10 best gaming surprises of 2021 (and 5 terrible ones)

04) Great Moment – Monster Hunter Rise somehow improves on World

When I found out there was going to be a modern Monster Hunter game that took notes from Monster Hunter World’s successes I wasn’t really certain how that would be possible. Big worlds without loading times between sections, mounts, fast combat, detailed environments. It sounded like a big job for the little handheld.

But then Monster Hunter Rise came out and it was an absolute blast. Not only that but they managed to take the things that made Monster Hunter World so successful and improved upon them. Getting into a match is ridiculously easy. The variety of worlds feels more varied. And best of all, every single weapon got improved.

With a new ability involving a grappling hook-type item, you can turn any weapon into a mobile beast. No longer were glaive users the only ones flipping around in the air like lunatics. Heck, you can even be a mobile lance user should you love that boring ass weapon.

Not only that but the crossover events understand what people want from Monster Hunter, and that’s silly and over-the-top Capcom crossovers. The best one came later this year when they gave you the ability to turn your palamute (the dog you ride around on) into Rush. Not only was this a cool cosmetic but it was filled with wonderful details like the fact it turned into Rush Coil when it launched you in the air, or Rush Jet when you dashed.

With constant free updates and fun extra missions that unlock all sorts of fun new things, Monster Hunter Rise was a great surprise and gift that keeps giving.