Completing an intense group hunt in Monster Hunter: World is one of the most exhilarating feelings in any multiplayer RPG. Monster Hunter: World's 14 weapon types are nuanced, highly technical playstyles that require practice and coordination. The five massive hunting zones are multilayered and full of secrets. And the dozens of monsters are diverse and dangerous. Mastering your weapon, your environment, and your opponent, coupled with the satisfaction of completing a hunt that once stymied you is what makes the game's action succeed. There's still a significant learning curve, but Monster Hunter: World is far more accessible than in previous entries. Monster Hunter: World is an international reinvention of a Japanese gaming institution, and there has never been a better time to join the hunt.
Read our review of Monster Hunter World
Ni no Kuni II is a sequel no one saw coming, but it's also a sequel that improves on its predecessor in almost every single way. Ni no Kuni II throws out the turn-based monster-managing system from the first game and adopts a more action-focused mode of combat, which utilises long-ranged weapons, magic and the ability to swap weapons on the fly. It's also absolutely gorgeous, and the world is a beautiful, varied landscape full of color and life. There's an abundance of things to do too, such as building your own kingdom, improving your army, or simply just helping out the many citizens of the world. Even if you haven't played the first game, Ni no Kuni II is worth your time.
Read our review of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
A surprisingly close call, 4 votes separated Ni no Kuni II from God of War in your results. Monster Hunter's gargantuan new entry was a somewhat distant third, pulling in a little over half that of Level-5's kingdom-building action RPG.
Completing an intense group hunt in Monster Hunter: World is one of the most exhilarating feelings in any multiplayer RPG. Monster Hunter: World's 14 weapon types are nuanced, highly technical playstyles that require practice and coordination. The five massive hunting zones are multilayered and full of secrets. And the dozens of monsters are diverse and dangerous. Mastering your weapon, your environment, and your opponent, coupled with the satisfaction of completing a hunt that once stymied you is what makes the game's action succeed. There's still a significant learning curve, but Monster Hunter: World is far more accessible than in previous entries. Monster Hunter: World is an international reinvention of a Japanese gaming institution, and there has never been a better time to join the hunt.