The surprise bombshell at Nintendo’s pre-Tokyo Game Show press conference today came as quite a shock to many. Despite having just announced Monster Hunter 3G for 3DS, an expanded version of the Wii’s Monster Hunter Tri, they dropped a trailer for Monster Hunter 4.

While it’s still unclear whether or not the game will also appear on other platforms, the trailer had a lot to analyze. While running away from a Tigrex, a hunter is seen jumping (gasp!) to various rock structures before they’re smashed to bits, not just landing on top, but clinging to sides from a jump as well. And just when things get really vertical, you can see the Tigrex climb the side of the rock face in pursuit of the hunter.

Things get real interesting when a Rathalos shows up and the entire play field gets knocked over, making a steep slope out of what use to be flat land. There seems to be no wall the hunter can’t climb as he dodges fireballs while hanging on for dear life. As the Rathalos draws near, the hunter pulls out a smaller weapon independent of his great sword to attack the monster while in a climbing position.

(more…)

When fans were asked what they’d like to see from Monster Hunter in the future, one of the more common answers seen was, “Bring it to PS3!” Well, it looks like Capcom had already been secretly preparing to make that a reality.

Today, Sony has announced the PSP Remaster Title Series. The first game to get the HD treatment (at least in Japan) is none other than Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, the latest (yet to be released in North America) game in the main series.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Version will allow players to experience the game in all its uprezzed glory. You’ll also be able to make use of the second analogue stick for camera control. That’s right. No more hand cramping claws! (more…)

Earlier this week, I discussed how the Monster Hunter series could be taken to the next level. Well… we’ll still have to wait to see how that goes. In the meantime, Capcom has announced Monster Hunter Dynamic Hunting, an iOS addition to the series that looks to take things in the exact opposite direction.

Dynamic Hunting appears to take a page from the Infinity Blade book (which had already taken a page from the Punch-Out!! book), boiling down the experience to simplified 1-on-1 battles. It’s strange to see such a deep game like Monster Hunter streamlined down to such a basic concept. Even the highly detailed behavioral tells have been scrapped in favor of a standard health bar. Still, we should all try to remember that this is a spinoff, not the next iteration. Who knows? Maybe it will be a gateway drug to ease in newcomers.
(more…)

If you read the site frequently or are a long time listener of our podcast, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that most of the staff here really likes the Monster Hunter series. With each new iteration, the games see a lot of refinement. Having spent over 100 hours with the currently Japan-only Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, I can honestly say it’s really hard to go back to Monster Hunter Tri, a game we collectively decided to call the #3 best game of 2010.

That said, when spending hundreds of hours with the same game, you still run the risk of things going a bit stale. While I’m still having a great time with Portable 3rd, I can’t help but think what the future of Monster Hunter might bring. Call it wishful thinking, but here are some of my ideas on how the series could continue to improve.

(more…)

"Monster Hunter meets anime in Gods Eater Burst."

With the Monster Hunter franchise currently selling approximately one hojillion copies per entry in Japan, it’s no surprise that other companies are taking notice. Several games borrowing its formula of mission-based, cooperative beast slaying have popped up recently. Among them is Gods Eater Burst, a game that fortunately has enough fresh ideas to become more than just a “Monster Hunter clone”.

Gods Eater Burst takes place in a post apocalyptic future where giant monsters named Aragami attack what is left of civilization. As part of the anti-monster group Fenrir, you (as a male or female character of your own creation) must take these creatures down with your rag tag crew of overly fashion conscious teenagers.

(more…)

Much like Dragon Quest, the Monster Hunter series is one of the biggest names in gaming in Japan and almost unheard of in North America. Most people over here just don’t “get it”, and many of them don’t want to put forth the effort required in order to really understand what the game is all about. After all, even with more accessible entries in the series such as Monster Hunter Tri, there is still a very steep learning curve to overcome.

Originally I wanted to write a review of Monster Hunter Tri in order to spread the word. However, after over 100 hours of playing the game, I still haven’t experienced all it has to offer. I’ve come to realize, it’s not a traditional review that’s going to spark interest. My hopes are that by sharing the reasons that the series is so engaging (many of which are not immediately obvious to the new player), it will help more people realize the joys that can be found from becoming a Monster Hunter.
(more…)