The video game series Monster Hunter is a behemoth in its own right, both in terms of its gameplay and its incredibly loyal fan base. With two decades of history, the franchise has brought a plethora of titles across various consoles, but there's something special about its relationship with Nintendo. In honor of the series’ upcoming 20th anniversary, a new list, determined by fan votes, has emerged to showcase the best Monster Hunter games exclusive to Nintendo consoles.
In the beginning, Monster Hunter found its home on the PlayStation 2. However, over the years, Capcom, the mastermind behind the series, shifted focus between Sony and Nintendo platforms, ultimately creating a strong connection with Nintendo's line-up of consoles. Even after the mainstream success Monster Hunter: World found on the Playstation 4, dedicated entries for Nintendo systems continued to garner a significant following. The latest installment, "Monster Hunter Rise," has only escalated the series' success, providing fans with unforgettable hunts, whether alone or with a band of friends through online multiplayer.
Naturally, with each game carrying the 'Ultimate' subtitle, there has been some debate regarding which entries in the franchise reign supreme. The list below comprises only the full-fledged games available for Nintendo, excluding any DLC such as the "Sunbreak" DLC for "Rise" and Japanese-only releases like "Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village DX."
In ninth place lies "Monster Hunter Stories" for the Nintendo 3DS, widely admired for its exciting adventure through a colorful world and innovative JRPG mechanics. Despite some performance hitches on the original 3DS hardware, the game's charm and engaging combat system have made it a treasure among fans and a standout spin-off from the main series.
"Monster Hunter Generations" takes the eighth spot, praised for blending classic Monster Hunter elements with novel features like Hunter Styles. Its shift toward accessibility with optional tutorials and the quirky Prowler mode helps it stand out. Although the game nods to nostalgia with its diverse locations and quests, it loses a bit of the narrative sharpness compared to its immediate predecessor but remains an immersion-dense title on Nintendo's portable console.
The seventh and sixth places go to "Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate" for the Wii U and "Monster Hunter 3 (Tri~)" for the Wii, respectively. "MH3U" particularly enhanced the fantastic Wii title with additional content and a coat of HD paint, making it hard to resist for both seasoned players and newcomers alike, despite its steep learning curve and dedication requirements.
Then, at number five, "Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate" reappears, this time for the 3DS. It offered a formidably portable version of the console experience, though not without some optimizations lost in translation and the lamentable absence of online play.
"Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin" for the Nintendo Switch secures the fourth spot with its delightful merge of traditional RPG mechanics and the Monster Hunter universe. It's an engaging story combined with endearing depth, despite some performance drawbacks on the Switch.
In third place, "Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate" for the Switch represents a nostalgic compilation of the series’ high points. Yet, it is loaded with enough content for endless hours of gameplay, paired nicely with HD visuals and streamlined multiplayer experiences.
The silver medal goes to "Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate" for the 3DS, presenting a pinnacle of 'classic styled' Monster Hunter gameplay. It invites players into a world where crafting from fallen beasts is a rewarding endeavor, and although the game performs best on the New 3DS, it remains a must-play for potential series enthusiasts.
Finally, the crown jewel, as per fan rankings, is "Monster Hunter Rise" for the Switch. This entry sets a new benchmark for the franchise with new mechanics, monsters, and stunning environments. From the Wirebug to the Palamutes, and the inventive monsters, “Rise” is a breath of fresh air for veterans and considered the perfect starting point for newcomers. Its four-player multiplayer experience, especially the Rampage quests, have solidified its position as one of the best entries in the franchise.
This list, shaped by players' love and votes, continuously evolves as fans engage with these titles, reflecting both their timeless quality and the ever-vibrant Monster Hunter community. Whether you're faithful to "Generations Ultimate" or have pledged your sword to "Rise," sharing your preference can directly impact the rankings, celebrating the enduring spirit of this epic series.
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