User blog comment:Dracosaurian/Monster Appreciation Week: Malfestio/@comment-5020152-20160903212152

I've actually got a full review dedicated to Malfestio all ready to go, but I'm not going to use it.

Okay, so we've already got people hating on this monster. No surprises there, and believe it or not, I'm actually completely fine with what other people have to say. I can understand why people would rage over Confusion status and the annoying hitbox on Malfestio's Aerial Ace (get it? Because it never misses!), and how some others would take one look and think "How uncreative, it's just a blue owl". I've never been the kind of guy to get salty over an opinion that differs from mine, and this is no exception. To all of you Malfestio haters out there, I respect your thoughts and I humbly ask you to respect mine in return.

Get the hell out Plesioth, Malfestio is my new favorite monster.

The second I saw Malfestio's official art, I was a fan. I'm a complete sucker for anything that has to do with birds, owls especially, so there's just one reason she has me hooked. Taking a step back and just looking at Malfestio, I've already got a million songs of praise dancing on the tip of my tongue. Owls in real life are some of the most elegant and sophisticated animals on the planet, even with their feathers of drab browns and greys - and Malfestio cranks it up to eleven with her royal plumage, the combination of sapphire feathers and golden ruff blending together perfectly. I also love the stark-white face and belly feathers that clash with the beady red eyes that bore a hole directly into your soul. The "jester cap" is like an exaggerated version of the ear tufts of a normal great horned owl or long-eared owl, which I think is a cool touch. The official art has Malfestio standing up with her head held high, so majestic and refined. I also love her transition into rage mode - those pricked-up ear tufts and unsheathed wing sabers are just SCARY!

Some people might say "just an owl", but owls are already such beautiful and amazing creatures that I honestly think I would like Malfestio LESS if she had a more "creative" design.

The gameplay is also a lot of fun, I find. I'll jump at the chance to fight Malfestio again. She's not too difficult, but not too easy either, once you know what you're doing. The Confusion bothered me greatly during my first few fights, but not really any more. I don't even bother packing Bitterbugs anymore, because I know that my Palicoes or Malfestio herself is going to knock me out of the Confusion in a couple of seconds anyway. And apart from a couple of animations borrowed from Rathalos and other wyverns, Malfestio's attacks aren't shared by any other monster, which is about as unique and interesting as you can get. My only complaints about Malfestio are her Aerial Ace move and the fact she becomes absolutely relentless when enraged. Other than that, I can't find anything wrong with her.

That brings me to what I adore most about Malfestio - her incredibly realistic animations. Let me tell you, Capcom knew what they were doing when they designed Malfestio. She does a threat display when she gets enraged, she twists her head around to look at you before attacking, and she picks her food apart with her claws and beak before gulping it down. When I first saw this owl take down a Kelbi when she got low on stamina, I literally just sat there and GUSHED over how amazing and believeable the eating animation was. I'd also like to make a note about Malfestio's vocals. Her low trills, hoots, and screams only add to how realistic and gorgeous this monster is. I know I sound like a total nerd right now, but what can I say? I'm a bird-brain and becoming an ornithologist is my dream, so don't judge me.

Her equipment is pretty good too. Capture Guru is really useful (even if the armor is creepy) and I love the ornate designs of the weapons.

So yep, Malfestio is pretty much the greatest monster in the whole series and there's nothing any of you can do to convince me otherwise. Monster Hunter is so full of wyverns and dragons and enormous insects and other fantastic creatures, but in the middle of it all there's a GIANT FLIPPING OWL and I CANNOT STOP GUSHING OVER IT.

... Oh my god, I think I'm in love.