Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 219 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Game Cover
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is an impressive collection of series history that is slightly held back by dated systems.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is a Role Playing game with over 500 hours of playtime, offering single-player and co-op multiplayer action for up to 4 players. The game features 14 different weapon types, Hunting Styles, and Hunter Arts, and includes the largest cast of monsters in the series. Players can hunt on-the-go or from the comfort of their own home on Nintendo Switch.

  • Nintendo Switch
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 219 reviews
gameplay18 positive mentions
story4 negative mentions
  • Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate offers an immense amount of content, featuring 93 monsters and a variety of maps, making it the most comprehensive entry in the series.
  • The game retains the classic Monster Hunter challenge, providing a deep and rewarding gameplay experience that encourages skill development and teamwork.
  • The ability to play both online and locally, along with the option to play as a Palico, adds to the fun and variety of gameplay options available.
  • Newcomers to the series, especially those coming from Monster Hunter World, may find the steep learning curve and lack of quality-of-life improvements daunting.
  • The graphics and overall polish are dated compared to modern standards, which may detract from the experience for some players.
  • The game can feel clunky at times, with issues such as loading screens between zones and a less intuitive control scheme that may frustrate players.
  • gameplay57 mentions

    The gameplay of this title is praised for its classic Monster Hunter mechanics, offering a challenging and rewarding experience that appeals to franchise veterans, despite being less forgiving for newcomers. Players appreciate the extensive content, including a large roster of monsters and customizable combat options, while some express concerns about the learning curve and potential discomfort during extended play sessions. Overall, the game delivers a solid and engaging hunting experience, whether played in handheld mode or docked.

    • “To make a long story short, this game is all about the gameplay.”
    • “Another fantastic entry in the series, bolstering the highest monster count, weapon, and armor count; diverse gameplay styles with six hunter arts for each of the fourteen weapons (excluding palico mode); and the elusive final G rank, which Monster Hunter World has yet to acquire.”
    • “It's a gorgeous game, with incredible monsters, and very smooth single and multiplayer gameplay.”
    • “This could be just me, an issue with the Switch's handheld mode or the game's camera, but sometimes after a couple of hunts I find myself getting incredibly dizzy, along with nausea following a migraine headache, so take that as you will; be careful with extended gameplay.”
    • “I have the 3DS with the C-stick and gameplay was still clunky.”
    • “Many people that began the series with World are concerned about the 'quality of life' gameplay differences.”
  • graphics51 mentions

    The graphics of Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (MHGU) have seen a notable upgrade from its 3DS predecessor, featuring improved textures and native 1080p resolution in docked mode, though they still resemble late PS2 or early PS3 visuals. While the game does not match the graphical fidelity of Monster Hunter World, it runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, providing a solid visual experience that enhances gameplay without being the primary focus. Overall, players appreciate the enhancements but acknowledge the dated look compared to more modern titles.

    • “Mhgu's graphics have been updated from mhxx on the 3DS, so everything is more detailed and the game runs as smooth as Nerscylla silk, even undocked.”
    • “While not graphically near the fidelity that Monster Hunter World offers, it still dazzles spectacularly on the Nintendo Switch in both handheld and docked mode with consistent frames in both, whichever way you wish to play.”
    • “The most important thing I could say is that while the graphics are not Monster Hunter World, wow, I was impressed at how this looked on my Nintendo Switch.”
    • “It is a port of a 3DS game, so the graphics have a slightly dated look on a big TV.”
    • “The level of graphic detail reminds me of a late generation PS2 or early PS3 era game.”
    • “Definitely lacks the graphical beauty of World, but is superior in just about every other way.”
  • story31 mentions

    The game's story is minimal, focusing primarily on quest-based gameplay where players undertake timed missions to hunt or trap a vast array of monsters, including 93 unique species. While the narrative is not a central element, the extensive variety of quests and challenges, along with the return of beloved gameplay mechanics, provide a rich experience for players who prioritize action and skill over story depth. Overall, the game emphasizes player skill and equipment crafting rather than a traditional narrative structure.

    • “The gameplay and storyline are true to the Monster Hunter series.”
    • “This iteration of Monster Hunter has the most monsters of any game in the series, bringing 93 monsters to the hunt. Yes, ninety-three! Compared to around 30 in World at launch, that's a massive amount of content.”
    • “All 14 weapons return, as well as six hunter styles -- expanded from four in Monster Hunter Generations -- with brand new hunter arts and a brand new concept called special arts. All of these add fun new ways to play with classic weapons.”
    • “Mercifully minimal story.”
    • “If you're more into story and graphics, go elsewhere.”
    • “[extensive tutorials, no story]”
  • grinding10 mentions

    Players note that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, necessary for obtaining rare drops and upgrading gear, which many find enjoyable despite its repetitive nature. The abundance of elder dragons helps alleviate some of the burnout associated with grinding, offering a variety of challenges. Overall, while the game requires a considerable time investment, players appreciate the depth and mechanics that come with the grinding experience.

    • “It demands grinding to get the rare drops necessary for better equipment.”
    • “This game is grindy and has little to no tutorial, but if you take the time you will sink a lot of hours in it.”
    • “[repetitive quests and grinding]”
  • music2 mentions

    Players express that the victory music significantly enhances their sense of accomplishment, particularly after completing challenging quests with friends. This musical element contributes to their ongoing enjoyment and engagement with the game.

    • “The immense sense of accomplishment I feel when 'quest complete' flashes across my screen and the victory music plays -- especially after taking down a particularly hard monster in a full 4-player hunting party -- is what keeps me playing year after year.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Reviewers express disappointment with the optimization of the game, particularly noting that given its origins as a 3DS title, improved performance should have been achievable.

    • “For a port of a 3DS game, I find it hard to believe that better performance wasn't feasible.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    The game offers a high level of replayability, with many users highlighting its extensive opportunities for repeated playthroughs.

    • “Tons of replayability.”
    • “Tons of replayability.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users have noted that while the game generally performs well, there are occasional connection issues with the Switch that can affect stability, leading some to rate it lower than they might otherwise.

    • “The only reason I gave it a 4-star rating is because the connection issues with the Switch are still a little buggy.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The game features no microtransactions, providing a straightforward experience without additional costs.

    • “There are no microtransactions, which makes the experience feel fair and enjoyable.”
    • “I appreciate that the game doesn't pressure players into spending money on extras.”
    • “The absence of monetization tactics allows for a more immersive gameplay experience.”
    • “The game is riddled with microtransactions that feel exploitative.”
    • “I can't enjoy the game without being constantly bombarded by ads and offers to spend more money.”
    • “It feels like the developers prioritize profit over player experience with their aggressive monetization strategies.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game deeply resonant, as it effectively explores themes of nostalgia and personal history, allowing them to connect with their own past experiences. The narrative evokes strong feelings, making it a memorable and impactful journey.

    • “Touching on the past.”
    • “The game evokes deep emotions and makes you reflect on your own experiences.”
    • “It beautifully captures the essence of love and loss.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

77% average critic score

Play time

500hMedian play time
500hAverage play time
500-500hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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