What does a Monster Hunter have to do around here? (cntd)

A Monster Hunter game just isn’t complete without a diverse range of weaponry, and the third installment introduces a whole lot of them. The overall weapon selection is divided into separate weapon classes; the Sword and Shield, the Great Sword, the Hammer, the Bowgun, the Lance and the Long sword. This will all sound very familiar to fans of the series, but there is an all-new weapon in store for them. The weapon is called the Switch Axe, and it has the ability to switch from being an axe to a sword as well. Whilst all of us gamers are now used to multi-purposed weapons (guns that are also swords, that sort of thing), the Switch Axe seems to be a pretty cool device which nicely breaks up the series’ standard weaponry and give their fans something different to play with. Some weapons that are supposedly meant to be in the game, such as the Medium Bowgun, are rumored, but nobody is really sure if they will be in there or not.

Online features, of course

Online game play has always been at the forefront of Monster Hunter’s core mechanics, and the third entry has more than enough additions to the online gameplay to make the fans scream out: ‘huzzah!’ One particularly exciting addition to Monster Hunter Tri’s online features is the utilization of Wii Speak. Fans will now have the opportunity to talk to other players online, and even trade items and share their progress with fellow fans. Capcom are clearly going all out on the online for their fan base.

The bugs and frequent slowdown that Nintendo’s online service has become known for apparently no longer shows in this game. The online test supposedly never skipped a beat, and never interrupted the monster fights either. It is good news that Nintendo are now fully realizing the importance of quality online service, and maybe, Monster Hunter Tri will be one of its poster-children. Other online features are being kept under wraps until the final version, but fans are going to like the Wii Speak; I can assure you.

A fan-pleaser?

The game will be available in its own Wii controller bundle, equipped with a black Wii controller and with a free Monster Hunter controller skin. Capcom is also making sure that the game will run smoothly on a technical level, so the enemy AI has been completely redesigned and the frame rate ensured to run smoothly.

Whilst it is highly unlikely that haters will be converted by what this game has to offer, lovers might just about, well… love what Capcom has in store for them with this third monster-slaying adventure. Monster Hunter Tri seems to be clearly tailored for good causes; having features to please the fans, and introducing new kinds of players to this cult franchise. This may not put a stop to the constant bashing the series has had to endure, but this monster-slayer seems set to add enough variety to make it surprisingly player-friendly. Monster slayers; sharpen up your blades.