Alright, we’re back again and this time with a review for the “Ultimate” version of Monster Hunter Generations. In my original review of the game, I looked at several different things and have decided that I needed to compare and see if Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate really fixed all the problems I had with the 3DS version. Furthermore from this point on, I will be referring to Monster Hunter Generations (MHG) and Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (MHGU) as MHG and MHGU respectively in this review
First thing, if you have a save for MHG. You can transfer it to MHGU and keep all your gear and progress from that game. The process of transferring your save is rather simple and the game is pretty straightforward in how it transfers it. It uploads the save from the 3DS version to a server where it converts the save. Then you download your new save on to the Switch and continue where you left off. But wait, that is not the whole story. As per tradition MHGU adds a few more things, but more importantly it adds G Rank. You need to complete a set of task to unlock G Rank. After you complete that a familiar world of Monster Hunter unlocks for you. G Rank is the hardest difficulty in this style of Monster Hunter and it offers more challenges, armour, weapons, and a couple extra monsters. It definitely increases this title’s playability tenfold!
Now that we got introductions out of the way, what has MHGU fixed from my list of issues from the original game? MHG wasn’t able to keep me playing. The tutorials for beginner players was lacking. Forcing offline and online quest for game completion. The graphics were terrible and didn’t take advantage of the New 3DS hardware. The controls, in particular the camera was analog instead of digital. As such these were my biggest complaints about the game.
What has MHGU changed with the switch from 3DS to Switch? Not much, but I say that with an asterisk. The lack of good tutorials for beginner players is apparent still. The game expects you to be an expert on Monster Hunter already and for once I’m fine with this. Why did I change my mind? Talking with friends and people in the Monster Hunter community on Discord. I found this was a good way to find out people’s opinions, so if you want to experience the game for yourself, then you could always search for the best sites to buy Discord members and get chatting with them. Anyway, back to Monster Hunter. The game is very much a celebration of the series and where it has come from. If you want a new game for beginners, I suggest checking out Monster Hunter World. Available on multiple platforms (not the Switch) and full of easy content to keep a new Monster Hunter player occupied. So I definitely don’t recommend MHGU for the inexperienced who doesn’t like a challenge.
The game unfortunately still forces you to go to single player to progress the story significantly and to unlock G Rank. A mix of online and offline required quest are still a bothersome feature. Thankfully there is a wonderful wiki that can guide you along with that.
As with most enhancements on better platforms the graphics have received a major overhaul. It looks great and you can read everything on the screen. Monster Hunter is a great series, but it’s not a portable series in any manner. Thankfully you can dock the Switch and take it on the go. So if you’re like me and like playing MHGU on the big screen, you have that option! The resolution of everything has increased massively but it is pretty much the same game with better textures. If you don’t mind that, then you’re well on your way to being a seasoned Monster Hunter veteran. The game does take advantage of the Switch’s potential.
Lastly is the controls, like with anything that is ported from the 3DS. Camera controls are a bit ‘tanky’. It doesn’t change much on the Switch and Capcom hasn’t really changed their ideology when it comes to these 3DS ports. If it has bad camera controls on one device, it’s going to have bad camera controls on anything that it is ported to. Thankfully we have an actual analog stick instead of a ‘nub’ to control the camera so it’s a little more forgiving on the Switch. But it doesn’t change the fact it is all or nothing movement. I’m really hoping the next Switch Monster Hunter game is built from the ground up for the console so that we don’t have this issue.
Overall, some of these added benefits really add to the package. Compared to the 3DS original, this game is a breath of fresh air. The lack of good tutorials is still a problem. But given the way the series has been on Nintendo platforms I don’t expect many new players to hop onboard. The split multiplayer/single player mixed story progression is a bit annoying. As with the other games in the series it’s always highly recommended to play both modes. The camera controls in the game are still bothersome and it does help that it’s on the Switch. In the end, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is more of the same, but a fun experience nonetheless.
GAME: Monster Hunter Generations
ESRB: T for Teen
MSRP: $49.99 US
OBTAINED: Review code provided by Capcom
Mike has been with NintendoFuse since January 2015 as a Social Media Manager. He has always had a passion for Nintendo games, and his favorite game series is Donkey Kong Country.