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New Monster Hunter quest gives you the opportunity to catch birds
Nope, this isn't a new quest in Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G about finding more cat slaves (your minds are getting dirty in the gutter!), also known as Ailu in the game, but a ... bird catching quest. Miniature versions of the fiery bird called Yian Kut-kut will be scattered about the map and you have the opportunity to catch them and presumably make them into your helpers, much like the Ailu. It at least sounds like a break from what is otherwise a fairly action-oriented game.[via PSPHyper]
Monster Hunter 2nd G ships 1.5 million in less than two weeks
What's scarier than a tidal wave of Monsters? A tidal wave of Monster Hunters, surely. That's exactly what has swept over Japan in the last two weeks as Monster Hunter 2nd G sells a frankly indecent amount of units in the region. After outdoing its older brother Monster Hunter Portable 2 in first week sales Monster Hunter 2nd G is encroaching on Portable 2's overall sales figure of just over 2 million units since February 2007. Capcom Japan has revealed that 2nd G has shipped 1.5 million units in less than two weeks.Something about the game doesn't translate well to the West and it's not clear whether we'll see 2nd G be released outside of Japan. With sales figures like that there's very little need to. We don't see it slowing down anytime soon, either. Could Monster Hunter 2nd G outsell the original in a single month? [Via pspsps]
Dokapon Journey! Make Friends and Fight and View Screenshots!
Though Dokapon's title immediately invites comparisons to similarly named releases, like Patapon, Pokemon, Goemon, or any other Something-mon games, this board-game/RPG hybrid has little to do with pocket monsters, rhythm tactics, or mystical ninjas. As you can see from the the new batch of screenshots we've dropped into the gallery below, however, Dokapon's art direction is just as cute as its superficial contemporaries.Developer Sting has launched its official Japanese site for Dokapon Journey! Nakayoku Kenkashite (Make Friends and Fight!), posting previews of the game's RPG-styled combat, board-game movement, and adorable sprites. Will this have a chance in hell of ever seeing an English localization? Maybe! Atlus had no argument against publishing Sting's two previous handheld SRPGs, Riviera and Yggdra Union, in the states. Dokapon Journey! could be next on the list!Expect Dokapon Journey! to ship to stores in Japan this June 27th.See also: Take a trip to Dokapon Kingdom (Wii)%Gallery-20125%[Via GAME Watch]
PSP enjoys 'Monster' success in Japan
And it would have outsold all of the competition combined if it weren't for that pesky Xbox 360 contributing 1,547 units to the tally. The number the other systems had to defeat was 129,986, the number of PSPs sold in Japan last week according to the compulsive counters at Media Create. Nintendo's DS occupied the second place in the chart with 58,916 sold -- less than half of that managed by the PSP.The system's monster success arrives hand-in-hand with Capcom's Monster Hunter Freedom 2 G, which sold 880,468 copies in its first week. Capcom revealed earlier this week that it had already shipped over a million units of the PSP expansion in an attempt to satiate the demand for "epic battles with giant monsters."
Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G already getting DLC
Just mere days after selling a gazillion copies, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G is ready to have its first piece of downloadable content (DLC). Available tomorrow, this extra quest will involve defeating three different monsters: Tigarex, Daimyou Zazami and Ganototos. Vanquish 'em all and get a special title for your character.[Via PSPHyper]
A comprehensive look at Monster Hunter special edition
We'd love to meet the man that runs PSP GadgetZ. Indeed, he is the most dedicated PSP fan in the world, having collected pretty much every PSP accessory imaginable. He recently acquired the Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G special edition bundle, and decided to show off the goods. You'll find pictures from all sorts of revealing angles, some which may get you quite fluttered. Considering the popularity of the game in Japan, we'd like to think that he's now super-popular with the ladies.
Monster Hunter expansion ships 1M in Japan
No doubt still harboring a grudge about that time Godzilla remorselessly flattened the beautiful city of Tokyo, the people of Japan have made it abundantly clear that they rather enjoy hunting monsters. Capcom has announced that the PSP's Monster Hunter Freedom 2 G -- the G highlighting the fact that it's an expansion to the pictured, G-less mega hit -- has shipped one million copies in the land of the rising hunt. It has managed to do so in just six days, further enforcing the publisher's belief that "epic battles with giant monsters" can sustain a franchise that has now shifted over 6.3 million copies. The news certainly bodes well for the upcoming Wii iteration.
Monster Hunter 2nd G outpaces original's first week sales
Everyone in the PSP scene knows that Monster Hunter Portable 2nd made the Japanese gaming public turn into ravenous Monster Hunter-hungry zombies -- the title went on to sell over 1.7 million copies in Japan alone.Well, it looks like the Monster Hunter virus has returned. The expansion pack, 2nd G, has been selling an impressive amount: 670,000 in the first week alone. That bests even the original Monster Hunter Portable 2nd, which managed to sell 512,000 copies.This doesn't mean that 2nd G will ultimately outsell its bigger older cousin. However, it certainly has come to an incredible start, one which bodes well for the PSP community at large.[Via PSPHyper]
Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G sells out
Considering the success of the previous Monster Hunter games on PSP, we're not surprised by reports of the game's incredible performance in its recent Japanese launch. "Things haven't been this lively since Smash Bros X.," an employee of the Akihabara Yodobashi Camera, itself having served a line of over 200, told Famitsu. "No, actually it's probably livelier than that. At this rate, it's possible that we'll sell out by the evening." [Via IGN]The game has been reportedly sold out everywhere -- in mere hours, in fact. To think that the game's launch was met with as much, if not more, excitement as the latest Wii Smash Bros. game is an incredible testament to the game's selling power. Undoubtedly, this will be a very strong week for PSP in Japan (again!).
Every hunter has a cat slave in Monster Hunter 2nd G
This video is a little weird, actually. You get to see "the hunter" popping a tent (an actual tent), nodding towards his cat slave thing, mining a rock from a mountainside, and then get a makeover. While we love watching men have their measurements taken as much as the next gamer, we'd much prefer scenes of the hunter ripping apart his monster prey. Luckily, we get a little of that in the second video, which you can conveniently locate after the jump.
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 Portable 2nd G gets new screens
On March 27th, Japan will succumb to an incredible force: streets will be deserted, trains will be empty -- where is everyone?! Playing Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, of course. One of the best selling games of last year, Monster Hunter managed to capture the Japanese gamer's hearts with its quirky, community-centric gameplay. The upcoming G expansion will undoubtedly make Capcom's banks overflow with yen.Check out new screens here.
Two more Monster Hunter 2nd G TV spots
Hey, did you see the previous two TV spots we posted for Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G? Well, good. Here's two more. This time the humor just flew right over our heads ... by a hundred miles. If only we had better comprehension of Nihongo, then we could probably appreciate these last two TV spots much much more. For what it's worth, the dudes from the previous clips are back and this time they're playing the multi-player mode with a bunch of buds. Looks like they're having some trouble!
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.
Japanese humor: Two Monster Hunter 2nd G TV spots
Monster Hunter Portable 2nd is probably Japan's most popular PSP title. It doesn't come as a surprise that the Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G expansion is going to cause a tsunami wave when it hits retailers over there. While the Japanese wait for their March 27 release, they're being bombarded with these funny TV spots showing dudes play the game on their PSPs. You know a game's popular when very little is shown about the game itself, and it's all about the gamers who play it. Interestingly enough, the first video has a guy playing the game while at the gym. Hmm, do people really play their PSPs while they exercise? You can bet that this blogger does. How many of you do? How many of you actually exercise?! While you ponder about that, check out the second video after the break. We're sure this gamer's frustration in the second video is something we can all relate to.
Yum! Monster Hunter also gets a 'potion'
You know a series has gained notoriety in Japan when its able to get a branded energy drink. Monster Hunter joins Final Fantasy as the next PSP RPG to get a "potion" of sorts. The Vitamin B-enriched "health drink' is supposed to have a fruity taste, and will cost 200 yen.[Via PSPHyper]
This Monster Hunter PSP pouch and cover is awesome
Considering how insanely popular the Monster Hunter brand is in Japan, it's no wonder every accessory manufacturer and their dog is cashing in on the imminent release of Monster Hunter 2nd G next month. Of all the merchandise being released, this has to be our favourite (yes, even including that amazing Monster Hunter 2nd G limited edition PSP). The furry pouch, shown above (more images here), coupled with the leather PSP cover allows you to feel like a true Monster Hunter yourself. Imagine walking down the street with this hanging off your belt. King of the beasts.Okay, so this may not be the greatest fashion accessory if you happen to live on Earth, and not in the world of Monster Hunter. It does, however, still make an excellent carry case and you'll never have to worry about your PSP being smashed under all those protective layers. Plus, did we mention it's totally furry? Awesome.
