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Monster Hunter Freedom 2 at Capcom's Gamers Day
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 is set to destroy America. The Japanese release was a massive success, selling over a million copies within days. With more than 350 missions, 700 weapons and 1,400 pieces of armor, Monster Hunter offers gaming that just doesn't seem possible on a portable. If that weren't enough to satiate a hungry RPG player, downloadable quests will be offered for those want an even longer journey. Could this game be too big for its own good? Although the game offers so much to do and see, it's unfortunate that Capcom isn't adding Infrastructure support for this massive sequel. Even with the pretty graphics and impressive-looking gameplay, the lack of true online multiplayer can be a deal-breaker. [Via IGN]
Korea gets Monster Hunter swag
Doesn't that Monster Hunter bracelet (pictured, right) look hot? In celebration of the Korean release of the insanely popular RPG, one random purchaser of the game was treated to one of the sexiest pieces of swag we've seen. According to Ruliweb, ten others were treated to some impressive action figures.However, no one walked away empty-handed. Like the Japanese, Koreans were treated to other swag items for pre-ordering. Early adopters received some premium posters.Capcom hasn't announced any incentives for the impending US release. But, if we're lucky enough, we'll also be able to get our hands on some swag of this caliber.[Thanks, Mike for the translation! Via PSP-Vault]
Monster Hunter continues to slay sales charts in Japan
Like Pocket Monsters that live in a PSP instead of a capsule, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd continues to be immensely popular in Japan. The sales charts for last week show that Capcom's Monster killer has gone on to sell another 64,368 units bringing it's total sales up to 1,000,599 units. If ever there was a game that was obviously in line to get a sequel, this is it. Luckily for US gamers, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd will be coming to the US, so you only have to add to the Japanese sales if you're impatient. [Via The Magic Box]
Xlink Kai turns Ad-Hoc into Infrastructure
It's been a long time coming, but internet tunneling for PSP seems to finally be in full-swing. With Xlink Kai, and a compatible Wi-Fi adapter, you'll be able to play Ad-Hoc games, like Monster Hunter, online. Watch Impress was able to squeeze in 2500 people into a Monster Hunter Portable 2nd game room. All that's needed is: an Xlink Kai account (which is currently free) and a compatible Wi-Fi adapter, such as the PCI Gamering XII, which includes the appropriate drivers.When booting up a game in Ad-Hoc mode, it will make other Xlink Kai users appear as if they're in the same room as you. With Xlink, so many of the PSP multiplayer games that fans have been collecting won't feel so lonely anymore.[Thanks, Steve! Via gearfuse]
Japanese software sales: week ending 02.25.07
Media Create's Japanese sales data for the past week has just been released, revealing a PS3-free Top 30 that is headed by a monster hit (yes) for the PSP at Number One. For more mixed signals, set your dials to receive this week's Top Ten: Monster Hunter Portable 2nd - 705,281 units sold last week (new entry / Capcom, PSP) Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - 80,002 (new entry / Alchemist, PS2) Fire Emblem: Dawn Goddess - 75,359 (new entry / Nintendo, Wii) Sim City DS - 50,826 (new entry / EA, DS) Professor Layton and the Mysterious Town - 49,979 (186,716 sales to date / Level-5, DS) Wii Sports - 47,503 (1,090,736 / Nintendo, Wii) Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX - 45,792 (new entry / Tomy, Wii) Dragon Quest Monsters Joker - 40,507 (1,174,576 / SquareEnix, DS) Wii Play - 35,811 (944,586 / Nintendo, Wii) Picross DS - 26,693 (183,357 / Nintendo, DS) And here are some lessons we can learn from the big figures: The PSP is ALIVE, and Monster Hunter is the WINNER EA has had a place in Japan, after all (see also: firing the whole Japanese studio was a really clever thing for EA to do) There are as many Wii titles as there are DS games in this week's Top Ten -- Japan is bowing to its Nintendo duarchy
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 announced for Europe [Update 1]
No surprise here. After selling 700,000 copies in its first week in Japan, Monster Hunter's sequel is set to dominate the rest of the world. Or, at least Europe. According to a new press release from Capcom Europe, "Capcom plans to release this game as Monster Hunter Freedom 2 across PAL territories in September 2007."While no US release has been announced yet, we're expecting an official statement soon. Certainly, Capcom USA wouldn't want to miss this excuse to literally print money?[Update 1: The US press release states that the game is coming to the States in September as well.]
Monster Hunter slays Japan's sales charts
We knew Monster Hunter Portable 2nd was a big seller, but now the official numbers are out. The weekly sales report from Mainichi Interactive states that Capcom has blown away sales expectations by selling 700,000 units in its first week. This easily puts Monster Hunter Portable 2nd one of the best selling PSP games yet in Japan. PSP hardware also sold quite well in the same time, coming in at number 3 in the hardware sales charts. Let's hope this news means more Capcom content on Sony's portable. [Via IGN ]
Downloadable quests hit Monster Hunter 2 in Japan
Yesterday in Japan, Monster Hunter fans were able to go to their local game stores and download new quests from the demo kiosk's "PlayStation Spot". In addition to quests and more, PSP owners who don't own Monster Hunter Portable 2nd can download a demo of the game. With reports of Monster Hunter 2 coming outside of Japan, let's hope this additional content is either included in the version we get, or that we can similarly download the content. I personally dig the idea of downloadable content on the PSP and I hope more games start to feature it. Does downloadable content appeal to you as well? [Via Game Watch]
The mob lines up for Monster Hunter
We knew it was going to be big ... but now you can see the frantic crowds trying to grab a copy of the PSP action game, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd. The crowds were so big, you'd think that another console was launching. See more of the chaos and mayhem over at Famitsu.Of course, will the game meet such incredible fanfare here in the States? Unlikely. But, Japan is where the PSP is struggling the greatest, in comparison to the DS. Certainly, this will give a much-needed boost to our platform over in the land of the rising sun. With US sales toe-to-toe with Nintendo's portable, and this highly successful launch, can anyone really say the PSP is dead?Interested importers can check out Play Asia to join in the madness.[Via Joystiq]
Monster Hunter 2 coming to the US?
The answer is yes, if Capcom official board posts are to be believed. No longer will Monster Hunter fans have to be jealous of their friends in Japan. The Capcom senior community member OrleanKnight goes on to say that the sequel will unsurprisingly be called Monster Hunter Freedom 2 and will be out sometime later this year. While this isn't official confirmation, Capcom staff did not deny the claims on the board. I know our readers love this game (judging from comments), so let's hope this all is true. [Thanks Joe!]
Japan is mad for Monster Hunter Portable 2nd [Update 1]
Monster Hunter never found much of an audience in the US, but in Japan it's a big deal. How big of a deal? Well, when's the last time you saw this many versions of a game to buy: 1: Stand-Alone Game2: Accessories Set (the game and themed accessories of UMD holders, headphones, and collectible card)3: Hunter Pack (the game and themed accessories of a champagne PSP, 2 replacement faceplates, one carry case, strap and soft Monster Hunter toys) [Via DCEmu] [Update 1: Corrected links and formatting.] See also:Sony goes bling with new Champagne Gold
Dragon screenshots in the new Monster Hunter
You've seen the incredible video of Capcom's currently Japan-only sequel to Monster Hunter Portable. The graphics look to amaze, but the gameplay looks even more fun. I mean, who doesn't want to kill a DRAGON?! Capcom hasn't officially announced this title for international release, but considering the huge demand it's getting in Japan will undoubtedly make a worldwide release quite a lucrative deal.Check Game Watch for some impressive screenshots of dragon slaying fun in action. Japanese gamers (and importers) can get their hands on the game on February 22nd.[Thanks, daniel-kun!]
Keep warm with a Monster Hunter scarf [Update 1]
As you may know, Japan loves Monster Hunter. And, Capcom is quickly trying to capitalize on its popularity. As if having over 400,000 pre-orders wasn't enough, Game Watch reports that Capcom will offer this chic Monster Hunter scarf for Japanese customers that pre-order the game at Capcom's electronic store.Why a scarf? Why not? You know, I try to look as fashionable as I can while slaying demons.See also:PSP Fanart Fridays: Monster Hunter[Update 1: Language Police caught me red-handed. Thanks for the correction!]
PSP Fanart Fridays: Monster Hunter
Do you want to share your PSP-related fan art? Send an e-mail to andrew @ pspfanboy.com with the subject line "Fanart Fridays." A new piece of fanart will be shared every Friday. I Am 8-bit is a wonderful art exhibit, but it doesn't update every week. We do though, every Friday we showcase a different artist (with their permission) that has PSP related fan art. And this week is no exception. This week's art comes from Roberto Luiz. He's a huge fan of Monster Hunter (along with all of Japan) and really captured the brutal intensity of battle. He's not exaggerating with the image either, those monsters really do dwarf you in size. Digital artist Roberto is so much of a fan of the game, that this isn't his only Monster Hunter fan art image. And yes, he already has one for Monster Hunter 2. If you'd like to see more art from Roberto, check out his deviant art account. Thanks for sending us fan art Roberto. Let Roberto know what you think of his great art work and e-mail us your PSP related fan art. And come back next Friday for another dose of bad-ass art. %Gallery-3450%
Japan loves monsters
They are monsters you can put in your pocket, but not Pocket Monsters. The Magic Box is reporting that there are over 400,000 just in pre-orders for the 2nd incarnation of Monster Hunter. That makes it easily the larges pre-order quantity for a PSP game ever in Japan. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd comes out February 22nd.... in Japan. No word yet if it will be heading elsewhere.
Valhalla Knights US preview online [Update 1]
We've talked about Valhalla Knights before, but as the US release draws ever closer we find ourselves sucking in any available info like a sponge that wears pants but isn't square. IGN just put up a preview of the version and they describe how the gameplay works and what makes the game unique. The biggest emphasis in the game seems to be about choice and players will not just choose their class, but at any given time will be able to choose what mission they go on from the guild. Once they do get to battle, the emphasis is on real-time combat with close or ranged attacks. This non-linear picking up quests in town element and the method of fighting make it sound like it could please Monster Hunter fans. Check out IGN to read more about the game and see screens. [Update 1: Corrected some formatting errors.]
Sony goes bling with new Champagne Gold [Update 1]
While us Americans have been stuck with black PSPs since its launch nearly two years ago, Japan has been collecting more and more unique colors. The newly revealed "Champagne Gold" PSP will hit Japan on February 22nd for the standard PSP price of 20,790 yen (~$175US).This is, coincidentally, when Monster Hunter Portable 2nd comes out, the most wanted PSP game in Japan. As with Tales of the World and Metal Gear Solid, Sony will bundle the new system color with the highly anticipated game into a special package, which will undoubtedly include some other collectibles. The premium package will go for 26,000 yen (~$218).[Via Playstation][Update 1: More details on the Monster Hunter bundle after the cut. Additional details via IGN.]
Some kind of Monster Kingdom
Elaborate costumes? Check! Magic seals? Check! Monster battling and androgynous men? Check! Well, according to my checklist Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner is indeed a Japanese RPG. While it sounds similar in title, this game has nothing to do with Capcom's Monster Hunter series. According to RPGamer the game features monster breeding, wi-fi battles and trading, over five hours of voice acting and a soundtrack featuring ten loved RPG composers. The game comes from Cozy Okada of Shin Megami Tensei fame. For the curious, Gamespot has new screens of this Atlus RPG. If after seeing those screens you're anxious to play it as soon as possible, have no fear. You can get grabbed by the jewlies soon since Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner hits store shelves this February.
Square Enix (almost) bares all at Jump Festa
1UP has again braved the bands of manga-fiending young'ns to investigate the happenings at this year's Jump Festa jumpoff. While all major Japanese publishers (and Microsoft) were present, Square Enix was reppin' in full force, offering playable versions of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP), and Seiken Densetsu: Heroes of Mana and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (both for DS). Trailers for additional titles were also on display (see embedded videos below). In a private theater, Square Enix previewed more new footage from its upcoming 2007 lineup, including a glimpse at Final Fantasy Versus XIII (PS3). The montage concluded with a brief flash of an armored man, grimacing as he stood on what appeared to be a battlefield. The teaser shot was followed by the words: "And something new coming in 2007."
Tell Capcom the obvious: add Infrastructure support to Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter Freedom is based on the PlayStation 2 game, Monster Hunter. The two share a great deal of similarities, like fantasy environments and dungeon hacking. But the PSP version of this Capcom adventure game is missing one key feature of the PlayStation 2 version: online play.
