Time for some slaying…

The Monster Hunter franchise is one that has derived a lot of criticism from pure gamers and gaming critics alike. Many have claimed the games’ monster fights to be unbearably difficult, and that the online features were the bare-basics of their capabilities. However, despite the series’ downpour of negative reviews across the board, the series stands proudly on its own legs, and still has its own devoted fanbase. The game continues to be a top seller in Japan, and has a cult audience that continues to grow with more and more European gamers joining in. Say what you like about this series, Monster Hunter is one of those rare ones that shows real testament to the fan’s staying power. The series has had a surprisingly long rest, only making a small appearance on the PSP. Well, lovers of this series will be pleased to know that the series is back for some slaying for the third time round.

Monster Hunter Tri marks the series’ first flip switch to the Wii, and its first appearance in a system not created by Sony. Capcom has enhanced and added a whole lot more to the pre-existing gameplay features from the other games which are mainly: hack-n-slash combat, exploration and online game play.

What does a Monster Hunter have to do around here?

If you have played any of the past entries in the series, then you will know that Monster Hunter Tri will give players the opportunity to customize their own playable character. As you progress further into the game, you can customize your own weaponry, and unlock new moves for your weapons as well. One of the series’ main strengths is to place the player in large, expansive environments that they can properly immerse themselves in; and Monster Hunter Tri will place the player in some visually stunning woodland areas in which to conduct his monster slaying.

Perhaps, the biggest surprise here is that Capcom is making this game more easily accessible to newcomers of the series, which makes the decision of making this game strictly for the Wii all the more logical. The game will start you off with several tutorial quests in the hopes to get you used to how to go about slaying the monsters. There are gentler and more relaxed side missions that those gamers of the more casual variety can partake in such as swimming missions and even farming missions. It is obvious that Capcom are trying to do the ultimate balancing act: making a game that will give a good challenge to the veteran players, whilst making considerably more relaxed gameplay additions to draw in newer fans. It is admirable that Capcom are taking a series that had been renowned for its intense difficulty and making it lighter for different types of gamers. One hopes that they can pull it off well, eh?

Just when you might think that Monster Hunter Tri is going to hold your hand all the way through the experience, well, if you know the series well enough… think again! Monster Hunter Tri promises the same level of intense difficulty during the monster fights that was present in the previous games. Players that are clever enough and know the ropes will know that placing traps for the monsters to be lured into is one of the most effective ways to earn victory. However, fans and newcomers brace your swords and be warned: these fights… will NOT be easy.