If there’s a singular idea that defines Monster Hunter, it’s the grind. Capcom’s mega-hit franchise, ever since its inception on the PSP, has flourished because of how it embraces the very idea of grinding and transforms it into an infectiously fun gameplay loop. Repetition and habit are vital parts of the series, so it makes sense, then, that the mobile game gacha format would eventually come to Monster Hunter, fitting currencies and timed gauges into that collecting and grinding experience. But my biggest surprise with Monster Hunter Outlanders has been how it’s a comprehensive, full-fledged Monster Hunter packed onto phones and tablets. While it does eventually get buried under an avalanche of currencies to keep track of and some gacha roadblocks, there’s enough meat on the bone here to sustain those hungry for more Monster Hunter or a solid action RPG on mobile.
Like most Monster Hunter games, Outlanders follows a group of intrepid explorers from the Adventurer’s Guild, this time sent to the uncharted island of Aesolan to investigate a mineral called Radiantate, and how it’s influencing various breeds of monsters. After a brief action-packed intro, you’re essentially let loose onto the island, free to explore the first environment or tackle the story as you see fit.
