Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Too often the little things are overlooked in games that prevent the gamer from really feeling like this is "their" game. Monster Hunter Tri has managed to avoid most those pit traps, starting with the character creation process.
First off, and paramount to a lot of gamers, especially those of us of the female persuasion, you can choose the sex of your character. It's such a simple concept that too often developers will scoff at the idea of making multiple models and essentially snub female players in a typically dismissive fashion. Yes, you can play male or female in Monster Hunter Tri.
My first Character was female so I am going to cover those choices here. There may be different options available for the male.
Name:You only get 8 characters for this eliminating some fancy combos but still some freedom.
Sex:Male or Female
Skin tone: Pretty much a range from black to white with tan and browns in between. There are no outlandish colors, green for example, but still a nice range
Clothing: Four choices, but armor will soon cover this so no worries.
Face: 9 types to choose from
Eye Color:10 Choices found here
Features: A dozen facial features to choose from, tattoos, paint etc.
Hair: 11 different hair styles
Voices: 20
Now these, of course, are not limitless and lack some the fine tuning you might see in other RPG games (like on the PC), but there is plenty here to make running into your clone more very unlikely, which is an issue for some other games that are online. My only gripe about this game, and many others, is there is no way to really change the age of the character or the body type so we're stuck with the teenage girl look. It could be worse of course and overall I am very pleased with the character creation process.
Now on with game play: for those who picked up the demo and wondered where the heck the tutorial was, have no fear, it's in the real game. I have no idea why Capcom released a rather poor quality demo. The demo was too short, offered no directions, and a lot of people were stuck using the wiimote nunchuck style. For me, the classic controller is the way to go. Get the camera under control was so much easier with it attached to an analog stick. There are two classic control styles too so hopefully one of those works for you. In terms of graphics, I keep hearing how stunning the game is, and while it does look good, it doesn't look great on my HDTV; yes I use component cables. It's not a deal breaker for me, but there are issues with black bars on the right and left sides of the TV for some of us, even in 16:9 "full" mode. The TV I am using is not some low grade model either, nor is it the most expensive thing I can find. Again, it's not so terrible I would pass on the game for it but clearly looks a lot better on SDTV.
The tutorial takes awhile to get through, and sometimes I found myself a little lost, not so much as to what I am supposed to do but how to do it. And while there is an in game info section you can access for quick looks ups on your weapons and how you are supposed to use one skill or another, I did consult the manual and online a couple of times to make sure I was doing it right.
This is a hunting game, lots of battle, and if the idea of battle doesn't appeal to you, then this probably isn't the thing for you. I say this because as a Rune Factory fan, I know that series doesn't necessarily require a lot of battle. Some people might think this game is obvious as to what it is, but let's keep in mind, Monster Hunter has never been huge outside of Japan and there really isn't anything like it on the Wii. This is not a standard RPG style either where there is a detailed linear story that guides you from point A to B to C. There is a story but it is minimal.
Now where this game shines is online. I haven't spent a lot of time online yet as my friends have yet to purchase the game, but I did browse around. It looks like it could be a little bit of a pain to meet up with friends the first time since it's separated into cities/servers, but that is just for those of us who have a set group. The rest will have no troubles. It's plenty populated and there was a "Rookie" section I know I would be hitting and possibly will be hitting if my friends don't open up their wallets and get this game. This is "real" online play with Wii Speak, USB Keyboard and/or a virtual keyboard option available for actual conversation. I say this because I play Mario Kart Wii and was annoyed with the tiny amount of preset messages available, my favorite, yes and no questions without yes or no answers. For a console with built in online options, the Wii has been sorely lacking in online co-op multiplayer experiences... here it is.
Now a quick note about battles, there is a lot of strategy involved, even early one when your equipment is almost non-existent. You have to watch what the monsters are doing and they give signs, sometimes just little ones, before they charge or do their attacks. It will take time to get used to your own attacks and theirs.
Now I wanted to take some time and talk about the classic controller since this is the bundle. I was surprised with how light the controller was and relatively small. This is not a bad thing. The only other comparison I have is the Gamecube controller which I always felt was a little large and bulky. It's the perfect size for me even if it does feel gutless.
Lastly, I want to mention a couple of gripes I have with the series. One is the inventory system. I find it to be annoying but it is something I will get used to. The graphics, well I can deal with that. I didn't buy the Wii for stellar graphics after all; the PS3 and 360 were available for that. One of my other gripes is the videos imply that the areas are vast and open, but when you play them, they feel tight and restrained. There are certain areas you can climb up but all those hills and mountains and even the monsters on them are just direction. Nothing feels real "open" to me in the way I was hoping it would be with the exception of some of the underwater maps which do feel a lot more expansive. My final gripe, and no it's not a long list aside from minor things mentioned above isof split-screen co-op mode. I don't care what the game calls it, there is nothing majestic about the Arena mode.It's basic and unsatisfying though handy for a quick run through.It's unfortunate they left it so limited. As I mentioned before, the Wii doesn't have a lot of quality online games, but it does have tons of local multiplayer games, quality and not so quality.
Anyway, if you enjoy action rpgs, and know that that is, it is the quick and dirty way I can explain the series from a player who has never played the past MH titles and can't specify the changes as some others might be able to do. One quick note, underwater combat is challenging and fun.
Happy Hunting!
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Product Description:
Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) is an action role-playing game (RPG) from Capcom. The first iteration of the popular Monster Hunter franchise to make an appearance on the Wii platform, action in it revolves around quest based gameplay involving the hunting and capture of monsters as a means of character development. The game features multiple modes of co-op gameplay-both online and offline-new monsters and weapons classes, multiple controller options and Wii Speak and text chat player communication support. This bundle includes the Wii Classic Controller Pro, developed with input from Capcom.
Exciting co-op play modes.
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New monsters and weapon classes.
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Classic RPG elements.
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Wii Classic controller Pro included.
Viewlarger. Story
Monster Hunter Tri is set in a massive, sublime land where humansand monsters coexist. You play the role of an up-and-coming hunter who mustaccomplish various quests to achieve glory and help the residents of theirvillage survive. Do you have the courage to hunt the monsters that roamyour world? It won't be easy – the monsters are strong and numerous. Yetby hunting together with friends, or fighting the good fight solo, thereis no monster that cannot be defeated. Gameplay
Monster Hunter Tri is an action RPG centered around players' expertisewith the various weapon sets available in-game to take down the plethoraof monsters that fill the gameworld, including underwater environments.Hunters can track monsters, set traps for them and either capture or slaythem when they are encountered. In single player mode players can selecta hunter of either gender, choose from a variety of weapons classes andset off with a crew of AI companions referred to as ChaCha. When a monsteris slain, the hunter can carve off their horns, scales and bones, whichcan be used to create a huge variety of weapons and armor. These itemscan be bought or crafted by giving the village blacksmith materials anda fee. With success comes upgrades both for yourself and your ChaCha companion. Co-op Multiplayer
Utilizing the graphics and wireless capabilities made possible by Wii, Monster Hunter Tri allows for a unparalleled co-op gameplay experience, both online and offline. Players can hunt in groups as large as four players online, or two players offline (split-screen). Co-op play is split between two modes: Open-world hunts and Arena mode. Open-world hunts allow players to explore the Monster Hunter world, taking on the creatures they seek wherever they may be found. The caveat is that within this mode players, as well as monsters, can retreat and even escape bad situations regenerating to fight another day. Players who fall in these clashes will respawn nearby, and as long as one of their party remains alive the monster(s) faced will retain the level of damage inflicted upon them before the player's death. Arena mode is similar in most ways to Open-world hunts except that battles take place in set arena settings where there is no retreat for either side, making it a battle to the death. Communication between players in either mode is facilitated via Wii Speak and text chat support. Multiple Controller Support
Monster Hunter Tri features a wide array of controller configurations and options. These include: Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro. Each features in-depth mapping of questing and weapons classes. And finally the Wii Remote allows the ability to save your character's information directly to it, just as is possible with Miis, so you're always ready to play at a friend's house. Key Game Features
Special Controller Included - Designed with input from the Capcom development team, the Wii Classic Controller Pro is included in this bundle.
Hunt Together - In the hunt, you're never alone. Hunt togetherwith up to 4 players online or take on arena quests with 2-player split-screenaction. In single player mode, you even have the ability to hunt withAI-controlled characters named ChaCha.
Communicate Online - Because communication is key in coordinated hunts Monster Hunter Tri supports Wii Speak and text chat.
Monsters with Unique Abilities and Attacks - Monsters have unique and dynamic personalities, abilities and defenses, increasing in complexity as the player progresses. They camouflage themselves to ambush hunters, but will flee or call for help if outmatched.
Immense Living, Breathing World with Ecosystem - Monsters interact amongst each other in a living breathing ecosystem, complete with food chain. Monsters have stamina, migrate and even attack one another, the strong feeding on the weak.
New Underwater Maps - For the first time ever in any Monster Hunter game, you will be able explore land and sea and hunt monsters of the deep.
Fully Customizable Equipment - With ten weapon categories – including the all-new Switch Axe – and new armor and weaponry created from the remains of slain monsters, there are almost limitless opportunities for equipment customization.
Choice of Controls - Play with either the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, with the Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro.
Take Your Character with You - The ability to save your character to your Wii Remote lets you engage in multiplayer hunts anytime on a friend's console.
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