Wilds sets out to split the difference between these two experiences. Its combat is faster than Worlds, but slower than Rise's. It's bigger and much more vertical than World, but without Rise's wirebug – a sad casualty of a move to a more traditional game – much of that verticality is wasted.

Monster Hunter Wilds' battles are incredible and exciting ... but sometimes, it seems like you have to fight the game's story to find them.

Although popular franchises dot the video game landscape, few stand the test of time. Some capitalize on a spectacular idea and run the idea into the ground. Others are fine with building on the strength of a memorable story,

In my first few hours with Monster Hunter Wilds, I fought against a gigantic spider in waters that were as red as blood and dodged the onslaught of a twisting dragon amid a desert storm, complete with powerful strikes of lightning terrorizing the ground around me.