Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Review (PS5) – It’s time to do it again. I’ve now written four Monster Hunter Rise reviews. I first reviewed Rise, Sunbreak and Sunbreak PS5 and then Rise.
I just adore Monster Hunter, I have poured thousands upon thousands of hours into this series and it’s very dear to me.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak includes the entire game. This was first released on the Switch. PlayStation 5 Switch version includes all event quests as well as updates that were available in the Switch versions.
I am extremely happy with the way Capcom Monster Hunter has evolved a lot since I played it on my first console. PSP Back in 2005
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Review (PS5) – Absolutely Roarsome
All of It
Sunbreak includes new quests as well as new monsters. It also adds some new locations and features to satisfy the bloodthirstiest of hunters. I thought the story was very weak, but the Monster Hunter story is always weak.
Some sort of disaster, something is making other monsters angry, etc. It would be nice if it were more fun, but honestly I am just here to chop up monsters and create new gear.
I don’t really need to know why, just point me at the nearest Rathalos and I will dice it up!
Sunbreak can be accessed once you’ve completed the main storyline for Monster Hunter RIse. It is a lengthy game. You can also forget all the achievements and crafts you’ve earned so far.
When you change ranks, your Master Rank will reset. It’s time to hunt again. All monsters are new, with updated parts, weapons, and armour.
The Meat and Potatoes
Sunbreak’s lack of story is not the only thing I dislike about Sunbreak, but the Monsters. Only four brand-new (including the ever-present secret boss at the end) monsters are available.
Monsters make up the core of Monster Hunter. Although the Sunbreak roster includes a good number of new ones, some are old favorites or variants.
Don’t get me wrong, these monsters are beautifully designed and realized as always but a few more new ones would have been great.
Capcom releases regular updates that bring back monsters as well as create new events to allow players to make weird and wacky equipment.
Sunbreak also includes three new maps to fight on, one is a re-imagined classic from the old days, the Jungle, which has been revamped with Rise’s more vertical, wire-bug traversal in mind.
The CItadel is another map that I like, as it has poison pools, caves, and crumbling castles all over. It’s so detailed and great to explore. Capcom, please make more maps like this.
New Features
The Sunbreak follower system is a great addition. Depending on the level of friendship you have with an NPC, you can invite them along on quests. It’s a great little system if you like to play alone, these NPCs really stand their ground and know how to fight.
It’s like having a constant co-op partner who actually knows what they are doing. Sunbreak has a very light plot, so this is incorporated into it. It works really well. You can play online quests even with NPCs.
Also, Switch skills were added and their system was slightly changed. Instead of setting Switch skills for a specific quest, you can switch freely between two load-outs.
It allows me to bring so many fantastic moves to the field, and I have basically two different builds with which to play when on a mission. You know, skills pay the bills.
You can also upgrade your animal companions. You can unlock hidden skills, improve their memory and try out some new tricks.
As well as being able carry materials and create new spawn points. Overall, they’re just a little more effective than the base game. Animal companions to the rescue!
We are in the endgame now
The endgame of Sunbreak is important. Players spend hours and hours playing these games. I’ve noticed that Capcom has been improving the grind in the endgame with each update.
Sunbreak is a Monster Hunter game that follows a template similar to other Monster Hunter games. It has Afflicted Monsters, and Anomaly investigation.
As you complete these quests, you will gain access to the most advanced gear available in the game. You can also customise your gear at its best.
You will be able to continue unlocking your Master Rank until you have completed the toughest quests. This is similar to the way it worked in base game.
Play at the Best Place
From a presentation standpoint, Monster Hunter’s music is still on point and for a game that has been ported from the Switch, it does look very crisp and very attractive.
Sunbreak, while not reaching the heights of other PlayStation exclusives or games, is still a good game. Not only that, it’s so fluid, smooth as butter and plays beautifully.
The online component of the game is also worth mentioning. Sunbreak and Monster Hunter Rise are the most intuitive and easiest online experiences I’ve had with any Monster Hunter game.
I remember when playing PSP, you had to either play locally or trick the PC into thinking that it was online by using a USB dongle.
This version of Monster Hunter makes it easy to jump into quests with random players. It’s a pure joy and you young ‘uns don’t know how good you have it. Haha.
Comparing the Switch version to PlayStation 5’s online and chat functionality, it is even better. Online play on the Switch was enjoyable, but it was held back by the lack of a native invite system and chat feature.
I love my Switch, but the PlayStation 5 definitely is the best place to enjoy Rise and Sunbreak.
An Amazing, If Pricey Expansion
Sunbreak is an amazing game, as you may have guessed. Capcom will always add more monsters and maps, but it is impressive how they continue to do so outside of the large expansions.
We appreciate the fact that each patch brings new content to players. Capcom is providing an endless buffet for hungry Hunters.
The PS5’s online functionality is excellent, as are the presentation and performance. Yes, I think it’s a bit expensive but if you like Monster Hunter there is more content here than in most full-price titles.
I would have loved more new monsters. However, the ones that we do have are beautiful and exciting to play. Now I’m off to chop some gigantic beasts up and make some new trousers. Hunters, see you later!
Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak now available for PS5 and PS4.
The publisher has kindly provided a review code.
