What is Monster Hunter really about?

#monsterhunter #monsterhunterworld #monsterhunterrise
Here's a short analysis on Monster Hunter's art direction, and what I believe the game's theme and message is. What I believe Monster Hunter can tell us about humanity and our role on planet Earth.
MH's Story Analysis Video: • “no one plays Monster ...
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
00:00 Intro
01:37 Core Design Philosophy of Monster Hunter
10:48 Monster Hunter is a Reflection of Humanity
24:00 We will Forever "Hunt Monsters"
52:34: Outro
Special thanks to @nervosen for MH1 multiplayer footage.
Special thanks to all my Patrons!
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And SUBSCRIBE if you'd like to see more videos like this.
All my Social Medias: linktr.ee/pikminjake
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I LOVE MONSTER HUNTER
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[@jakobmonsterhunter]

Here's a short analysis on Monster Hunter's art direction, and what I believe the game's theme and message is. What I believe Monster Hunter can tell us about humanity and our role on planet Earth. MH's Story Analysis Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3-tgIiPmLR_jLM 00:00 Intro 01:37 Core Design Philosophy of Monster Hunter 10:48 Monster Hunter is a Reflection of Humanity 24:00 We will Forever "Hunt Monsters"

[@juicypineapple6995]

Dude, there is no God. Grow up and get your shit together, lol.😂😂😂😂😂

[@muro158]

i find it really hard explining to my friends what monster hunter really is about, because it really is just about hunting monsters

[@nathankettle357]

No

[@TheXell]

Yes

[@TheSplendidSolitude]

Perhaps

[@marmyeater]

Aggressive Environmental Conservation. That's my go-to explanation.

[@Virjunior01]

Nah... I go with the text when you pop in a UMD for PSP... Enjoy the beauty of nature in a world filled with giant monsters. It's very much about nature, morphology, behaviors, and learning how to use them all to your advantage.

[@Kojisama]

29:30 "They aren't mindless evil monsters, born from Evil to destroy Humanity" while showing 5 bullfango in one zone. I don't know man, I'm pretty sure Bullfango exists to make your life miserable lmao great video

[@AngelosRitter]

bullfango and Gen 1 raptors/Bugs just are made to bully you out of the game man

[@Jade_The_Peryton]

@@AngelosRitter Amen, raptors are easy to deal with, but the bulfango's and bugs.. they can rot in the deepest pits of super hell.

[@somepvpguy69]

​@@Jade_The_Peryton Personally, I think bullfango will just rule super hell, send them to ultra hell

[@Jade_The_Peryton]

@@somepvpguy69 Ahhh good point, actually why not make them rule both? They can guard the gates.

[@justascaredpussycat1869]

This is why It was the GOLDEN RULE to get rid of small monsters first before hunting.

[@jimjimson6208]

[LONG WINDED RAMBLING WARNING!!!] Hi, I'm up to the part where you talk about how Ceadeus is an exploration of how nature will ultimately reject human domination. Apologies if you address this later but I want to add some of my analyses, because I find myself somewhat disagreeing with your interpretation (and have the Monster Hunter Tri brainrot). Personally, I don't think that Ceadeus is meant to represent even a temporary 'triumph' over the disastrous power of nature. I think that rather than a reminder of the futility of trying to overcome nature, it is instead a rejection of the participation in this 'arms race' at all, for reasons I will explain. It is worth noting that (at least in the 'canon' confrontation), you don't actually defeat Ceadeus, you just break its horn and send it on its way. I think this is an important distinction to make, because the entire reason the earthquakes are happening is because Ceadeus is trying to break/grind away/whatever its painfully overgrown horn. This is relevant, I would posit, to the overall theming of Tri around humanity's relationship with the sea, as well as to Ceadeus' foil character, the Lagiacrus. The Lagiacrus is initially positioned as the culprit for the earthquake, and its design embodies popular cultural and historic perceptions of the sea: it's dark hue and lightning evoke deadly ocean stormfronts, and it has elements of both real and fictitious aquatic predators in it's crocodilian-esque jaw and serpentine body. Within the story it attacks the village fishermen and it appears that the people believe it to do so out of malice rather than necessity. I feel confident, then, in my claim that Lagiacrus is an idol of the collective human fear of the ocean, encompassing both animal and environmental threats. So, as you said, the hunter is sent to defeat this calamitous force of nature. And they do, they defeat this symbol of everything they struggle against, but to what end? The earthquakes go on. Nature rages unabated. Enter Ceadeus, whose design evokes a whale, and whose white hide calls to mind both the brightness of white sand and the unknowable alienness of the seafloor. It doesn't cause the earthquake out malice, or even conflict with humans, but rather complete ignorance and indifference to our suffering. That it is the true culprit of the earthquake makes me think that it is similarly the truth of the ocean that the writers and designers were trying to convey. When its horn is broken and its pain is eased, it simply leaves. It isn't a 'triumph' over nature, it is an accord, or at the very least a compromise, with nature. Ceadeus is the wholeness of the sea, all of its terrible destruction, but also its beauty, calm, and majesty; Lagiacrus is fractured, it is violence without the peace, hate without love. Lagiucrus is, in my opinion, a one sided human interpretation of the sea, while Ceadeus is the ultimate truth of it. The hunter kills Laguacrus. It cannot kill Ceadeus. Slaying the Lagiacrus achieves nothing, because the Lagiacrus itself represents the lie that the sea needs to be slain. Breaking horns of the Ceadeus and ending its suffering, to me at least, suggests an accord with the sea: give to the sea, and the sea gives back. Moga Village lives in harmony with the sea: it was never meant to dominate it. It's only when this truth is accepted that they can be freed from the earthquakes that threaten them. [END RAMBLING] Anyway, cool video. Sorry about any mistakes in my response, I wrote this at 3am. Peace.

[@hyper_sword8835]

Damn, that's a really well thought out take. I haven't even played tri but I feel compelled to agree

[@Markcus003]

ok that shit is really good and to add to your comment I really hate when we the hunter for some reason able to "kill" the embodiments of nature aka elder dragon, i dont mind the concept of defeating them but killing them is frantically impossible specially if we based this elder dragon on lore.

[@jeremiahtorrevillas4396]

@@Markcus003 in canon lore only wyverian can kill elder tier wyverns not axtual elders

[@johnlecavalier6199]

this is a really good analysis

[@TornaitSuperBird]

@@jeremiahtorrevillas4396Cite your sources. If you can't come up with one I'll just write off what you're saying as bullshit.

[@rattled6732]

Monster hunter is about making cool pants

[@GeneralIVAN894]

"fair and based opinion my fellow fashion hunter" From - The Fashion hunter that also likes to Farm

[@heyheythrowaway]

And if you've got fatalis armor it's literally the ARMOR OF GOD.

[@justascaredpussycat1869]

Every end-game hunters. Hours of choosing which pants make my girl fabulous.

[@nadlanod5897]

It's actual some sort of twisted metaphysical experiment to see if human desire can be manipulated. For example, it took me over 100 hunts to get a Rathalos Mantle when I needed 2 of them. But the very next one dropped a mantle when all I needed was a lash.

[@TheXell]

The Greed-Sensor in action.

[@vaethe_w]

Oh man I'm new to the series and just started farming for a rathalos mantle in master rank. This comment is dark tidings. Update: I got it.

[@TheXell]

In other news, I just had 10 Celestial Prints drop in a round of Steam Engine gacha. Guess I'm not gonna farm for a while.

[@Matthias129]

@@TheXell Ackchyually, it was known as the Desire Sensor from ye olden days of the PS2. (Hopefully the tongue in cheek nature is apparent here) It's good to know, though, that no matter what changes throughout the series, that is one thing that will always be present.

[@varnix1006]

​@@TheXellmy friend had 30 Celestial Prints and less than 20 Gourmet Vouchers. On the on the other hand, I have less than 10 Celestial Prints and more than 100 Gourmet Voucher. The game is unfair for both of us.

[@forkedentry3214]

"No other game setting permits such an fantastical and exhilarating experience as being a normal human mortal facing a mythical creature." Just summed up why I love this series. This is also probably why I haven't put as many hours into GU and Sunbreak. The extremely flashy player moves and Frontier-esque style is just a vastly different experience because the players have become fantastical with their super speed and herculean special moves. I think Sunbreak only re-tips the mythical balance back towards the monsters when facing Risen elder dragons because they answer your increased mobility and counters with their own overwhelming speed and savagery.

[@bigwee125]

Monster Hunter is about hunting monsters. Which led them to making the monsters worth hunting as much as possible, make them as real as they could, which got them to make entire detailed ecosystems in which the monsters live in and survive, which is why hunting monsters feels so fun. The monsters are worth hunting.

[@thmistrapillay1811]

For me Monster Hunter, despite the obvious theme of respecting nature, is about true utter fun *'Adventure'* Every aspect from the many beautiful and happy melodies & music, to the vibrant lively worlds, to the intriguing discovery of every new Monster and the constant getting-back-up-&-trying-again either solo or with a party of fun-loving teammates *_all_* screams *"Adventure"* It's honestly the most adventurous and happy feeling game I've ever played and it does it to a degree to which I'll always come back to the adventure

[@-siranzalot-]

I think Monster Hunters concept is actually very simple. Once you understand what a Hunter does in the real World (not the ones hunting for sports but the ones that are actually needed) there is not much more explaining to do. Identifying threats to a currently sustainable ecosystem (which the guild does and posts as contracts for us in the game) and then go and alleviate said ecosystem of that threat. The appeal of the games gameplay loop is - though very much taken to the extreme - pretty much the same as it is in real life: become a hunter who understands his craft (and weaponry), do as clean a job as possible by getting better at what you do through experience and, last but not least, don't waste any ressources.

[@rydersharp7554]

This man did not have to go this hard on a monster hunter video but GODDAMN ITS SO GOOD

[@Apoollo_11]

Fun fact:Original producers of GEN 1 and 2 already left after Royzo took over,thats one of the reasons of the big style changing at Tri era There's no way to go back to original and gen 2 style anymore.

[@BadEnd98]

Tbh, I love the gen 3 era onward, I couldn't stand the jank of first and 2nd game, aesthetic and graphics too

[@AngelosRitter]

thats probably because you didnt start with gen 1 or 2 properly. playing them After you played a Gen that came After them, you will not feel the same hype and love as you had for your first truly played MH gen. @@BadEnd98

[@GrievyRZ]

What is even meant with "style"? Is it the gameplay, atmosphere, aesthetic or narrative. This is such a nothing argument.

[@justascaredpussycat1869]

I started with 2G and oh boy do I get crapped by Naga-chan.

[@Apoollo_11]

@@GrievyRZ yeah the atmosphere,my English is crappy lol

[@Verbose_Mode]

One of the things I took away from Monster Hunter is that the "grind" is not canon. The monsters are numerous, humanity is small and mostly ignored, and occasionally _a_ monster becomes an issue. Hunter's roles are more like park rangers, and while requests come in they tend to only be granted because they are a greater danger to human life or, if not, not going to have a significant impact on the environment. I always got the implication from every game that not only is humanity to small to make a devastating impact, but that we are actively trying _not_ to, and to have the environment hum along as it should. Elder Dragons, however, are disruptive beyond what humans do, and World shows this. The mere presence of one where it's not usually at (and we don't hunt them in their homes often) to be results in all endemic wildlife fleeing, the very weather changing wildly. Yes, the environment and nature move on if things happen, but how is the already spartan life in the Elder's Recess supposed to recover under the scorching heat or searing winds from a Teostra or Kushala that wandered in attracted by Xeno'jiva's cocoon? Sure, Xeno'jiva is part of the "environment" in being apart from humans, but it's design and impact on the space around it implies it's not a part of the "environment" in the way of normal nature; it's an invasive species causing all hell to break loose. Finally: a lot of the "research" in World is nonsense, co course, but I think that has more to do with the writers not understanding ecological research and the need to have a video game. Pure fan speculation on my part but I like to think there's only like a dozen hunters or so to the hundreds of researchers and workers, and they do fin without us 90% of the time. We just get called in when they hit roadblocks of a Dodogama deciding seismometers are tasty or a Odogaron getting way to bold with survey teams.

[@roughlyadequate6165]

for Crimson Qurupeco the process is called Piezoelectric discharge. The crystals on its wings contain structures that can store and release energy through an electromechanical interaction. A lead zirconate titanate crystal can hold the charge and will discharge when struck or deformed.

[@Rankaquion]

actually astalos, qurupeco and anjanath make sense, they're an extrapolation on piezoelectricity, which is why anjanath vibrates it's tail wing and astalos it's horn wing

[@memyselfishness]

They don't make sense evolutionarily. Why did they gain those powers? Not, how do they use them.

[@Rankaquion]

@@memyselfishness evolutionary speaking there is some sense, piezoelectricity is the most common in insects and birds

[@thechugg4372]

@@memyselfishness wdym why? You either use electricity to fuck up your airborne neighbour or you're dead that's literally evolution in a nutshell

[@memyselfishness]

@@thechugg4372 but they already had adaptations to use fire and there isn't a reasonable explanation of pressure for them to evolve to something so drastically different.

[@Rankaquion]

@@memyselfishnessthey didn't ever over from their regular counterpart they evolve from their base, both had nothing then evolved to something. In anjanath's case, the one from warmer climate got fire and the one from cold possibly due to high calorie intake that takes to sustain a flame sac got lightning

[@joe_the_zombie]

This is a dope video and all, but you know, I reckon the first couple seconds did a pretty darn good job explaining it

[@XxMissLadyBlissxX]

You don’t even kill ceadeus in MH3s village you break his horn which was overgrown and irritating him and he leaves. I think that that’s probably the best example of monster Hunter and the story it’s trying to tell.

[@_highmonkey]

I just love how Fatalis the monster that shapes the world around him and rule all monsters looks so simple and generic and fights so simple too, just like humans

[@RyumaXtheXKing]

20:15 I love the old school cutscenes so much. The atmosphere is amazing and really sells the grounded fantasy. I need a movie like that.

[@justascaredpussycat1869]

Those are literally my whole childhood.

[@fulltimeslackerii8229]

It’s funny that they say “we’re not just gonna make changes randomly to make the game easier” despite doing that for world and rise in many many ways lol

[@boshwa20]

Also for charging money for layered armor for "better access"

[@justascaredpussycat1869]

@@boshwa20I mean, you don't need to buy them? It changes nothing with gameplay.

[@boshwa20]

@@justascaredpussycat1869 Event quest rewards with stickers and gestures instead of the stuff stuck behind the shop says otherwise

[@justascaredpussycat1869]

@@boshwa20 Still changes nothing? And all the good layered armors are from FREE event quests anyway. I don’t even know what are you blabbering about anymore.

[@boshwa20]

@@justascaredpussycat1869 There has been nothing but an objective escalation World Iceborne had paid gestures and stickers Rise had paid layered armors Sunbreak has paid layered weapons There is a clear escalation, and what else is left after this? Monsters and actual gear

[@pixelmaster9964]

“Hey I was thinking of getting into monster hunter and I know you play it a lot, what’s it about?” “The hubris of man” “…”

[@ripp3rjak934]

Capcom took a gamble with this game. No ads and it went straight to video. It found its footing in the handheld scene then suddenly it blew up on consoles

[@AncientFataIis]

I've always had the perspective that in the current time where we are experiencing Monster Hunter games, humans aren't trying to dominate or tame nature. Up until World where there was an actual story around "humans driving nature/correcting it", I always felt like humans were just coexisting and participating. That unlike our world where we are constantly overcoming nature and transforming the world to our needs, humans have found their place in its cycle. Hunting even in our world isn't just about killing the animal to dominate nature, though it absolutely can be about that. Killing an animal for food, or space, or materials isn't going against nature; that is participating in its cycle. In Monster Hunter we hunt and kill these creature and they also consume people and destroy human settlements; it's gritty and ruthless but in spite of that the people we see who live in this world don't seem to be crushed by the fear of monsters or have strong hatred towards them. People genuinely seem to have respect for monsters and accept them as a normal part of living. There's no "we must eradicate all monsters for the good of humanity." This is a major part of what makes Monster Hunter so special to me and what really hooked me on the original game on PS2.

[@dinoseen3226]

TBH I sorta don't really think you can call them humans without that drive - irl we've made every threatening megafauna we've had problems with extinct. They're kinda psychologically different - irl it's only our dominance over and separation from nature that allows eco-conscious mindsets to form in the first place, because that ecology is no longer threatening us, safe in our civilisations. When a situation is life and death, humanity as a whole/on average is always going to look out for number one, even if that means making beautiful creatures extinct.

[@scarops]

Really excellent video. You articulated several ideas I've always had, but couldn't put into words. Thanks for that

[@nervosen]

Stellar video! The comparisons of monsters to creatures in real life mythologies/legends is one I don't see often explored by the community at large. I wish more people were willing/able to see Monster Hunter as a mirror to our own world (even with it's numerous fantasy elements). You've really improved at getting your points across since the 'ol Dos video.

[@TornaitSuperBird]

Rise just made this comparison a lot more apparent, but it's always been there in the series.

[@TheLordGojira]

I was very pleasantly surprised with the last chunk of video-I didn’t think it was going there, but I think you’ve got it in essence. Kudos! It makes me very happy to see someone come to similar conclusions independently, makes me feel like what’s there is there and not just in my head, haha I’m a little sad I dragged (and am dragging) my feet so long on making a video talking about it to not beat you to the punch, but I still have lots and lots novel to talk about, and I hope when I release something you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed this. Congrats on a good video covering things people don’t talk about enough! -Goji

[@trombonegamer14]

You love the kirin armor set so much lol

[@empiar5481]

In his defense the kirin set is designed to be loved

[@alureon25]

This is a really neat perspective and a very well-made video. MH can be about whatever the player wishes, whether it be hunting, decorating, or researching the world and its creatures, which is why it's so accessible. Thanks for making this!

[@Mountain_Dandy]

Another banger essay as usual! 🔥 Thanks for the great breakdown

[@itsMoxichu]

Monster Hunter is about hunting monsters. Monster Hunter is also about making memories hunting said monsters with other hunters along the way.

[@Kormeister]

I was not expecting the theological angle, but it was very welcome & did add a lot to explain your view. The contrasts you note hit the nail on the head. Everything together makes for a compelling video!

[@peaberry9413]

Holy, consider me a new subscriber. This is the stuff I LOVE to talk about but my friends don't see it this way. Thank you so much for giving me more to think and talk about!

[@dontaco5317]

I just want to say that 23:00 is SUCH a cool shot that you got together with the background music, I would say you encapsulated perfectly the way I fell about the series

[@ShadowMistNinja]

came in not expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. great video and a trip down memory lane with OG monster hunter. used to listen to in game music from options menu all the time. Also never thought about how similar games were to our own old world.

[@Dave_Chrome]

Your content make up what are probably my favorite MH videos, period. I've not seen anyone else talk about this series in a more thoughtful way, and I hope you keep fleshing out your ideas like this whenever you get them!

[@TheDeathToaster]

One of my favorite parts about monster hunter is making the armor sets. Usually it was best to stick with one monsters full armor set especially in iceborne, but in the older games I used to stay up for hours mixing up different armors and talismans to make something unique and awesome.

[@evankurasu3190]

That opening statement x follow-up earned my subscription. Take it

[@RevengeRaptorREAL]

Amazing video my man. It's refreshing to see someone put into words what I've taken from the MH franchise myself.

[@thepcplayer3265]

followed you on twitter for about a year. I never realized you had a youtube channel. Great video dude, gonna have to check out the rest of your videos.

[@nikitasavenged9374]

Fantastic video, friend! Especially liked the conclusion segment. Keep up the good job!

[@oxbezoar]

really great video!! thank you for your hard work!

[@YouMystMe]

This is the best Monster Hunter video I have ever watched! I love your stuff dude, happy hunting!

[@switch-axe]

Man, I love proof of hero especially in world it was awesome the transition.

[@hekucarrasco2870]

I've always interpreted Fatalis as a representaion of humanity itself. I don't want to sound "humanity bad" but in our real world, there is none that hates humans more than humans themselves, and there is none that kills more human and destroy our civilization more than humans themselves. The world of monster hunter on the opposite is pretty idilic talking about human interaction. Everyone is happy, and there is no major inter-human conflict other than poachers that goes against the guild regulations afaik. In this sense, following the line of thought of Elder Dragons representing forces of nature and disasters, Fatalis would represent the hatred of humanity itself as a major and probably the biggest disaster (cuz of war and all that). I'm not an expert of japanese philosophy at all, but recently i found some kind of confirmation on their vision of "humanity evil side" as a force of disaster within Jujutsu Kaisen, with Mahito, someone that represented the worst emotions of humanity, being part (and even the leader) of a group that was supposed to represent forces of nature like volcanos and tsunamis. This would go hand in hand with MH second greatest topic right after hunting monsters, that is cooperation and community as humans, thus making Fatalis the perfect enemy to that.

[@ThePiersBishop]

Damn Jake, every time I watch one of your long videos, I think you've gone as deep as one can go into MH analysis, and everytime I'm proved wrong by the next one. I love it ! A lot of these points are notions that were already present in your amazing MH2 video, but in a much more concise and constructed manner, really scratching an itch I didn't know was there by being way more direct in the analysis of MH's theming. It really shows how much you've grown as a creator, and I for one am all for it. I'll have to watch it again tomorrow, or whenever I'm done passing all your various points through my mind, just to absorb as much of it as I can. Thank you for the content. Take care.

[@NoImNotPedro]

I'm loving the video so far! Your analysis is excelent, it is always incredible the ammount of thought you put into this series. I have never been great with analysis, but in many of your videos you have helped me think/dissect why i love these games, so thank you! Have a great day, Jakob!

[@user-yw9mw9hv8o]

Love the montage at 22:10

[@josefernandez4423]

I remember back when MHW was just released. I jump from streamer to streamer on twitch streaming it, and one of the common first impression of the monster hunter gameplay is that it's just a boss rush game like dark souls. but after a few hours into the game, when they understood that you craft armors and weapons from the parts you carved from the monsters you kill, it hit them, they understood, then they got hooked.

[@LateiiTheParty]

Bravo 👏🏾 excellent vid on a deep dig

[@jazzking348]

Really enjoyed the video. Not too sure on the theological bits, but I really found the idea that the monsters we see are all that exist pretty neat. Never thought about it like that. Also didn't play gen 1 but the music and the way you explained it really helped hammer home the point that Monster Hunter even from back then was about an ecosystem. I always thought it was just fighting cool monsters up until 4U and World. Again, great video!

[@bensarmchuqui7164]

white fatalis theme is my favorite in the series, because i feel like im fighting god. now i realize that was the case

[@wichiewamirez5599]

After watching all those ratatoskr streams and feeing I know how you think about things alittle more, I really see the work and thought that went into this video. Good job dude. I wish I could like it more than once.

[@viviteng2419]

Very meaningful insights. Now it's mine and I am going to show off to my friends

[@mechadebzilla]

Really enjoying your analysis!

[@Daestrro]

always a glorious day when Jakob posts a new video

[@josephthomas3766]

How does thunder element in Crimson Q ,Fulgur A ,and Astalos not make sense. It's clear these creatures use piezoelectricity. Crimson and Astalos are more obvious as their animations show parts engaging some form of friction to generate an electrical charge. Crimson striking it's and Astalos twitching its wings and horn to generate an electric charge.Fulgur does this by force he generates while moving or fighting. You answer your own question when you brought up Tobi-kadachi. Over great video this just really got to me.

[@DeadPig325]

great video great deepcuts like the guitar song from 1

[@Teo_stra]

Very cool video Jackson

[@lordfangar5671]

This video goes unbelievably hard, it might be your best video yet. Absolutely outstanding

[@franciscor390]

What a masterpiece, I'll definitely will be listening to this a couple of times more because there's so much to extract here.

[@nogoaway7540]

This is really solid. I expected a typical video essay but you raised some really solid points comparing the typical flow of a monster hunter game, with the early game monsters being relatively simple and mundane, to the later monsters being representative of vaster, unknowable creative forces, and finally the judgment, or test of Fatalis, as man's struggle to assert himself against nature. Man wants to play god, man finds that nature, and eventually, the primordial creative forces, push back unless he proves himself worthy. The evidence of failed civilizations lingering in the wild show that this is a trial has faced time and time again, and the recurrence of fatalis time and time again, as a godlike being with a hatred of man as a final test, is your chance to prove this generation of hunters worthy. You're on to something, there's something distinctly demonic and unsettling about his design for being a fairly normal looking black dragon, who's carapace is made from all of those who've previously failed his test. It looks very much like the old wyrms and dragons of older medieval texts, reminiscent of the dragon face by St. George. Excellent video, this was a nice listen.

[@LordShonji]

Astalos' thunder is actually kinda neat, that constant moving each of the breakable body parts do is generating electricity similar to how our muscles makes small amounts of electricity to move via neurons. So that halbert crest you always see on his head gyrating back and forth is it generating it via constant movement

[@zack_feldman]

Wonderful video man

[@HerEvilTwin]

Amazing video Jakob

[@justsomejojo]

Something I can't get out of my head since I started playing the series, is how the humans in the game act. It's gonna sound very strange I think. When I started (in Tri) I had an incredibly hard time. Like, almost timed out on Great Jaggi-hard time. It was my first action game proper because as a handicapped person I had been taught (not literally, but through constant experiences) that stuff that requires reaction time and dexterity (in this case, action games) would be impossible to ever play for me. But I loved the world of the game. I was always a fan of animals and monsters (spurred on by my grandfather's dinosaur encyclopedia and then Pokemon) and MH had some of the most fascinating creatures. And, more importantly to my point here, I loved Moga Village and its inhabitants. The few cutscenes and the way the NPCs move and interact felt incredibly cozy and welcoming. At one pivotal point, I remember I thought "I want to enjoy the world the way they do". I was incredibly frustrated at my own lack of skill and was miserable between all those happy NPCs. And I didn't get why they were so happy when there's earthquake-creating leviathans out there. I wanted that. I eventually got it, when I played all the way through MH3U with two friends and slowly became much MUCH better at the game. But I think that experience is also another facet of what Monster Hunter is about. In every MH game, the people in it are always pretty happy, confident and they are that even in the face of calamity. In 3, earthquakes coul destroy Moga at any time. In 4, Val Habar is built in the territory of an Elder Dragon. In Rise, there's a rampage going on that already destroyed the village before. I think MH, in a way, combines this narrative of the never ending battle with nature with a pretty motivational one - not usually through the actual narrative (the day when the power of friendship saves the day will be a sad one) but through the way the humans in this world deal with living at the bottom of the food chain and hare happy doing it.

[@Malastrome]

I always tell my friends that it's about keeping nature in balance and preventing calamities in the environment. It's like hunting world-ending deers; You need to keep the population in check

[@baitposter]

4:40 I would contend that the humans are still magical in their superhuman status

[@nerdwana]

Thanks for the vid

[@FenrisRM]

god i love the kushala theme so much, brings me back to the first time i huddled in the middle of the night in front of my PSP

[@alottadamage3040]

nice vid :) solid interpretation

[@thanamesswish6077]

I got into Monster Hunter right at the release of Generations, which admittedly, I didn't play too far into, as I was really confused and overwhelmed by all of the meals, weapons, armor, etc. but I loved the concept.. As someone that will binge a game, for a few weeks, and then not touch it for months, sometimes years, it took me a long time to "beat" MH World, and I'm almost done with Rise, but I am absolutely sold that it's one of, if not THE best series I've ever been introduced to.. This video will certainly help me sell the concept to friends of mine, as I was someone who explained it as "Imagine being a normal human that goes out and hunts dinosaurs with superpowers.. Oh, and you get a cat person to help you.." Which is a horrible way to try and get someone to want to try it out for themselves..

[@CalixerGC]

Amazing video. As a long time fan, if someone asks me "What is monster hunter about?" I'll be sure to send them this video.

[@RoniDraws]

thanks for the vid

[@blatblan]

Epi tome

[@SkyTowerKurogane]

Great video. I really enjoyed listening. I don't agree with a lot of your interpretations, but it was a very enjoyable time.

[@lapisfengari2428]

There's a lot that was said here that I couldn't exactly articulate about what I love about the series and especially about how it handles ecology in it, particularly the bit about it going from hunting stuff that feels like stuff that either exists or once existed on Earth to eventually progressing to hunting the embodiment of natural concepts like natural disasters Edit: One thing i forgot to mention is I feel like this is a huge part of why other monster hunting games have repeatedly failed to capture the same magic that Monster Hunter does, all of them just jump straight into the deep end with the fantastical elements as opposed to building up to them like Monster Hunter

[@dinoseen3226]

Tbh I think Monster Hunter is also just good at tricking laymen into thinking many phenomena make realistic sense, when if you look into it it really doesn't and is just magic with pretend science on top a lot of the time.

[@SkyTowerKurogane]

Hey I didn't know all that about that soundtrack of the tavern in MH1. That's so cool, I really dig it and I kind of want to appropriate it for tabletop uses. Is there a playlist/track that has the noise/music in a seamless track I can use?

[@SkyTowerKurogane]

Yes there is: Monster Hunter (PS2) All Tavern Music and ambiance

[@SeamusTreacy]

Your videos keeping me sane while trying to quit smoking lol, best monster hunter videos on this platform if im not playing mh4u im watching mh videos haha

[@Spike2276]

I think that Fatalis (the black one) is not representative of God or nature, but instead of death. It's literally in it's name, it is fatal, it is final. And it's not just the death of a person, but the death of cultures and civilizations, which is why we face it in Schrade and why the story of Schrade exists. In fighting the black Fatalis we conquer that which could end us as a people. Whch is also why i think they chose to make Fatalis immortal with it's eternal regenaration/reincarnation through those that wear it's armor. There is no such thing as ending the end. And then they evolved the process to not just have you defy natural death, but it's ultimate devilish/divine incarnations: the Devil in Crimson Fatalis, and God in White Fatalis.

[@pikminjake]

Fatalis is called Miraboreasu in Japanese version. Its name has “Miracle” in it. Neither of these matter when the game itself says that the name refers to a phenomenon.

[@azure4622]

I don't think nature and death are mutually exclusive

[@Spike2276]

@@pikminjake Well, in game lore states that Fatalis is the event which wiped out the nation of Schrade, but outside of the game (and i believe that in Iceborne this was more or less made canon with Fatalis' appearance in the storyline) we know that the "event" was the black dragon we fight. And since they are one and the same i think it's fair to say that the name Fatalis in reference to the dragon itself.

[@Spike2276]

@@azure4622 They aren't mutually exclusive at all, death is one of the facets that make up nature. I just think that Fatalis embodies that specific facet of it instead of embodying the divine.

[@zanthe_]

49:00 i feel like Fatalis is representative of War, humanity destroying itself.

[@zanthe_]

Base Fatalis - Offensive War Red Fatalis - War of Retaliation White Fatlais - Total War, maybe Holy War, MAYBE Nuclear War

[@kolelis2]

Thank you very much for this video. You made me realize how important Monster Hunter is for my personal beliefs and my direction as a writer. I am a hunter since MHF2 and I always believed that Monster Hunter is a unique experience. Unlike any other. I always found myself in these cruel hunting grounds. Through my achievements and failures, I saw a brief reflection of what I could be. Fear became courage in the face of the unknown, which I had to analyze its weaknesses, movements and behavior in order to face it directly. Relaxing moments became pretty important too, as the villages themselves were very welcoming and made me strive to improve myself and help everyone around me. Pokke village will always be my home. A place where I belong. As the monsters became more and more difficult I finally found a proof that I could be a hero somewhere. To fight against the odds of nature. However I was never alone in this journey. Other fellow hunters helped me achieve this goal. The others were heroes too. United Heroes, now forgotten by time itself. And thus legends were born and then perished, as the world had the need of heroes again. I grew up with Monster Hunter. Monster Hunter developed too in those years. So many titles. So many monsters. And I realize through your other videos, that you want to see Monster Hunter reach its true potential. I can't thank you enough for that. I really hope that Wilds will implement all of your hopes and ideas. Let me quote something from MHF1. ''Hmph. It seems you've set your sights on being a hunter. What is a hunter? A lonely soldier without a name. Someone with an eye for collecting. Someone chiseled with memories of victory with comrades. Everyone has one or two of those traits, but a hunter must have them all.'' -Kokoto Chief MHF1.

[@snowcloudshinobi]

36:12 i feel this way about glacial agnaktor and ash kecha wacha. neither subspecies make a whole lot of sense and just seem like palette swaps with polar opposite elemental abilities.

[@beetogarcia9983]

0:00 I never would have guessed

[@froststatecansir1180]

Simple. It's the proof of a hero like the main theme is named.

[@R2Otube]

I waited all day to watch this. Finally after a long days work. I am in bed putting this video on. I'll probably fall asleep part way through. But, I'll just finish it on the way to work. I'm excited. Time push play.

[@masonhales]

Capcom has seen way too much $uccess with turning Monster Hunter into a flashy action game. It's highly highly unlikely Monster Hunter will ever be a hunting game again.

[@HolyKonchu]

Name a monster hunter game that isnt about hunting monsters

[@calebfoley5872]

Thunder tends to be a really useful element in some of the games, and in japanese culture thunder is very strongly related to divinity.

[@HauntedHypno]

Speak facts my brother, spit your shit indeed. Great video, loved it

[@Sirfortune881]

Man hearing the kokoto village tune agen brings back some memories back when the right analog stick was attack lol

[@Dukemon94]

Which MH ost did you use at 3:10 please????🙏🏼

[@jeffreywiggins3502]

Loved MH:W. I really delved deep into spec evo and ecology because of that game.

[@zule10000]

I think monster ecology and the struggle to maintain balance with living forces of nature in a 'bonepunk' setting are most of the flairs I like to describe the game with to newcomers. The thirst to know more tends to hook people well enough from there with a few examples to help.

[@BlackThanator]

I always thought Crimson Quoropeco had piezo-electric stones in his forearms instead of the flints that normal Peco has.

[@WaruiDeshou]

Oh, you wrote Ratatoskr's video? I dont recall, were you credited verbally or in the description? EDIT: I see your @ in the description now. I do think he could stand to verbally credit your substabtial contribution, but I'm glad you're credited there in some way.

[@pikminjake]

It’s fine, I was paid for it, LMAO

[@bobisuncanny2760]

19:33 That is why Sunbreak story feels different, for once (not to say it never happened before), we finally understand and respect the black-sheep/scapegoat and even help him by defeating the real menace. Which lead humans to finally admit the mistake that was the forced hatred on Malzeno. Cool to see 5th gen ends with a character development ! 25:09 Heck some ""endemic lifes"" like the Monksnail from MHRise look like straight up EDs. I wouldn't be surprised if lore-wise they were some quests for hunters to investigate what the heck, this creature is supposed to be. 36:18 Fulgur has the excuses of cold environments extinguishing the flames and having somewhat of an electricity control in its body that should warm it more than just spitting fire. On the other hand, Crimson is ramdom as f 51:10 I was so absorbed by your narration, this caugh me off-guard ^ Just ramdom reactions i had, anyway i think you really step up in the way you narrates your videos. Like it's been a while since in your videos i get ramdomly hyped by you, just reading words but it just feels SO GOOD to see MH being treated seriously. Such deep themes hidden behing gameplay...sometimes i wished MH was never a game and more like a long TV-show-anime or a film franchise. But then i realize that it already exists and it's called : Godzilla-Princess Mononoke (the closest example i have in mind)

[@anotherdinamicchannel]

I've always liked the way Monster Hunter normalizes the existence of monsters as normal animals, and how their design makes them memorable and charismatic. The Monsters are in fact a character within the saga.

[@godofsquirrels494]

7:36 Bullfango? in the ancient forest? As far as we know they haven't yet migrated there.

[@kotetsujeeg7999]

My opinion means nothing, but you videos have been getting way more concise and profound as time goes on. Keep making great stuff

[@somecunt8579]

How do you fit Nergigante into your interpretation of Elder Dragons being supra-natural?

[@Gilarack]

This is the best video on Monster Hunter, that I have seen.