I played GS3 eons ago and decided to try out GS4. I've been playing for roughly 2 weeks and have some feedback.

This is a challenging game for newcomers. The progress is slow and the learning curve is steep. Even with some knowledge, I don't understand a fraction of the game. There is an attempt to give basic information when you start, but it's like drinking from a firehose. Even then, I don't think a fraction of the game is covered. I'm not sure how that's best resolved. I'd be tempted to say people will learn as they go - but, that leads me to my main issue: progression is way to difficult at early levels. I cannot say how things are at higher levels, but for the past 7+ levels I've forced to hunt at the same levels. Now, at level 14, I cannot effectively solo level 11 areas. I pushed from 12 to 14 hoping something would change and I'd be able to hunt closer to my level, but alas.. I cannot.

I'd highly suggest easing progression at earlier levels. At least for me, the game is frustrating in multiple ways and this is just too much. At this point I'm fairly certain I'm going to cancel my membership and look for something else. I want to play this game... but, I don't enjoy banging my head against a bed of spikes.