Nintendo hosted one of their massive Nintendo Direct livestreams today, during which they dropped news about major current and upcoming titles. In addition to revealing some details aboutanAnimal Crossing/Super Mario Bros.crossoverthat will likely have fans seeing both bells and mushrooms, the gaming giant premiered a brand new trailer forMonster Hunter Rise, the latest installment in the long-running action RPG survival franchise.
The trailer shows off a number of the game’s environments, as well as a beefy roster of the fearsome monsters you and your friends will be facing to claim their precious crafting materials to build more powerful weapons and armor, the core gameplay loop of the series. As in previous installments, the monsters you fight range from traditional fantasy creatures like dragons, gigantic versions of real-life animals like bats and armadillos, and completely bizarre new creations dreamed up by the design team. As an admittedly new fan ofMonster Hunter, I can’t say whether the bosses featured inMonster Hunter Riseare new to the franchise or returning favorites, but there looks to be more than enough to keep you and your friends busy for many, many hunts.
We also catch some glimpses ofMonster Hunter Rise’s story, which seems to center on your character defending their village against the titular beasts. That’s essentially the same story as 2018’s excellentMonster Hunter: World, and, as I understand it, pretty much every other game in the series. But the gameplay is the star here, and judging by the trailer, fighting monsters looks every bit as thrilling and addictive as it’s always been. The trailer also shows off a number of in-game pre-order and deluxe edition bonuses you can receive, as well as some radical tie-in accessories you’ll be able to purchase at the game’s launch, including a new set of 3 amiibos and aMonster Hunter-themed Pro Controller. My wallet gently weeps.
Check out the trailer below.Monster Hunter Risereleases on Nintendo Switch March 26.
