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- Capcom’s iconic “kill giant monsters” franchise is back with Monster Hunter Wilds.
- Focus mode’s extreme precision elevates an already superb gameplay to new heights.
- After being spoiled by the Focus mode, past Monster Hunter games feel rather clunky in comparison.
Lately, when a new game comes out, I’m more worried about it than being excited. With all the stunts companies pull these days, games have stopped being about entertainment and more about forcing certain thoughts. Plus, the matter of broken ports, bugs, and performance issues makes things worse.
However, even in these stormy times, you can count on certain developers to deliver a masterpiece all about engaging gameplay, and Capcom is one of them. Monster Hunter: Wilds is here with a bang (except for the performance issues, guess Capcom isn’t always perfect, either).
Why it matters: Monster Hunter has always been about methodic, realistic combos; it’s greatest charm, but past entries pale in comparison to the control Focus mode imparts.
The Beauty Of Monster Hunter
The Monster Hunter fan in me is having one hell of a time with Wilds. Ever since its first trailer, I’ve been fanboying like crazy, and it’s a serene feeling to finally know that all of it was not wasted. Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be my favorite of the entire series, and that’s saying something.
I still vividly remember the time I played the first Monster Hunter back on the PS2. I sucked at the game, but man was it fun. The whole hunting concept and crafting system highly fascinated me. I see big monster, I kill it, and nothing makes me happier.
Jokes aside, Capcom took a very simple concept and executed it with such perfection that millions of people watched in awe. However, despite this overwhelming popularity, Monster Hunter can be a little hard to get into for new players, because of the slower, more methodic gameplay.
Can we just take a moment to appreciate CAPCOM and the MH team here?
byu/ParagonFury inMonsterHunter
Monster Hunter demands timed attacks, realistic handling of different weapons, and the need to pause and understand the orientation of your attacks in comparison to the monsters’ moveset. This can be hard to get used to for someone accustomed to fast-paced gaming. I know I had a hard time.
Monster Hunter Wilds’ Focus Mode Is Divine
If you ask me, or any other fan of the series, this is in no way a bad thing, far from it. In fact, it’s quite the contrary. This methodic gameplay makes felling the greatest of monsters all the more triumphant. Your character, as well as the monsters, move like they’re supposed to.
Overcoming the learning curve, carefully timing and executing your strongest moves, and watching the towering foe come crumbling to the ground is a feeling I can’t quite put into words except “It’s Majestic!”
But along came Monster Hunter Wilds, and it shattered my whole worldview. It introduces a unique gameplay mechanic called the Focus mode alongside the wounds system, and it’s so much of a game changer that my jaw straight-up dropped when I used the Longsword in the Beta.
As the name implies, it allows you to focus your attacks on a particular spot. The ability to properly control your motion in sync with the monster to ultimately strike its weak point elevates the already brilliant combat to enormous heights. Plus, striking the wounds on a monster insta-charges your weapon now. It’s Peak.
Past Games Feel Rather Lacking Now
An outsider probably thinks “So you can better aim your attacks now, big deal.” But trust me, it is a very big deal. Now you can charge up your Longsword and deliver the devastating jumping slash right on point, and bonk the monsters right on the head with the hammer’s ultimate blow.
Lets talk about focus mode in Wilds and how it feels mandatory for optimal DPS
byu/tenken417 inMonsterHunterMeta
It’s like the Focus mode has added a layer of extreme fluidity on top of the combat. It’s still systematic and tricky, but focus mode gives you a lot more freedom and absolute control. It was probably added to make the game more accessible for newer players, which it does, but it does a lot more than that, too.
I tried replaying Monster Hunter World, my favorite entry before, and it was like something very important was missing. Focus mode has spoiled me so much that I couldn’t aim my attacks very well. I felt like I was severely handicapped now, when I was killing monsters like crazy in it just a few years ago.
Monster Hunter Rise is in the same boat. It’s impressive how Monster Hunter Wilds is still tough as nails (Arkveld beat me to a pulp) despite a mechanic as broken as the Focus mode. Capcom has truly outdone itself this time around. Kudos!
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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