The Monster Hunter series has been a staple of the gaming world for over two decades, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, adventure, and role-playing elements. With a vast array of games across various platforms, it can be daunting for new players to navigate the series. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Monster Hunter, exploring the numerous games that make up this beloved franchise.
A Brief History of Monster Hunter
The first Monster Hunter game was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, developed and published by Capcom. The game was created by a team led by Ryozo Tsujimoto, who wanted to create a game that would allow players to hunt and slay massive monsters in a vast, open world. The game was a moderate success in Japan but gained a cult following worldwide.
Since then, the series has grown exponentially, with numerous games, spin-offs, and expansions being released across various platforms. The series has become known for its challenging gameplay, rich storyline, and extensive character customization options.
Main Series Games
The main series games are the core of the Monster Hunter franchise, offering the most comprehensive and immersive experience. Here’s a list of the main series games in chronological order:
- Monster Hunter (2004, PlayStation 2)
- Monster Hunter 2 (2006, PlayStation 2)
- Monster Hunter Freedom (2007, PlayStation Portable)
- Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007, PlayStation Portable)
- Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2008, PlayStation Portable)
- Monster Hunter 3 (2009, Wii)
- Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010, PlayStation Portable)
- Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2011, Wii, Nintendo 3DS)
- Monster Hunter 4 (2013, Nintendo 3DS)
- Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2014, Nintendo 3DS)
- Monster Hunter: World (2018, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows)
- Monster Hunter: Iceborne (2019, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows)
- Monster Hunter Rise (2021, Nintendo Switch)
- Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (2022, Nintendo Switch)
Generations and Remakes
In addition to the main series games, there are several spin-off games, remakes, and expansions that offer unique experiences. Some notable examples include:
Monster Hunter: Generations
Released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS, Monster Hunter: Generations is an action role-playing game that combines elements from previous games in the series. The game features a unique “Style” system, allowing players to choose from four different combat styles.
Monster Hunter: Generations Ultimate
An enhanced version of Generations, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch. The game includes new monsters, quests, and gameplay mechanics.
Monster Hunter: Stories
A spin-off game released in 2016 for the Nintendo 3DS, Monster Hunter: Stories is a role-playing game that focuses on exploration and monster collecting.
Monster Hunter: Explore
A mobile game released in 2015, Monster Hunter: Explore is a free-to-play game that offers a more casual experience.
Spin-Off Games
The Monster Hunter series has expanded beyond the main series games, with several spin-off titles that offer unique experiences.
Monster Hunter: Frontier
A massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) released in 2007 for the Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. The game allowed players to hunt monsters with friends in a vast, open world.
Monster Hunter: Online
A Chinese-exclusive MMORPG released in 2013, Monster Hunter: Online offers a similar experience to Frontier.
Monster Hunter: Dynamic Hunting
A mobile game released in 2011, Monster Hunter: Dynamic Hunting is a free-to-play game that focuses on hunting and slaying monsters.
Remakes and Remasters
Several games in the series have been remade or remastered, offering improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.
Monster Hunter: HD Remaster
A high-definition remaster of the original Monster Hunter game, released in 2011 for the PlayStation 3.
Monster Hunter: 3 Ultimate HD Ver.
A high-definition remaster of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, released in 2011 for the Wii U.
Monster Hunter: Generations Ultimate HD Ver.
A high-definition remaster of Monster Hunter: Generations Ultimate, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch.
Future Games
The Monster Hunter series continues to grow, with new games and expansions in development.
Monster Hunter 6
Rumored to be in development, Monster Hunter 6 is expected to be released in the near future, although no official announcement has been made.
Monster Hunter: Rise – Sunbreak
An expansion to Monster Hunter Rise, released in 2022 for the Nintendo Switch. The expansion adds new monsters, quests, and gameplay mechanics.
Conclusion
The Monster Hunter series is a vast and complex franchise, with numerous games, spin-offs, and expansions. From the main series games to the spin-off titles, there’s something for every type of player. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the series, there’s never been a better time to join the world of Monster Hunter.
With its rich storyline, challenging gameplay, and extensive character customization options, the Monster Hunter series has become a beloved franchise among gamers. As the series continues to grow, we can expect new games, expansions, and remakes to be released in the future.
So, how many Monster Hunter games are there? The answer is complex, with numerous games, spin-offs, and expansions making up the franchise. However, with this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of Monster Hunter and find the perfect game for your gaming needs.
What is the Monster Hunter series, and how did it originate?
The Monster Hunter series is a popular action role-playing game franchise created by Capcom, a renowned Japanese video game developer. The first game in the series, Monster Hunter, was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 console. The game was designed to challenge players with intense battles against massive monsters, requiring strategy, skill, and cooperation with other players. Since its inception, the series has grown to become one of Capcom’s most successful franchises, with numerous games released across various platforms.
Throughout its evolution, the Monster Hunter series has maintained its core concept of hunting and slaying massive creatures, while introducing new features, gameplay mechanics, and improvements. The series has also expanded to include various spin-offs, including handheld games, mobile games, and even a movie adaptation. With its unique blend of action, adventure, and role-playing elements, the Monster Hunter series has captivated gamers worldwide, offering an immersive and thrilling experience that continues to attract new fans.
What are the key gameplay mechanics in Monster Hunter games?
Monster Hunter games are known for their complex gameplay mechanics, which require strategy, skill, and patience. The core gameplay revolves around hunting and slaying massive monsters, known as “Elder Crossing” or “Apex” monsters, using a variety of weapons, armor, and items. Players can choose from multiple weapon types, each with its unique abilities and playstyles, and craft armor sets that provide protection and enhance their abilities. The games also feature a deep crafting system, allowing players to craft items, ammunition, and other essential resources.
Another crucial aspect of Monster Hunter gameplay is the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Players can join forces with up to three other players to tackle challenging quests and battles, sharing resources and strategies to take down formidable foes. The games also feature a dynamic environment, with monsters that can interact with their surroundings, use complex attacks, and adapt to the player’s tactics. This combination of complexity and depth makes Monster Hunter games both challenging and rewarding, appealing to players who enjoy strategy and action.
What are the different types of quests in Monster Hunter games?
Monster Hunter games feature various types of quests, each with its unique objectives and challenges. The main questline typically involves completing story-driven quests, which advance the game’s narrative and provide rewards. In addition to the main questline, players can participate in side quests, known as “Optional Quests,” which offer additional rewards and experience points. The games also feature “Event Quests,” which are limited-time quests that provide exclusive rewards and challenges.
Another type of quest in Monster Hunter games is the “Investigation” quest, which involves gathering resources, data, and information about specific monsters. These quests often require players to track and study monsters, using specialized tools and equipment. The games also feature “Arena Quests,” which pit players against a single monster in a controlled environment, testing their skills and strategies. By completing these various types of quests, players can earn rewards, experience points, and improve their skills and equipment.
What is the significance of the “Elder Crossing” monsters in Monster Hunter games?
In the Monster Hunter series, “Elder Crossing” monsters are a type of powerful, ancient creature that plays a central role in the game’s narrative and gameplay. These monsters are often the primary targets of the game’s main quests and are considered the most challenging and rewarding to hunt. Elder Crossing monsters possess unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, requiring players to develop specialized strategies and tactics to defeat them.
The Elder Crossing monsters are also deeply connected to the game’s lore and world, often serving as a catalyst for the game’s story and events. Defeating these monsters can provide significant rewards, including rare resources, exclusive armor sets, and insight into the game’s world and its inhabitants. Throughout the series, the Elder Crossing monsters have become iconic symbols of the Monster Hunter franchise, representing the ultimate challenge and goal for players.
How does the Monster Hunter series approach character customization and progression?
The Monster Hunter series offers a deep character customization and progression system, allowing players to create and develop their characters over time. Players can choose from various appearance options, including face shapes, hair styles, and clothing, to create a unique character. As players progress through the game, they can earn experience points, level up, and allocate points to their character’s attributes, such as health, stamina, and attack power.
In addition to character attributes, players can also craft and upgrade their equipment, including armor sets, weapons, and accessories. The games feature a complex crafting system, which requires players to gather resources, blueprints, and other materials to craft and upgrade their gear. As players progress, they can unlock new equipment, skills, and abilities, allowing them to tackle more challenging quests and battles. The series also features a “Hunter Rank” system, which tracks the player’s progress and provides rewards and challenges based on their rank.
What is the role of multiplayer in Monster Hunter games?
Multiplayer is a core component of the Monster Hunter series, allowing players to join forces with up to three other players to tackle challenging quests and battles. Players can join or create online multiplayer sessions, using voice chat and other communication tools to coordinate strategies and tactics. Multiplayer quests often feature more challenging monsters and rewards, requiring players to work together and share resources to succeed.
The series also features various multiplayer modes, including “Co-op Quests,” which allow players to complete quests together, and “Arena Quests,” which pit players against a single monster in a controlled environment. The games also feature a “Guild” system, which allows players to join or create communities of hunters, sharing resources, strategies, and socializing with other players. Multiplayer is a key aspect of the Monster Hunter experience, providing a fun and challenging way for players to interact and cooperate with others.
What is the future of the Monster Hunter series, and what can fans expect from upcoming games?
The Monster Hunter series continues to evolve and expand, with new games and updates in development. Capcom has announced several upcoming titles, including Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, an expansion to the popular Monster Hunter Rise game, and Monster Hunter 6, a new mainline game in the series. Fans can expect these upcoming games to feature new gameplay mechanics, monsters, and storylines, as well as improved graphics and performance.
In addition to new games, the series is also expanding to new platforms, including PC and mobile devices. The games will continue to feature the series’ signature blend of action, adventure, and role-playing elements, with a focus on cooperative multiplayer and challenging gameplay. As the series continues to grow and evolve, fans can expect new and exciting experiences, as well as continued support and updates for existing games.