Sadly, speed running Countryside Quest seems to boil down to having the mage enchant you, Triad Shot until the griffon burns down, dual blading its face to pieces with light slashes while your stamina recharges, and repeating. I think we're using a really overpowered, optimal setup for demonstration purposes, but, even with this strategy, the fight seems very dynamic each time I run through it thanks to continuously shifting battle parameters. The extra dash of fluidity (character responsiveness) and spice (skills and spells) over Monster Hunter is certainly welcome, too.
And I love, love, love the loading screen hints about using your ears at night. It creeps me out in the most exciting way possible.
I enjoyed the demo. I didn't like the sudden transition to a support character doing some kind of attack while you're trying to fight a giant beast. It really threw me off when I was focusing on the monster and then it immediately cuts to someone yelling out some kind of attack or support. It also feels like there's way too much information on screen and coupled with the odd aspect ratio, it feels too cramped. Otherwise, I had fun with it and I am interested in this game.
Turn off "Cinematic Camera" in the options and that problem will go away. It's horrible--I'm so pissed it's turned on by default because it definitely rubbed me the wrong way. You can also tweak what UI elements you prefer to be visible if the cramping continues to bother you.