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| Well, it's been nice knowing you...Believe it or not this one's entry level! |
Presentation:
When looking at MH3, it's hard not to compare it to the older games on the PSP and the PS2 (Monster Hunter, Freedom 1/2/Unite etc.). The game itself is a remarkable, very pretty action RPG. The areas have been given an update, and look different since the other games. Weapons, armour and also the monsters have been given a revamp, which is a nice touch especially to some recurring monsters like the Rathalos which has been in every game. Its online 4-player capabilities bring a much needed spark to the Wii platform, and the choice of Nunchuk or Classic Controller allows fans of any console to play happily. If you're used to Wii titles such as Legend of Zelda, Okami or Red Steel, you'll probably go for the 'swing-to-attack' style Nunchuk scheme, whereas Classic controls are reminiscent of PSP controls that die hard fans will be used to. Overall, this game is presented fantastically. Simple to get the hang of yet strategic and complex, MH3 is potentially a pivotal moment for Wii gaming. 9/10
The general consensus when it comes to Wii games involves bobble-heads and simple cartoon graphics. Monster Hunter Tri takes a giant leap away from this stigma. For a 2 year old game, graphics are still up there with the best on the platform. Like its predecessors, MH3 has top-notch graphics from some of the best designers out there, and every detail is pulled off to aplomb. From vast landscapes to the look on a dragon's face after you broke its favourite leg, this game really deserves every graphical input it received. Although Wii games are not and will never be in the same graphics universe as PS3 and Xbox 360s, it goes to show that you don't need an HD Ready TV set and console to enjoy such depth in a game. Yes, the graphics in some locations in-game are a bit too much for the Wii, causing dinosaurs to teleport across the screen at will, but overall, it's a fantastic effort with the available resources. 8/10
Just a little taste of the flagship monster, Lagiacrus...
Now here's the bit we've been looking forward to. What about the game and storyline itself? Your character is a newcomer to Moga Village, an island town in the middle of nowhere suffering from earthquakes and monster attacks. Taking on the role of village hunter, you fight your way from goats and cats up through dinosaurs and dragons up to the flagship monster (Lagiacrus) and beyond in order to protect your new home. Easy-to-use interfaces and a kill-to-build weapon and armour system show obvious progression throughout the game. At times it can get a wee bit repetitive, often needing to kill the same thing 5-10 or more times to get that last bit of armour or the rare rubies you need to upgrade your weapon, but no fight is ever the same, which adds a brilliant shade of realism. Quests are given a Star Rating to show difficulty, so you can quickly decide how brave you're feeling. We have to agree that the online multiplayer mode, however, is the key feature of MH3, allowing up to 4 players, friends or complete strangers to fight co-operatively against all-but-one of the offline monsters, but with three online-only to compensate. Combined the Wii Speak accessory or a USB keyboard, the online experience with this game is unlike any other on the platform. None of us here can deny that we love Monster Hunter Tri. 9/10
Verdict:
Trying to stay impartial with MH3 was a feat for us. Undoubtedly one of the best games around and hardly anything to complain about, we do admit there are a few bugs that cannot be overlooked. They don't interfere too much with the game, but it is noticeable in some cases. Other than this, MH3 is a fantastic game which we highly recommend to gamers new and old. 9/10
~Rob&Dave
