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Hori creates Monster Hunter pack, will make money
Anything with the words Monster and Hunter together seems to sell well in Japan. One of the best selling games of last year is getting a psuedo-sequel of sorts, and Hori is poised to capitalize on the frenzy. Their upcoming PSP accessory pack is totally Monster Hunter-branded. You'll get a sweet looking fleece cover, some headphones and a pouch. It actually looks pretty damn good.It'll be available in Japan on March 27th for the price of 2,919??? (about $27). Wait, that sounds like a great deal! Thankfully for Monster Hunter fans, it looks to be available for pre-order on import sites.
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]
Monster Hunter 2nd G has installation option
The PSP is becoming more and more like the PS3 every day. Capcom's upcoming Monster Hunter 2nd G will include an option to install data onto the Memory Stick, effectively reducing load times. Details on the "Media Install" feature are slim for now, but let's hope it's not required like Capcom's PS3 version of Devil May Cry 4.While those that don't have space to spare on their Memory Sticks will most likely opt out of this installation, we think it's a great feature that more PSP games should consider. For example, the Memory Stick version of Wipeout Pure loads significantly faster than the UMD version. We hate load times, and we're willing to do anything to get rid of them ... for good.[Via PSPHyper]
Capcom announces new Monster Hunter PSP
It wasn't too long ago when Sony and Capcom partnered together to release a limited edition Monster Hunter 2nd Summer PSP bundle. Well, it looks like they're at it again with Monster Hunter Portable 2G. Called the Hunter's G Pack, the limited edition bundle will hit retail shelves on March 27 in Japan for 25,800 yen and will include the PSP, Monster Hunter Portable 2G, a carrying case and limited edition wrist strap, as well as the AC adapter and battery.The system's model number is PSP-2000 ZN, so don't worry, you will be able to Skype with it. Admittedly, the new bundle looks a lot like something from Zelda, but we're not complaining because it looks darn sweet![Via Official PlayStation forums]
Video footage of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G
Will Capcom see the moneybags again when they release the upcoming Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G? Considering how incredibly popular the first one was, we're more than certain that this expansion will fare quite well. G continues the good looks of the original and offers tons of new content, like brand new enemies. Monster Hunter fans will probably want to download the video demo directly to their PSP systems by following these instructions: 1. Download the demo zip file.2. Extract the contents of the zip file.3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.5. Copy ULJM05500 folder into the GAME directory. Make sure there are no sub-directories in this folder. [Via PSPHyper]
Nintendo, Monster Hunter score big in part one of Famitsu's end of year list
Famitsu has published (via 1UP) the first part of its reader's choice awards looking back at the year in Japanese gaming. A number of gamers and retailers were given a questionnaire by the magazine, and this week's issue debuted the initial results.The major winner is Nintendo, who topped the developer lists for both gamers and stores, the hardware lists (DS for retailers, the Wii for gamers), industry figures (Miyamoto), and even won the category for what kanji character represents 2007 best? (Readers picked "Nin," the first character of Nintendo's Japanese name.)Capcom (thanks in no small part to the Monster Hunter series), Sony and Level 5 (Professor Layton) also placed high on the lists, and Mistwalker founder Hironobu Sakaguchi tied with Miyamoto on the stores' list of which industry figure put in the best showing. Conspicuously absent from the list? Microsoft. Okay, we're not that surprised.
You're not invited: Japan's Monster Hunter party
Capcom is celebrating the uber-success of their PSP Monster Hunter game by throwing a party in Tokyo. The event, which will span two days (February 9-10) will give 1600 lucky registrants of the official Monster Hunter website a chance to mingle with other Monster Hunter fans. In addition, they'll be the first members of the public to try the upcoming 2G game, to continue fueling their addiction.It's great to see Capcom engage their fan community with so much commitment. We may not understand the Japanese fascination with the Monster Hunter franchise, but we certainly are jealous of the perks they receive for their fandom.
Monster Hunter Portable sells 1.5 million copies in Japan
The Japanese sure do love Monster Hunter. The PSP-exclusive Monster Hunter Portable 2nd has sold through an impressive 1.5 million copies, becoming the first PSP title to reach such an impressive sales figure. Ten months after its release, it still stands strong on sales charts, which undoubtedly has Capcom seeing tons of green. Will the upcoming G expansion fare just as well? Now, we're intrigued to see how the Wii-exclusive Monster Hunter III will fare.[Via PSPHyper]
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.
Monster Hunter 2nd G gets Famitsu'd
The latest issue of Famitsu has a section devoted to the upcoming PSP title Monster Hunter 2 G. The "game" (more o an add-on, by the looks of things) will allow you to carry over all of your stats and equipment from Monster Hunter 2. Capcom have sought to fight social convention by allowing your character to undergo a sex change and, much like any recently trans-gendered individual might require, your wardrobe will be changed accordingly. As if you need any more reasons to buy this game, here are a few extra details, courtesy of Famitsu. Monster Hunter 2 G will feature a G-Class which will allow you to take on harder quests. To help you on these quests your weapons will be able to be sharpened to a purple level (one above white - apparently) and a "white cat" will be available to help you on your journey. Add to this new equipment, monsters and another level and you've got every Monster Hunter fan's greatest dream. Until Monster Hunter 3 comes out, that is. The game will be out in Japan on March 13th and there's a rumour that Monster Hunter 2 G will feature an infrastructure mode for online play, but there's no official word on that yet. For more little bits and pieces check out PSP Hyper's write up of the Famitsu details or read the scans for yourself somewhere in this NeoGAF thread.
Capcom apologizes for Monster Hunter platform switch
The latest issue of Famitsu features an interview with the Monster Hunter team. Many PS3 fans were angered when the company made a surprising platform change for the upcoming Monster Hunter 3. The PS3 version of the game was canceled and became a Wii exclusive.According to Famitsu (translation by IGN), representatives of Capcom had a "big apology" for PS3 fans. "Famitsu pointed out that some people may have purchased a PS3 once Monster Hunter 3 was announced last year. This drew a big apology from the Capcom reps, who said that PS3 owners should wait for further announcements in the series."Capcom is supposedly increasing their focus on PS3 development, but no significant projects have been announced for PS3 yet. A PS3 port of Lost Planet was recently revealed at its Gamers Day. If Capcom's asking PS3 owners to "wait" for another MH-related announcement, we have a feeling many Sony fans are going to be quite disappointed.[Via PSPHyper]
(Sort of) Deal of the Day: Monster Hunter for $30
It's a slow news day, folks. Might as well save some money. amazon.com has Monster Hunter Freedom 2nd, the gazillion-selling PSP game, at a discounted $30. That's a savings of $10. Sure, it's not a great deal, but it's better than nothing, right?[Via CAG]
PS3 Monster Hunter 3 cut due to high dev costs
Last night, Nintendo confirmed that Monster Hunter 3 is coming to the Wii. Capcom's uber-popular title was previously known to be a PlayStation 3 title, so what came of that project? According to Capcom, that version is gone."Due to high development cost of titles for PS3, we have decided to switch the platform to which we release our Monster Hunter 3 title," said Capcom's Katsuhiko Ichii in a report from Thompson Financial News (via Gamasutra).Though the series has not enjoyed as much popularity here, Monster Hunter is a highly successful franchise in Japan and sure to drive hardware sales for Nintendo up a bit. We can't resist pondering, though, if the Wii version will re-use assets from the previous PSP games in the series.
PS3 loses Monster Hunter 3 to Wii
One of Nintendo's many bombshells last night had to be the announcement of Monster Hunter 3 for the Wii platform. However, it was unclear at the time whether or not the previously announced PS3 version would be affected.According to Forbes, it appears that Capcom is abandoning the PS3 version altogether, making Wii the only platform for Monster Hunter 3. "Due to high development cost of titles for PS3, we have decided to switch the platform to which we release our Monster Hunter 3 title," Capcom managing corporate officer Katsuhiko Ichii said. This statement comes just weeks after Capcom pledged increase support for Sony's next generation platform.While the Monster Hunter franchise has a relatively small following in the States, it is a powerhouse franchise in Japan. The last iteration of the franchise, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd, sold over a million copies when it launched on PSP.[Via Next-Gen]
Monster Hunter 3 heading to Wii
Capcom's massively popular (in Japan, at least) Monster Hunter series is heading to the Nintendo Wii as Monster Hunter 3. According to IGN, the game was originally announced for PlayStation 3, which makes us question the fate of that version.Monster Hunter Portable 2nd for PSP sold an impressive 700,000 in its first week of sales. We can only imagine the possible sales figures for this title. No release date has been given.
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]
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]
