Episode 58: Monster Hunter World

Oh hi there! Didn’t notice you. Happy to see ya again. It’s been a little bit, I know. But let’s start this final quarter off strong.

Yes, it’s official. It’s my last season on air. It’s been a really tough decision to make, lots of mixed feelings all around, but it feels appropriate to end my stint here. 8 years on the dot will be my final show, January 1st, 2020. My first time having a New Years show, my first time having a Christmas Day show, and (as far as I know) not a single show preemption to mess up the flow. I’ll be looking forward to a nonstop sprint towards the finish until 2020 hits, so I hope you’ll join me on this last journey!

On this week’s episode, the outstanding mainstream hit, Monster Hunter World. Now Capcom’s best-selling game in history, it took what was an otherwise fantastic Japanese franchise and made it appeal to the overseas audiences without compromising the complexities and formula that grew its initial hardcore fandom. It reminds me of the FromSoft games (Dark Souls, Bloodborne) with how it plays, but is able to better balance the challenging bosses and the strength you develop. Overall one of my favorite games to play, easy to pick up a boss fight here and there after work, and really showcases successful game design that can bridge the gap between “Eastern” and “Western” audiences.

Hope you enjoyed!

Note: Because I could not find a legal place to stream the soundtrack, I’ve linked to the official Steam page where you can purchase the tracks. Sorry for the inconvenience!

*** denotes new release

Tadayoshi Makino – Cornerstone of the New World ~ Astera – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Yuko Komiyama – Gorgeous Days ~ Private Suite – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Yuko Komiyama – Savage of the Ancient Forest – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Tadayoshi Makino – Quest Complete! (Proof of a Hero Version) – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Akihito Narita – Meowscular Chef’s Custom Platter – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Tadayoshi Makino – Preparing for the Journey ~ Living Quarters – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Zhenlan Kang – Celestial Pursuit ~ Bustling Heavens – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Akihiko Narita – Wildspire Waste: Medium Monsters Abound – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Akihiko Narita – Rulers of the Wildspire – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Tadayoshi Makino – Quest Failed – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack

Tadayoshi Makino – Beast with Fire Upon Its Back ~ Zorah Magdaros – Monster Hunter: World Original Soundtrack