monster-hunter-3
Latest
Capcom sort of confirms Western release of Monster Hunter 3
Monster Hunter 3 is coming to North America and Europe, according to a statement from Capcom in its 3rd quarter financial results conference call Q&A (PDF link)."One of our leading titles is "Monster Hunter 3 (tri-)," Capcom said, addressing a question about its region-specific plans. "If we can gain recognition of this product in the European and North American markets, our market strategy will see a noticeable change."Of course, if Capcom is hoping to gain recognition in those markets, then it plans to release the game in those markets. We had always kind of assumed it was coming, just because it's achieved such massive buzz in Japan, and because Capcom is starting to show an interest in localizing Monster Hunter games again with Freedom Unite on PSP. But it's nice to have an official statement!%Gallery-32281%
Monster Hunter 3 captures Japan's money this summer
Capcom announced a release window for Monster Hunter 3 yesterday at the Capcom/Pasela "Hunter's Banquet G" event in Tokyo. The multiplayer action RPG, which drew epic lines at the Tokyo Game Show, will be released this summer. Famitsu promises a full report of the event upcoming, but this is likely to be the biggest news out of it! We assumed that MH3 wouldn't be released until some time after April, because Capcom is including a demo with Monster Hunter G, which comes out April 23. We're surprised that Capcom isn't holding this back until the fall, since this is likely to be the company's (or anybody's) biggest release of the year.%Gallery-32281%[Via IGN]
Monster Hunter 3: New monsters to hunt, new places to hunt them
We've been looking at screens of the ported Monster Hunter G lately, so to return to Monster Hunter 3, which is already one of the best-looking Wii games, is dramatic. Capcom's use of all kinds of crazy lighting in the sequel is effective, giving the action RPG a "next gen" feel. Really, they could make the whole thing in the ugly old Monster Hunter G engine and still sell millions of copies.The latest screens introduce a weird locale that appears to be somehow part desert and part swamp, full of nests of giant, monstrous insects, and home to this guy. This dragon, called "Boruboros" (probably "Volvolos" or something in English) comes out of a big mud pit and attacks with his giant, hard head.%Gallery-32281%
Japanese Monster Hunter G bundle includes special-edition blue Classic Controller, Monster Hunter 3 demo [update]
[Update: for those of you lusting after the game or (more likely) the controller, Capcom's Christian Svensson has announced that there will be no US release for either. "Sorry. :(" Thanks to Samfish for pointing this out!]For such a lazily-developed game, Capcom is putting significant resources into the Wii port of Monster Hunter G. In order to get around the Classic Controller requirement (and promote sales, of course), they've announced a Monster Hunter G Starter Pack bundle featuring this awesome blue, dragon-adorned (but not Blue Dragon-adorned) Classic Controller. This is, as far as we know, just the second special-edition (Nintendo brand) Wii controller -- the first was also a Classic Controller, specifically the Club Nintendo Super Famicom Classic Controller. This is also the first official Wii controller to be released in a color other than white. In other words: a big deal. And it's so cool-looking!The Starter Pack will retail for 5,240 yen ($59) when it is released in Japan on April 23. Both this release and the game-only release of Monster Hunter G (3,990 yen, or $45) will include a demo of Monster Hunter 3. And just like that, Monster Hunter G has become a guaranteed bestseller.
Underwater monster hunting
No, this is not a hyperviolent sequel to Endless Ocean (though that might be kind of awesome, until PETA got wind of it and freaked out), but rather a little underwater adventuring -- or hunting, if you will -- in Monster Hunter 3 (tri-). In these latest screens, our dear Hunter is faced with an underwater beast of epic proportions that might just be a very large, distant, and pissed-off cousin to the electric eel. There's lightning, anyway. And teeth. Big, sharp, point teeth. Gallery: Monster Hunter 3
Monster Hunter G is for Classic Controllers only
Just how lazy is Capcom's port of Monster Hunter G? Pretty dang lazy, according to the official website, which just opened. While the new Monster Hunter 3 tri- offers multiple control schemes that allow use of Wiimote/Nunchuk motion controls or a traditional-style Classic Controller layout (as well as multiple variations on "three" in the title), the newly-announced Wii version of the PS2/PSP Monster Hunter G only works with Classic Controllers. At least it also has four-player online play. Chances are, most people won't miss the waggle. Or they could get Monster Hunter 3 and not really miss out on anything.Speaking of Monster Hunter 3, do check out that game's website for new monster renders. %Gallery-32281%[Via NeoGAF]
Capcom denies Monster Hunter 3 multiplatform rumor
Players in Japan already lining up for the next installment in Capcom's hugely popular Monster Hunter franchise can do so with a measure of confidence that Monster Hunter 3 tri~ will remain exclusive to the Wii. 1UP reports that Capcom has come forward to dispel rumors that the title would make its way to the PSP as well, writing on the game's official website that despite comments made in "a certain magazine," the hotly anticipated 2009 release "utilizes the unique features of the Wii to their fullest, and development continues with the intention of creating a Monster Hunter never before seen."While not exactly a ringing endorsement for multiplatform support, you can blame the doubting looks on our faces on Capcom's track record with platform exclusivity. After all, we eventually played Resident Evil 4 on the PS2 and Monster Hunter 3 itself was at one time announced for the PlayStation 3. Clearly, the only thing for certain here is that Capcom likes money.
Capcom denies Monster Hunter 3 non-exclusivity rumors
Monster Hunter 3, Capcom's Japan-ruling RPG, has had a rocky history since it was first announced. Initially, it was slated for the PS3, but late last year, the game defected to the Wii -- and was reportedly going to be exclusive to Nintendo's console. In the last couple of days, however, rumors have been swirling that Monster Hunter 3 (tri-) may head beyond the Wii and into the realm of the PSP, which hosted the last title in the franchise.Just a few hours ago, however, Capcom updated the game's official site, denying the rumors, though all they're saying is that they haven't said anything. That doesn't mean they can't say anything in the future! Gallery: Monster Hunter 3
Monster Hunter 3, two Sega games honored by TGS organizers
CESA announced their list of the best games of TGS 2008, known as the "Future" category of their Japan Game Awards. Of the twelve games given the award (in no specific order), three are on Wii. Of course Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 got a nod; nothing short of not calling it Monster Hunter 3 will keep this from being a ridiculous hit in Japan, and that held true at TGS as well, with the game commanding ridiculous lines. But the two other Wii winners may be more of a surprise: Chunsoft's Sega-published visual novel 428: The World Doesn't Change Even So, and Prope's experimental Let's Tap. Sega must be very happy right about now!For the sake of Nintendo fandom, we'll include the DS winners here as well: the Phoenix Wright spinoff Gyakuten Kenji and Dragon Quest IX, which wasn't even playable.%Gallery-27138%[Via Kotaku]
TGS08: Monster Hunter 3 controls: now in English!
Capcom's online control diagrams for Monster Hunter 3 are informative, especially with the video clips. But they lack one important component for most of us: coherent text. Nintendo World Report snapped pictures of English-language move charts at TGS.The five separate control guides completely shatter the notion that the game's controls would be simplified in the transition to Wii. The MH3 controls don't look overcomplicated, just complicated. Every button is used, some in multiple ways. Different weapons have subtly different control schemes. Interestingly, there are different controls for "sub-aqua," so it must be more than just walking around on the bottom of the sea.%Gallery-32281%
TGS08: Monster Hunter 3 not as gorgeous as it seems
Luckily for those of us who wanted to read previews of Monster Hunter 3, Capcom held a private demo session for foreign press, allowing people to actually see the thing and not just stare dumbfounded at the insane line. Wired's Jean Snow got a chance to play the guaranteed multi-million seller, and brought back not-entirely-great news.He calls the graphics "fine for a Wii title," which is a far cry from the eye-popping beauty we've seen in screens and video. That's not bad. Even better than not bad: apparently, your character can now hold his or her breath for "5-6 minutes," opening up an entirely new area of the world for exploration.Unfortunately, the wait for Monster Hunter 3 wasn't limited to the TGS line: the game as presented was plagued by "constant loading screens when entering new areas."%Gallery-32281%
TGS 08: Monster Hunter 3 is kind of a big deal, pt. 2
The passage of time, not to mention the opening of the Tokyo Game Show floor to the public, was not kind to our good friend, the Monster Hunter 3 line. Whereas our initial pass demonstrated a long and winding queue, the first public day of the show saw the orderly arrangement swallowed whole by a pulsating mass of patient onlookers. As if navigating the area wasn't hampered enough, the monstrously popular booth also saw its crowd overlap with the one swarming the opposing Square Enix booth. The bloggers foolish enough to pass through this patch of people (including the one who wrote these hands-on impressions) were forever lost and shall be mourned.
TGS08: How do I hunted monster?
When we saw control diagrams for Monster Hunter 3 on Capcom's TGS page for the game, we rejoiced, because we would finally learn how Capcom adapted their online ARPG into something that can be (optionally) controlled with the Wiimote. But then we saw, to our horror, that the diagrams were labeled with so many complicated characters. Just before we resigned ourselves to a few hours in the company of our kanji dictionary, we noticed that alongside each infobox is a video link. Just click the black rectangles with yellow icons in them, and Capcom will explain how to play in the universal language of just showing you. Perhaps most interesting is the method of attacking, which involves moving the control stick in a direction and then swinging the remote -- or pressing the plus button.%Gallery-32281%
TGS 08: Monster Hunter 3 hands-on
If you're reading this you're in the minority of Joystiq readers who haven't skipped down the page at the sight of the words: Monster Hunter. Clearly you're either a Westerner, curious about what the big deal is, or you're standing in line to play the third installment of the series right now. Within ten minutes of the TGS show floor opening, the line for this game was four and a half hours long. On a press day, no less. Thankfully, we had a considerably shorter wait inside Capcom's base (a hotel room), where we tried out the latest console version of one of Japan's favorite franchises.While the series move from PlayStation 3 to Wii can be attributed to cutting development costs, no expense has been spared on the game's visuals. Monster Hunter 3 (or "Monster Hunter Tri~" ... ?) is one of the sharpest Wii games we've seen. It's also immediately recognizable as a Monster Hunter game. There's been no style change at all from other versions, just an upscaling of models and textures. The game's water looks impressive for a Wii title, which is important because Monster Hunter 3 is the first game in the series where you'll be going swimming.%Gallery-34117%
TGS 08: Monster Hunter 3 is kind of a big deal, pt 1
Whether it's the game's addictive MMORPG-like qualities or simply its startlingly apt title -- you hunt monsters! -- it's clear that Japan's love for slaying beasts is as intense as ever. Monster Hunter 3 has already garnered quite a buzz at this year's Tokyo Game Show, most of it originating from the chatty folks waiting in line to play it. Trust us, they're the lucky ones -- come Saturday (when the floor opens to the public), we'll show you just how far this thing can go. While we assemble our hands-on impressions of the game, take a peek at the trailer after the break. And yes, that is a Wii game.
TGS08: Monster Hunter 3 features Classic Controller support, split-screen coop
So, here's some gameplay footage of Monster Hunter 3 (tri-). It's so incredibly gorgeous that we didn't mind typing out Monster Hunter 3 (tri-), which we've just done a second time. It looks pretty far beyond what is expected from a Wii game. Most importantly, it still looks like Monster Hunter.It should be great comfort to Monster Hunter fans (also known as Japan) to learn that it should play like Monster Hunter, as well. Capcom revealed Classic Controller support for the sequel at TGS. We fully expect a specially-branded Monster Hunter 3 Classic Controller to appear soon. They also revealed that two players can play together in a split-screen mode while offline. The screen is divided horizontally.
Confirmed: Monster Hunter 3 has monsters
Whereas previous Monster Hunter 3 media has mainly gawked at the game's environments (which look great), Famitsu's latest spread focuses on the scaly beasts who inhabit them. That's probably a good idea, as monsters have this tendency to play a fairly integral role in a Monster Hunter game.Typically for the series, most of these are all teeth and scales and based on dinosaurs; this Pterodactyl-like fellow is probably our favorite to date. Hit the "Source" link for the full set of scans!%Gallery-32281%
Wii Warm Up: Monster Huh?
In Japan, the Monster Hunter series is one of the most successful game franchises in history, selling millions of copies on the PlayStation 2 and (especially) PSP. But outside of Japan, it's that one action RPG from Capcom or something. It's far from the system-selling sensation it is for Capcom of Japan -- over there, it sells PSP systems.Is the Wii version enough to change that in North America (if it even comes out in North America)? Has your interest in the Monster Hunter games been increased at all by the existence of a Wii version?%Gallery-32281%
Attractive Environments Hunter 3
Hunting for monsters in Monster Hunter 3 (tri-) might prove trickier than we thought, considering how pretty and distracting the environments are (they're not exactly small, either). Track monsters? No thanks. We'd rather go inspect that balloon, or browse at those market stalls, or dip a toe in that lake.These shots come from the game's just-opened official site, which also contains some concept art of monsters, including Rayburn, a dragon that can exist on land or underwater. Here he is, in fact (we think)!%Gallery-32281%[Via Go Nintendo]
Famitsu serves up Monster Hunter 3 screens, deets
With the Wii desperately struggling for survival in Japan, it needs a big title to turn things around, and if there's anything bigger (in Japan) than Monster Hunter, we're yet to clap eyes on it. Monster Hunter 3 was trumpeted as a Wii exclusive almost a year ago, yet it's only now we're hearing and seeing anything substantial about the project.Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and director Kaname Fujioka granted an interview to Famitsu, in which the pair describe how the switch from PS3 to Wii prompted a major overhaul, including a large number of fresh monsters. Set on an unexplored island, the new game will prominently feature underwater sections, where several monsters hang out. Some creatures (such as the game's main monster, a huge dragon) will be capable of surviving on land or in the water, and can be successfully hunted in either environment.Tsujimoto and Fujioka also touched on what promises to be Monster Hunter 3's most appealing mode: online play. As in the PS2 versions, this can be played with four player groups, and there are lobby areas (in the form of a "city") that can be developed and expanded by offline play. The game makes a playable appearance at the Tokyo Game Show, so we should learn more soon.[Translation via IGN]
