User blog comment:Mckrongs/Monster Hunter 4 for the Nintendo 3DS/@comment-3062343-20130914041741

Just thought I'd give a few first impressions of MH4, and hopefully talk about stuff that most people won't already know from watching livestreams/youtube videos. I've just unlocked the first large monster hunt (Aruserutasu), so I don't have any real experience with the combat yet, but I guess you can easily formulate an opinion on that from gameplay videos. *The graphics are pretty much on par with MH3G/MH3U, so no complaints there. Although, the Wyvern nest in the Ruins Field is kind of ugly IMO. *You start out with all 14 weapon types. Interestingly, the starter Insect Rod has a small amount of green sharpness, which makes it very appealing for early-game. It seems like green sharpness is easier to come by in the early stages of the game than it was in previous games. The first upgrade to the starting Charge Axe, for example, gets a relatively decent amount. *Kunchuu is possibly my favourite small monster in the series. Its rolling attack covers a really large distance, and there's actual (admittedly rather simple) strategy involved in taking them down efficiently. When they're curled up, attacks will knock them quite a way, and they then land on their backs, which makes them vulnerable to attacks. Pretty cool monster overall. *The climbing mechanics (at least the terrain-climbing; I haven't climbed on any monsters yet) is pretty fun, and IMO it doesn't detract from the "MH feeling" of the game. *I haven't figured out how to get my Felyne to accompany me on quests yet, so I can't give any opinion on how good their AI is. I'll probably start work on a quest list soon.