Great game, not what you're usually used to when playing MH but the systems fit and (mostly newer) monsters adapt to the new tools given to the players.

They fixed the issue of having overly big maps that was in World, toned down the cinematic-ness of the game (cutscenes appear pre or post hunt, don't interrupt multiplayer anymore) and went back to the old system of charms being random and decorations being craftable, which is better in every imaginable way.

The base game is quite easy for the most part but to be fair when do you ever really struggle with high rank, at least compared to g-rank? People complained about the lack of an endgame loop as opposed to Iceborne and of course that would be the case, the Iceborne equivalent wasn't even out until now.

The new monsters introduced are all fantastic with some returners that were missing in World, but also sadly a lot of staple monsters that did make an appearance in World fading out again. (I really just want the MHG/U flagships to be together again)

Going over to Sunbreak, G-Rank adds the usual complexity you want in your endgame and has monsters that tank more while dealing more damage, a higher emphasis on the latter at least seemingly in Sunbreak.

The new switch skill swap lets you essentially bring two movesets with you, which can be a big game changer depending on how many different things and what situations you want to be able to do things for, but it can also be ignored as aside from the swap evade and a skill that later supports it there is no other benefit other than having multiple movesets.

I've been having a great time with Sunbreak so far and while I'm not done yet I have a good feeling that it won't disappoint.

Rise has taken a different direction of MH sort of building off a basis built by MHGU, one that I highly enjoy and expands the game in an interesting way.

Will probably edit this once I've beaten the story/worked myself into the new endgame loop, but all I can say is that if the difficulty concerns you, Sunbreak has that to offer.

If you played or tested Rise and didn't like the new mechanics then returning for Sunbreak will probably not change much, however I will say that once you're used to the mechanics you will probably forget about the issues they may pose to you.

Also send help I have a crippling addiction to the Sword and Shield and I keep telling myself I want to try out more weapon types but I totalled like 400 hours combined with my Switch version time and still haven't gotten there

Edit 2:

Now that I finished the "main story", I think this is my fav MH game, I still need to finish the deviant grind in GU but I want to ride the Rise wave for now.

I was initially very concerned because of the rather low roster of new original monsters (haven't seen what MR100 has to offer), but I came to the conclusion that a massive roster is less important when you can have more quality fights rather than a ton of mediocre to sometimes good fights.

All of the new additions to the roster including the returners are fantastic and have been given a coat of fresh paint, giving them all an almost new identity to how they feel.

Afflicted monsters are something I wanted back too, something similar to hypers making any monster strong enough to be a fight you don't just autopilot, haven't done all of them yet but the buff to their speed really changes the way each fight feels while also giving you rewards for better weapons.

While I still am unable to get my hands off SnS I can really tell and feel that this game has to have the most build variety and playstyles of any Monster Hunter game even surpassing GU, the game gives you an extreme amount of skills and movesets to work with to suit your playstyle and the new rampage decorations really make choosing weapons more interesting than before.

The road to MR100 is a long one but one I am enjoying a lot and I can't wait to see what the end and free title updates will bring.

Edit 3:

I've beaten the MR100 monster and am reaching checkmark completion, and in my opinion Monster Hunter Rise is the peak of modern Monster Hunter.

If you miss the survival-crafting aspect of MH then this game may not be as much for you but the quality of the new monsters is fantastic and there is more to come.

Build variety is also at a peak here, with most armor sets providing their own playstyle and having many slots.

MR Valstrax has ended up being my favourite fight in the series and the final monster may not be Yian Garuga but gave me a fill similar to it as I love monsters that feel like they're actually duelling you by being hyper aggressive and precise with its moves.

10/10, may not be for everyone but if it clicks with you it just does

Edit: Minor spelling mistake, point and laugh
Edit 2:Road to MR100 additions
Edit 3:Post MR100