The turn-based JRPG set in the Monster Hunter universe is finally on the PC.
Similar in spirit
Pokemon riders
In the world of Monster Hunter, in addition to hunters, there are also monster riders: they not only destroy dangerous monsters, but also make friends with some of them. Once upon a time, this more or less harmonious coexistence is invaded by some unknown, unkind force. Even peaceful herbivorous giants suddenly begin to behave strangely: they fall into a rampage, fight with each other and even rush to people. What can we say about predators! Of course, in such a case, there is instantly a suitable legend about the end of the world and the corresponding main character – the grandson of the legendary rider nicknamed Red (the one who banished Black Corruption in the first Stories). Who else but him to save the situation when the universe flies off the coils and a uniform apocalypse is coming?
The events of the first part are remembered here constantly, but playing it is completely optional. How and in general to know about the existence of other games in the Monster Hunter series
The riding monster resembles a Roach in its habits. You can also call him with a whistle
In this anime, everything revolves around monsters. Firstly, there are really many monsters with strange names familiar from the “big” Monster Hunter series. There are eared elephants, and electric snake squirrels, and pink macaques that let out deadly gases, and in general creatures for every taste – they are all different and for the most part even cute. Secondly, all these charming monsters move the plot, and killing them seems to solve any problem. Children go missing? Kill the monster. Is the mill broken? Kill the monster. Do you want a stronger armor and a sharper blade? Well, you understand. Actually, in battles with giants, the main idea of Wings of Ruin is concluded. We do have a turn-based JRPG here, but Monster Hunter, don’t you forget?
This is how most battles go.
Stone, scissors, dragon
The battles take place according to the classic wall-to-wall scheme for the genre: the opposing sides line up in two lines opposite each other and in turn exchange multi-colored cuffs until the victorious end. The format is the same – “stone, scissors, paper”. More precisely, “power, technique, speed”, but this does not change the essence. In general, everything is like in 2016, except that the graphics have become prettier, the heroes now look more like normal people and animals, and not celluloid dolls, and the special effects are like fire and sparks, and not watercolor splashes.
Despite the seeming simplicity of the combat system, there was a place for its own nuances. From time to time we participate in elementary QTEs, change weapons (there are already six types of it, including exotics like spear guns or war horns) and monsters for more suitable in a particular situation, aiming at enemies in different parts of the body, use consumable items like bombs and traps , we carry out many special attacks … Any more or less serious enemy requires a tactical approach that takes into account his vulnerabilities and habits. There is no universal winning formula. Moreover, especially insidious adversaries change patterns of behavior right in the course of the battle, and then you have to improvise.
During the battle, the scale of communication with the monster gradually grows. You can spend it on special skills, or you can raise it to a hundred and saddle your horse. Each pet has its own “riding skill”, and its application is the most spectacular moment of any fight
Unfortunately, with all the range of combat capabilities, the variety of battles is clearly not enough. Perhaps the point is excessive simplicity: for the entire passage, I lost literally a couple of times, and even then because of my own laziness or inattention. Battles sometimes take too long, but here it is not about the danger of opponents, but about long health bars that have to be picked for a very long time – and this applies not only to bosses, but also to ordinary enemies. Even defeat does not mean final death, but just returning to the nearest village without losing experience, money or valuable junk. However, those who lack hardcore can go online and fight with other riders, no one will give you a descent there. At the same time, multiplayer is a purely optional thing, for which many thanks to him.
Sometimes the rider follows the monster with the help of “tracks”. Very reminiscent of a witch’s scent
I take apart monsters
Only monsters with special skills can get to some places. Someone knows how to jump, someone hammers stones with their forehead, someone climbs the vines … It turns out a simplified version of “metroidvania”
In general, there is nowhere without a craft. Actually, the whole gameplay loop usually comes down to killing monsters and collecting loot to make new weapons and armor from bones, skins and feathers to kill stronger monsters and collect more valuable loot from them … And so on, for several tens of hours. If you don’t want to experience problems with ingredients for equipment and side quests, you will have to cut out almost the entire local zoo. Why, after that, kind and living in harmony with nature, riders are better than cruel hunters is a mystery to me personally.
In short, deeds is a breakthrough. But the funny thing is that I really want to do all this, at least at first. I want to collect and hatch the eggs of all local monsters, open all the artsy armor and insane giant weapons, watch all the animations of special attacks. The only pity is that the game has enough fuse only for the first 10-15 hours: the closer to the final, the more the monsters themselves, and their lairs, and tactical fights get bored. So much so that you start to do everything, just not to collide with another monster in a cramped corridor and not start another battle – so colorful, but so protracted. Eh, be Wing of Ruin two or three times shorter! Then the score would have been at least a point higher. Still, “longer” does not always mean “better”.
Cute cats are responsible for transport and other services. Most of the side activities are associated with them, such as searching for traffic jams to buy decorative costumes and other optional junk.
Although everything is so good. For example, children will most likely like the game, and newcomers to the JRPG genre are also suitable. But to the one who, with closed eyes, makes some Demiurge in Persona 5, remembers by heart all the dialogues in Final fantasy vii or at least just distinguishes Hypno from Kadabra, there is not much to do here.
Pleased
- great soundtrack;
- epic videos;
- low system requirements.
Upset
- typical JRPG;
- weird mouse and keyboard controls;
- too sparing complexity of battles;
- tightness.
How we played
In what: the key is provided by the publisher.
On what: PC.
How many: about 30 hours.
Achievement of the editorial office
“Gotta catch ’em all!”
Really want to collect all the monsters. At least rare.
About localization
Text – in Russian, voice acting – English or Japanese (of course, I recommend the latter). The translation is not bad, even despite the ubiquitous naive acronyms. boy. ” and not very good moments like: “If you did not eat a donut … Do you have a louder stomach ?!”
Verdict
A cute, uncomplicated and generally archetypal JRPG is a good way to get to know the genre for complete beginners. But for veterans looking for a challenge, Wing of Ruin will surely get bored quickly.
