User blog comment:Kogath/Monster Hunter X Discussion/@comment-2194133-20150716234000

For one of the hunting styles I think we might be seeing something akin to quick-time-events in a sense. Initially in the trailer we see a hunter swinging a hammer a few times before landing a huge blow. I theorize that perhaps the move is initiated with the swinging and you have to adapt to the swing and press a button (or a combination of) at a specific time to determine the end result. Press the button too early and you get a weak slam. Press the button too late and you overcharge your attack and you leave yourself open too long. Same seems to apply to the Gunlance flamethrower move we saw. The severity of your flame would perhaps be determined upon how long you hold the attack (obviously still within a specific time frame) with your ability to choose whether the attack is weak and quick or heavy and slow. The longsword move we saw with Zinogre as well seems to be something with a predetermined animation that has you following a set button command to release a slash at the appropiate time. I know CAPCOM mentioned they wanted the player to basically device their own way of attacking so this allows for more dynamic movement coupled with an emphasis on decision making about how you adapt to the situation. You can theoretically end the attack animation at whatever point you choose, the damage inflicted upon your target however is affected, very much like charging a hammer or a greatsword.