My opinion on rampages have softened over time, I kinda miss them sometimes instead of loathing them all the time. If Rise had an MP system similar to World's were you can pick active quests to join then I probably would have wanted to join a rampage from time to time. The problem is Rise's join random quests throws them at you so much. It's even worse when peole keep quitting rampages so the next time I join a random quest I end up in another rampage cause there's a free slot. They're nice for a change in pace but goddamn were they annoying when all I wanted to do was hunt. It was the same deal with Ibushi and Narwa, they're fine every now and they but I didn't want to get sent to them all the time. At least I was able to alleviate Ibushi and Narwa's tediousness by making an IG set.
I kinda see what you mean about Rampage. I absolutely despised them at first because like you, I just wanted to hunt, but they are a decent change of pace. I'll still run the 7* rampages now and then because they're the fastest way to get Outfit vouchers for layered sets. The best thing that they did was interweave the siege mechanics with combat, but they didn't really explain it all that well - like the fact that you're supposed to get off the guns and fight the apex monster at the last gate. I've wiped too many times to people plinking away with the machine gun when a normal swing does 500-600 damage during counter signal. The UI is absolute horrendous too.
I really want swimming combat back in a future MH though, I loved the possibilities in 3U that it brought to the table. I didn't even mind the combat like most people did. I hope MH6 has it back, and we need paintballs and "hunting" back for monsters. Also Wyvern Riding needs to go. As it is, Turf wars are basically non-existent and it's literally only a benefit to have two monsters in the same area, there's zero danger in it. Part of the charm of 3U for me was that under a serene body of water there could be some real dangers. It gave the world a sense of mystery and fear just by not instantly knowing exactly where every monster on the map is. And Peco randomly calling in a Jho was always funny.
I mentioned in the OT, I feel like MH Rise is "arcade mode" of MH. Everything is streamlined to a fault and the combat is faster and more mobile than ever. I hope MH6 dials it back a bit for both of those things. I'd hate to see MH turn into a boss rush DMC clone. We have God Eater and other "hunting" games for those niches. It's been fun for Rise and I'll continue enjoying Sunbreak, but I think those gimmicks should stay and end here.
Switch skills are great though, and I wouldn't mind them coming back. They add a lot of flexibility to weapons, so you can play how you like. Also, they need at least one big slow "finisher" move for every weapon, no exceptions. It just feels so good to land one.
