Went and picked it up yesterday. I don't really like the feel of the charge blade, so I might try out the greatsword this time around. Switchaxe was my primary in 3U and it doesn't seem to have seen a lot of change, so I can always go back to that if I don't like any of the other weapons.
Great Sword:
There is a new big attack you can do (single wide swing) after a strong charge or jump attack. The higher the charge the more powerful. The attack is as powerful as a lv3 normal charge attack after a strong charge. Damage output for GS is better than ever before thanks to it. Since other hunters can mount monsters there are more opportunities than ever to do a full combo (normal 3, slap, strong 3, big swing). GS is a joy in mh4.
Long Sword:
There is now a really cool move you can do after a fade slash that will let you charge right back at the monster and it can lead into a spirit combo. You’ll need it since the gauge resets to absolute zero after a set period of time after you are in red.
SNS:
You get a charge attack instead of the classic jump attack, only difference is how it looks. You also get a charge attack where you’ll jump back, charge, then jump forward and hit hard. The back jump on the attack makes it so you can use this as an evasive move as well. You can also now do jump attacks up ledges. SNS users are in for a treat.
Dual Swords:
Um… You get prettier effects?
Hammer:
Um… You get a jump attack just like everyone else?
Hunting Horn:
New double swing attack with the A button but you can sneak in x or x+a during the attack to get that note for absolutely free! Makes playing songs easier! Some new songs as well.
Lance:
More mobility than ever! Your charging attack now let’s you run uninterrupted up ledges and you can do your normal stab, a jumping attack that can mount monsters, or even a quick turnaround swipe. Very versatile now!!!
Gunlance:
Normal shot users will be pleased to hear you can do a full burst immediately following the jump attack. The new artillery master skill increases shell damage by a whopping 30% and lowers wyverns fire cool down to 80 sec. Whooooohooo.
Switch axe:
A new double hit attack for sword mode that moves you a little but does good damage. Not sure if it’s new but a sword swipe from evade keeps you aggro throughout the hunt. You can actually do an elemental burst jump but it’s not as easy as it sounds
evade+ easier than ever to activate so SA gets easier to use. You also get a new finisher move on the hack and slash combo which is nice.
Bow:
New type of bow, the power shot. Just press a button after you fire and you’ll do a second shot (double shot). The second one is one level *stronger* than the one you first shot. Eats up stamina but really powerful.
Bowguns:
Um… You can do a reload jump?
