community await. A newcomer bonus is that all of the 98 monsters, 75 of which are boss battles within, will be entirely new experiences.
MH4U is a milestone achievement for Capcom's unique series. It looks, sounds, and plays better than ever, belying the fact that it's running on a handheld and not a home console.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is bigger than ever, and certainly more beautiful as well. This is the best iteration of the game so far, but your mileage may vary depending on what system you are playing it on.
At the end of the day, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate doesn't reinvent the wheel. It has more content, more polish, and more of the same gameplay that people love. It isn't going to convert anyone who disliked the formula, but it might bring newcomers into the fold. The series is difficult to learn but rewarding to master. The title may stick to its guns a tad too closely, but if you like Monster Hunter or Monster Hunter-style games, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate gives you exactly what you're looking for, and it does it well.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is utterly magnificent. Newfound vertical freedom, extraordinary new monsters and native 3DS multiplayer makes for the best game in the series to date, coupled with a much more compelling storyline and some killer new features.
If you haven't played any of the series before and are curious, I suggest waiting for a new title to release than jumping into an older one.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is simply the most approachable and playable version of Capcom's action-RPG to date—but be warned, it still requires a hefty investment. If you're willing to take the leap, though, you'll soon understand why Monster Hunter has become such a phenomenon.