User blog comment:Lord Loss/Discussion of the Week: Temperate Areas/@comment-1758220-20130224225621

Good idea Loss, been too long since we've discussed environments.

Forest and Hills: Pretty much the only really good area from 1st generation. it's very well put together from a conceptual standpoint, with the flowing river (That strangely has a much different and in my opinion better surface texture than any other body of water in MHFU), the lofty plateaus in the distance, and the way that the clouds cast sailing shadows on the lowlands and hillsides in the distance, it's truly marvelous design work. I really hate the battle theme here (as with most 1st gen music), but the MHFO HR100 BGM in this area is gorgeous, not that we'll ever hear it. The roster of monsters is decent I guess. I always liked fighting Kut Ku here better than in the jungle, and sure, Rathalos is awesome too. This area also looks absolutely kickass at night. One final note, I think it's cool that this is the first and only area in the entire franchise that uses monsters as scenery that you can't get to rather than just for material drops.

 Deserted Island:  This is my favourite map on this list I think. The reason for this is quite simply the sheer variety. The map itself features highlands overlooking the water, deep, wet caves filled with Giggis, brief forested areas with a thick overhead canopy, foggy coves, deep blue seas and watery shoals flanked by towering waterfalls and ancient ruins. Thats a LOT of stuff I just listed off, and it's all in one area. It's gorgeous, atmospheric, and each individual area has something new to see and a unique element to it. The variety carries over to gameplay as well, as it is the only area on this list that allows both on terrestrial and aquatic exploration and combat. Even the monster roster is a mixed bag (and NO, I am NOT talking about the stupid free-hunt crap). You've got seaborne monsters like Lagiacrus, Plesioth, and R. Ludroth, all manner of terrestrial beasts like Zinogre, Brachydios, Arzuros and Great Jaggi, and flying terrors such as Rathian, Rathalos and Qurupeco. It's got a great battle score, one that incorporates the (amazing) 3rd-gen main theme, so extra marks there.

 Mountain Peaks:  An awesome area, though not as awesome as D. Island. One of the better 3rd gen maps though, for sure. I really like the base camp on this map, overlooking the tall, pillar-like peaks and the valley below. I like the presensce of civilization evident from the old buildings and rice terraces at area 4. The autumnal aesthetic used throughout much of the area (specifically area 6 though) is really nice, and area 7 is one of the best single areas in MHP3rd/MH3U. Speaking of area 7, WHY CAN'T I SWIM IN THAT SUPER INVITING-LOOKING LAKE?? Anyway, I'm really torn for best monster to fight here. The Mountain Peaks has one of the best battle themes in 3rd gen and one of my personal favourites from the series overall. On that basis alone I WOULD vote Duramboros, but instead I'll go with Zinogre, because come on. It's Zinogre.