W hen it comes to swinging big weapons at even bigger monsters, Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise rises above the rest -- and I got to play a chunk of the next game in the series

The Monster Hunter games have never lacked a story per se, but it's always been a gameplay-focused franchise first and foremost, with some strong worldbuilding and a generally-acceptable plot. Now, with this greater emphasis on storytelling, director Yuya Tokuda speaks about this new direction in an interview with Gamesradar.

My extensive look at Monster Hunter Wilds took me through the first chapter. I won't spoil the story beats. Suffice it to say, you and the Hunter’s Guild have set up operations in a dangerous new realm,