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One more Monster Hunter accessory to customize PSP
Monster Hunter mania is really turning into pimp-my-PSP. There's just way too many Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G items for sale: from cases to potions, and limited edition PSPs to art books and CDs. Now there's even this attachable grip that you can latch onto your handheld system. Only super hardcore fans would need something like this. The grip is only compatible with slim PSP-2000 models though, and goes for about 1,890 yen (US$20). In light of all these collectibles and products, however, anyone else thinking that yet another one will slip out right before Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G's release? At this rate, it wouldn't be surprising. Keychains perhaps? No no, how about special edition edible gummy-monsters. That would surely fly off the shelves.
Ask Joystiq: On Monster Hunter, Tipsters and Soda
This week's Ask Joystiq: Monster Hunter 3, our tip line, our comment system and, most importantly, our soda preferences. If you have a question you want answered, drop us a line at ask AAT joystiq DAWT com. Let's get down to it:Q: Joystiq! I need some new info about Monster Hunter 3!!! Seriously, there is nothing out there. I know it is coming to Wii, but please tell me it is coming to the US.-MikeThe Monster Hunter series in Japan is quite a sales phenomenon -- one in five PSP owners have a copy of the game, according to Capcom. The same can't be said for North America, whose enthusiasm for the title has been noticeably less. Capcom gave us a rather lengthy statement on the issue (which we've printed after the break), but in a nutshell: the publisher is planning "a significant marketing program" for the Monster Hunter brand over the next two years in the west. "While we have not made specific announcements regarding Monster Hunter 3 in North America (or Europe, for that matter) to date," said the statement, "you can bet we'll be talking more about it in the future."
Monster Hunter gets PS Pictogram X Porter case
Another collectible for Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G is available for pre-order in Japan. This time, it's a black leather PS Pictogram X Porter series carrying case. The case can carry either the PSP-1000 or PSP-2000 series. So whether you jam a fat or slim PSP in there, it won't matter. It comes with a carabiner, an extra pouch for a UMD game, and a loop for one's belt.The MH PS Pictogram case will go on sale for 11,800 yen on the e-Capcom Japan site. That's roughly US$118 -- pretty expensive. It's also totally not as awesome (or furry) as this other Monster Hunter pouch.
Monster Hunter craze spawns new art book, music CD
Monster Hunter fever is sweeping over Japan as Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G draws closer and closer to release. Playing on MH fans undying lust for everything Monster Hunter-ish, several new series collectibles will be hitting the market. First up is Monster Hunter Illustrations, an art book consisting of sketch work, monster information, and staff commentary from both the PSP and PS2 iterations of Monster Hunter games. Not much else is known about the book, but we do know it will be out at Japanese retailers on March 25, two days before 2nd G's release. It's also available for pre-order on play-asia. Another way to get in on the craze is with the two disc music CD that should be coming out much later on April 16. The CD features 36 tracks from Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G. This baby is also ready for pre-order.
Monster Hunter 2nd G: new monster details
Saw yesterday's TV spots for Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G? While those clips were entertaining, they had little to reveal about the game itself. Today, however, we have details on some of the new monstrous baddies that you'll need to hunt down.In the picture above, the baboon creature on the far left stalks the desert territories. It attacks by hurling huge boulders, and kicks sand at you to slow you down. The crab creature has a long reach with it's lengthy claws; it can also can shoot out a blast of water from its mouth. The last beast with the big belly is difficult to classify ... so let's just call it the "ugly thing." You'll find this creature in the jungle, probably all alone. Why? Because this thing attacks with a deadly fart, that's why. Totally not making that up. Ah, fond memories of Primal Rage seep in. Anyway, to see more of these beasties, check out the screenshots at Famitsu.
New Monster Hunter on PSP includes installlation option
Hot on the heels of the mandatory installation controversy surrounding the PS3 version of Devil May Cry 4, comes word that the PSP title Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G will also feature an installation option. The installation will give players the chance to move the UMD's contents to the PSP's memory card, in order to decrease load times for the newest notch in the Japanese adventure series.Along with this news comes obvious concerns that the pre-installation process may become a new standard in games, ending the good old feeling of buying a console or portable title and being able to just play it. We can't confirm yet whether the installation for 2nd G is mandatory, or whether it's presented as an alternative to load times. We're hoping for the latter. The game is due out in Japan in March 2008.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Resident Evil: Outbreak and Monster Hunter online services cease for PS2
Capcom's official blog is reporting that the online components of PS2 games Resident Evil: Outbreak and Monster Hunter will be ceasing after over three years of service.As Capcom's blog explains, the online servers for both games were provided by an external company which is now exiting the PS2 online business, leaving Capcom in the lurch. The online services will not be picked up by Capcom or any other external company, and will cease entirely on December 31, 2007.It's disappointing that both of these games are having their online components axed so prematurely, but we feel that Capcom has handled the controversial matter with a lot of class. For those in possession of these titles, we recommend getting your fill of online zombie-killing and monster-hunting before the end of the year.
Swim away Nessie! Monster Hunter Portable 2G announced
We're scared for Nessie, our underwater ally, because after Capcom sponsored a hunt for South America's Bigfoot and giant anacondas to promote Monster Hunter Freedom 2, we just know they're going after her next as the company announced its plans to release Monster Hunter Portable 2G.No, it's not a full sequel, but it will build upon the Japanese hit by featuring new monsters, fields and systems. While the game doesn't have a release date, we won't be surprised if this one never makes it our way. But one thing is for certain, all mythical creatures now have nowhere to hide.[via 1up]
Capcom's real life monster hunt
As part of their marketing for Monster Hunter Freedom 2 Capcom has decided to sponsor a real life Monster Hunt. The exhibition will travel to Guyana in order to seek out didi - South America's version of Bigfoot - and giant anacondas. We're not sure how financing a wild goose chase will help sell a PSP game. Presumably by having news sites and blogs reporting on it. Did it work?[via Joystiq]
Capcom sponsoring actual monster hunt
Though they'll probably never replace a man's arm with a cannon or create a half-dude/half-demon, Capcom is breathing real-world life into their Monster Hunter franchise by sponsoring an actual "monster hunt" in the rainforests of Guyana for giant anacondas (we all know how that one turns out) and the South Americanized Bigfoot: The "didi."Taking a break from wasting their lives puttering around Loch Ness, members of The Centre for Fortean Zoology will be conducting the expedition, and Capcom is picking up the tab. Our tip to mythological creatures: Unless you want to be turned into so many sequels that Jason Voorhees won't return your calls, we'd suggest you keep your head down this November.
Japan takes Monster Hunter summer school (seriously)
What could these summer school students be studying? If you guessed Monster Hunter Portable, you're absolutely right! The course was held at a school in Tokyo and producer Ryozo Tsujimoto was there to look on and greet the gamers. At the end of such rigorous "study," there was a special quest for download, and a t-shirt to don. If only real school could be this cool ...[Via PSPHyper]
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 pre-order gets $10 cheaper
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 caused near-riots in Japan, as fervent Japanese fans grabbed over a million copies of this PSP action RPG. Will it do the same in America? Unlikely. But, just in case -- you may want to pre-order.Gamestop is offering a bonus plush with pre-order, but for Cheap Ass Gamers that want to save a buck (or ten), you'll want to check out Overstock: they're offering the pre-order for only $30, $10 cheaper than retail price. And really, who doesn't like saving money?
Monster Hunter PSP sets for those who love hunting monsters
Do you really, really love Monster Hunter games? If so, you might want to at least browse over the newest offerings at Play-Asia regarding a Monster Hunter 2nd Summer PSP bundle. If you shell out the cash for the bundle, which is an overpriced $250, you get a fancy blue PSP with the latest Monster Hunter game. But when faced with the Final Fantasy VII slim PSP on the horizon -- why would anyone want this instead? In fact, let's open it up to discussion -- if you could get a custom PSP designed after any game you wanted, what would it be? A zany WipEout PSP, perhaps?
Land of the rising sun? More like land of the rising Sony hardware sales
If you'll pardon the rather heavy handed pun in the title, we can let you in on some choice information regarding Sony console sales in Japan. The week ending the 1st of July saw increased sales for the PS3, PS2 and PSP. We've collated all the interesting statistics into handy bullet points for you, so check them out below. All increases are compared to the week ending the 24th of June. PS2: 16,316 sold. An increase of 26% PSP: 38,305 sold. An increase of 15% PS3: 11,914 sold. An increase of 20% The rise in PSP sales can no doubt be put down to the recent release of Monster Hunter Portable 2, the latest in a series which has been a huge hit in Japan. The latest in the series hit the top spot on the Japanese charts, beating Wii Sports and Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. We look forward to seeing how the game does in the coming weeks and whether it influences even more PSP sales. We'll let you know.
Monster Hunter dominates Japanese sales charts
Nothing, not even the mighty Wii Sports, could get close to the awesome sales of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd. Japanese sales for the first half of the year have been tallied up and surprisingly, this PSP game rose to the top of the list.It should be comforting to publishers to see a PSP game do so well. Hopefully, this will encourage Japanese publishers to continue developing for the platform. The top three games for PSP this year so far include Monster Hunter, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops.[Via IGN]
Pre-order Monster Hunter Freedom 2 and get a plush
Asia got some pretty awesome loot for their pre-order bonuses. Posters, scarves, gold rings ... So what does America get? A Watermelon Pet Poogie plush.Cute? Yes. Exciting? Not really. To get your pre-order bonus, stop by a GameStop.[Via CAG]
Thousands of PSP fans appear for Monster Hunter event
Over 6,500 people showed up to a recent Monster Hunter Portable 2nd tournament held in Tokyo. Of course, one could argue that if the game had Infrastructure support, the need to meet up with other systems physically wouldn't be needed ...The festivities don't end there, though. Capcom is continuing their "Monster Hunter Fest" with similar tournaments to be held in Osaka, Sapporo and Nagoya. The finals will return to Tokyo on June 10th.[Via PSP-Vault]
Monster Hunter interview extols the virtues of multiplayer
Ryosuke Tsujimoto, producer of the Monster Hunter series, spoke to GameTrailers about how the Monster Hunter series gained in popularity. Word of mouth was crucial to the game's success, and PSP was the ideal platform due to its portability. People would look at the screen, say "sugoi," and buy their own copies. Not to beat a dead horse, but once again, we'd like to remind Capcom that because multiplayer is so crucial to the game experience, they should've done more and include Infrastructure. Regardless of our frustration at Capcom's lack of foresight, we do admit that the game looks quite marvelous graphically.
Lack of second analog makes Monster Hunter better on PSP
People are enamored by Monster Hunter, even with its suspicious lack of online gameplay. Why, you ask? 1UP's Milkman describes his personal Monster Hunter obsession on his personal blog: "I love a game where you try and collect the coolest gear possible. It's why I loved Diablo II, and it's why I played the sh-t out of Phantasy Star Online and Final Fantasy XI." Considering how Monster Hunter Portable 2 includes content from the never-released-in-America Monster Hunter Dos, Milkman seems overly eager to get his hands on the game. Interestingly, the series has improved on its transition from PS2 to PSP due to the lack of a second analog stick. On the console, attacks were relegated to the right analog, which felt unnatural: "I like the controls a lot better on PSP too, since it dispenses with the analog nonsense and just puts the attacks on the buttons." Do you share Milkman's enthusiasm for the title too? See tons of new screenshots and artwork from VG Gen.
Capcom offers weak excuse for Ad-hoc only play in Monster Hunter
We're all bummed by Monster Hunter Freedom 2's lack of Infrastructure. It's absolutely mind-boggling. Sure, we can use tunneling services to trick the game, but Capcom should have known better. 1UP's Milkman agrees, and constantly brings the issue up in his latest interview with Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto. Capcom's excuse is absolutely terrible: "The reason we went with Ad Hoc wireless play for the PSP version was because the reason for having a PSP is the ability to take it out on the town, or to play with groups of friends while sitting down. Like when you go to the arcade with friends, you go to play with people in the same vicinity -- you don't go to play with people across the country. So we really wanted to focus on having ad hoc multiplayer, so you could sit with a group of friends and talk about strategies. And that's what the real fun part is."Excuse me? That simply doesn't make sense. Should World of Warcraft be limited to Ad-Hoc play because that's what "the real fun" is? Sorry Capcom, that doesn't cut the mustard. Tsujimoto does offer a concession: "But in the future, it's something we can think about if the fans want something like that and let us know." But we did let you know!
